Community services volunteers volunteer roles in leatherhead, surrey

Use Your Commercial Skills to Change the World — Volunteer Ecommerce & Commercial Managers Wanted

Job Summary

Company Description

The Wisdom Trust is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1112323) dedicated to building a global network of people and organisations who share knowledge and resources to tackle poverty, healthcare challenges, environmental protection, human rights, and community development.

Role Description

Imagine if everyday online (and in many cases, in-store) shopping could help end poverty, protect the planet, improve healthcare, and strengthen human rights. Through our website, it can. With over 10,000 shopping partners who donate a commission every time our members make a purchase, we have the power to turn ordinary shopping into extraordinary impact.

The Wisdom Trust is on a mission to inspire people everywhere to take action on the issues that matter most: ending poverty, protecting our planet, improving global healthcare, and defending human rights for all. And almost everyone, regardless of age, background or location, can take part with just the click of their mouse - helping us to make communities on every continent safer, happier, healthier, better-aware and more sustainable places to live.

We’re seeking passionate Volunteer Ecommerce & Commercial Managers to help grow this unique programme. You’ll work to encourage more people to shop through our platform, strengthen relationships with retail partners, and help us maximise the funding we receive from every transaction.

Your expertise will directly support our campaigns to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world. If you have experience in ecommerce, business development, online retail, or commercial strategy, we’d be thrilled to have you join our mission.

Duties

• Manage and maintain the company’s online SHOP page, ensuring all store/product listings are accurate, engaging, and up-to-date
• Develop and manage our online partnerships to ensure maximum benefit to the charity.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to drive traffic and maximise sales through various digital channels
• Analyse sales data and customer behaviour to identify trends and opportunities for growth
• Coordinate with the marketing and social media teams to create compelling content, promotions, and campaigns
• Oversee customer service and member interactions related to online orders, ensuring prompt resolution of issues
• Monitor website performance, optimise user experience, and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise
• Collaborate with logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of products
• Train and mentor team members on best practices in e-commerce operations and customer engagement
• Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and competitors’ activities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing e-commerce platforms or online retail operations
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on clear and professional interaction
• Experience or background in teaching is advantageous, demonstrating strong instructional abilities and adaptability
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, analytics software, and content management systems
• Ability to analyse data to inform strategic decisions
• A proactive attitude with problem-solving capabilities
• Knowledge of current e-commerce trends and best practices

This role is ideal for motivated individuals who are passionate about digital sales channels and eager to make a significant global impact working within the charity.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Could you be the person who helps a young man rewrite his future?
At Trailblazers, we believe in second chances. Since 1998, we’ve been mentoring young men in prison to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Through a programme of 1:1 mentoring and practical support, we support men aged 18–35 during the last 6 months of their sentence and for up to 12 months after release.

In London, our services run at HMP Brixton, and we’re looking for volunteer mentors who can commit half a day per week to help someone change their life.

What You’ll Do

• Be a positive and empathetic role model whilst supporting someone to fulfil their potential
• Meet regularly to build a supportive, consistent relationship with a mentee for a minimum of 12 months
• Help set goals and celebrate achievements
• Support reintegration into the community, education, and employment
• Attend and participate fully in mentor training and develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
• Engage with ongoing support and supervision sessions to regularly review performance within mentoring relationships
• Perform your role in line with the aims of Trailblazers, following relevant policies and procedures and reporting safeguarding concerns immediately
• Keep mentoring session notes and communicate regularly with Trailblazers staff

Mentoring sessions last around 1 hour per week, with additional time needed for travel and liaison. We ask for a 12-month commitment to ensure consistency for the mentee.

Why It Matters

The national re-offending rate is up to 55%. For those with a Trailblazers mentor, it drops to just 7%. Your time could be the turning point in someone’s life.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome all backgrounds and skill sets, especially those with experience in:

• The criminal justice system
• Underrepresented communities (including BAME groups)

All we ask if that you are:

• Empathetic, non-judgmental and committed to social change
• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
• Able to advocate for your mentee and help them to overcome barriers
• Comfortable using basic IT and taking guidance from staff
• Willing to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Committed to supporting one young man for up to a year

 Requirements

• Aged 21+
• British citizen (due to prison security checks)
• Live within 30 miles of the prison at which you want to volunteer
• Good level of fitness (prison visits may involve stairs and fast-paced movement)
• Not barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
• If you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, you must be off licence for at least 12 months and not in crisis
• You cannot volunteer at a prison where you were previously a resident

What We Offer

• Full training and ongoing support
• Out-of-pocket expenses covered
• A chance to make a real difference

Ready to be the change?
Visit our website for more information and to apply. We’d love to hear from you.

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteers to lead social media and content creation for communications and campaigning for our community-owned park.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for social media and content creator leads to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You will be at the forefront of our digital strategy to create a huge new biodiverse park and natural swimming ponds. We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers who can craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. You should have a deep understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools to measure and optimize our campaigns. Your ability to build and engage with online communities is crucial, as is your skill in managing media relations. We value individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. You will be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic content creation will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Lead a National Movement: Become Deputy Chief Ranger

Ranger Cadets is seeking a visionary leader to help shape its future.

We are recruiting our Deputy Chief Ranger (Deputy CEO) to guide Ranger Cadets in becoming a hugely successful uniformed youth work organisation across England.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation with a mission to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission as Deputy Chief Ranger:

• Lead nationally: Support the Chief Ranger in steering Ranger Cadets towards success across England.

• Shape strategy: Drive growth, governance, and innovation to strengthen Ranger Cadets as a national movement.

• Empower leaders: Guide Area Officers, Unit Managers, and Instructors to deliver excellence in youth work and ceremonial service.

• Champion cadets: Ensure young people have the tools, training, and opportunities to rise through the ranks and shine in their communities.

Your Path to Impact:

As Deputy CEO, you will stand at the forefront of Ranger Cadets’ leadership, helping to:

• Build a national identity rooted in honour, service, and legacy.

• Expand cadet opportunities and community presence across England.

• Establish Ranger Cadets as a trusted, respected, and successful youth organisation.

Why Volunteer as Deputy Chief Ranger?

• Step into a senior national leadership role with ceremonial dignity and strategic influence.

• Gain experience in governance, organisational growth, and movement-building.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and communities across England.

• Be part of a tradition that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to lead Ranger Cadets into national success, inspire leaders, and shape the future of youth work in England, step forward today. Become Deputy Chief Ranger—your leadership will define the movement.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Overview 

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and sustainable partnerships.

We are seeking a Marketing & Communications Officer who is creative, strategic, and collaborative to lead SSI’s storytelling, public engagement, and community-focused communication initiatives. This role combines content creation, campaign management, brand stewardship, and stakeholder engagement to support SSI’s mission and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Content creation and management: Write, edit, and publish clear, engaging, and inclusive content for SSI’s website, newsletters, blogs, press releases, and wider communications.

• Campaign development and execution: Plan and implement marketing and communications campaigns across digital and traditional channels to raise awareness, support membership growth, and increase engagement.

• Website management: Update and maintain SSI’s website content, ensuring it is accurate, accessible, up-to-date, and user-friendly.

• Brand management: Ensure SSI’s brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity are consistently applied across all communications and materials.

• Stakeholder engagement: Develop and maintain effective communication with members, volunteers, staff, partners, funders, and community networks.

• Develop and deliver marketing campaigns that promote SSI’s services, membership model, and community programmes.

• Manage SSI’s online presence, including its website, newsletters, and (where appropriate) social media platforms, in coordination with the Social Media Manager and Graphic & Content Coordinator.

• Support outreach and events with branded materials, graphics, and promotional content.

• Track campaign performance, analytics, and community engagement metrics, providing insight to inform future activity.

• Manage relationships with local media outlets, community partners, and networks.

• Uphold brand consistency across all digital, print, and in-person communications.

• Collaborate with Outreach, Membership, and Community Engagement Teams to align communications with SSI’s wider social impact goals.

About You

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and channels.

• Confident using digital tools such as email marketing platforms, basic website/content management systems, and analytics tools to support campaigns and track engagement.

• Ability to develop and implement marketing and communications strategies that align with organisational goals and community needs.

• Comfortable tracking, analysing, and reporting on campaign and communications performance, using data-driven insights to improve future work.

• Able to work effectively with different teams and stakeholders, integrating marketing and communications activity across the organisation.

Profile

• A creative and strategic thinker with strong writing and communication skills.

• Experience in marketing and/or communications. 

• Organised, proactive, and adaptable to a fast-paced, community-focused environment.

• Passionate about SSI’s mission to promote dignity, affordability, and inclusion.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with clear, measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience across marketing, communications, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.

• Collaboration with a committed, values-driven team working across operations, outreach, and community engagement.

• Training and development opportunities to support your professional growth.

• Potential for extended collaboration, references, or future opportunities within SSI, subject to organisational need.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role. 

This role will be supporting two lovely gentlemen living in Twickenham who would love a visitor to spend some time with them. They both enjoy exploring their local high street charity shops and going for a drink and a sausage roll in Greggs. When at home, one man enjoys relaxing in front of the telly and the other enjoys listening to his record and cassette collection.

Living in the same home, we’d ideally like one volunteer to visit both gentlemen. For one of the men, their speech might take some patience to understand, and the other prefers to communicate with gestures and pictures, so a friendly and understanding approach is key. It would be up to you whether you do both visits on the same day or on alternate months.

Access to a car would be a great addition but is not essential for this role as the house is very near to both bus and train routes.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

Watch a video about this role here

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As Buttons & Bubbles continues to grow, we are looking for people who can grow our Linkedin network and also general leads into development and business opportunities

Who Are We Looking For? 

• Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging. 

• Knowledge of lead generation 

• Knowledge of strategic planning and growth 

• Knowledge of Linkedin 

• Comfortable making initial contact with other professionals and organizations 

• UK based 

What Do We Expect? 

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you. 

• Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us. 

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us, we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.) 

• Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness. We’re always happy to answer questions about this. 

What Can You Expect? 

• A kind, caring, and nurturing company that values its people, staff, and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work. 

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Therefore, you don’t have to commit your time regularly only when it suits you. 

• A positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations you require will be made. If you’d like to discuss something privately, please email us to arrange a confidential chat. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

• Make a difference in your community. 

• Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

• Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

• Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

• Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

• Build your confidence. 

• Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As we continue to grow, we are on a mission to make finding and accessing information around everything to do with disability easier. Hence, we're putting together a brand-new team of volunteers who are passionate about content and using the power of social media for good

Who Are We Looking For?

·Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging.

·Having social media skills is helpful, but enthusiasm for creating and editing content, building online communities, and supporting our digital presence is essential.

·You should enjoy research, taking on challenges, and bringing a creative mindset to your work.

·Be willing to learn or have knowledge of editing and posting videos.

·Be able to support our online initiatives while collaborating with our team.

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you.

·Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us; we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.)

·Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

·Make a difference in your community. 

·Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

· Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

· Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

· Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

· Build your confidence. 

· Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (on average 1-2 emails per week for approximaely 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?

IAPWA is looking for a talented Social Media Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on Instagram, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
• Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
• Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
• Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need

We’re ideally looking for someone who would like to manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Inspire, Train, and Lead: Become a Ranger Cadets Adult Instructor / Leader!

Ranger Cadets is seeking dedicated volunteers to guide, train, and empower young people across England.

We are recruiting Adult Instructors, Lead Instructors, Trainers, and Assistant Cadet Unit Managers to support cadet units and areas local to where you live with energy, vision, and pride.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation with a mission to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission as Instructor / Leader:

• Plan and deliver: Create positive, interactive, and engaging youth work activities.

• Teach with purpose: Deliver the Ranger Cadets syllabus and support cadets to earn badges for their uniform.

• Showcase with pride: Lead cadets into the community in uniform, demonstrating the positive role of young people in society.

• Mentor with vision: Support cadets as they rise up the rank structure, guiding their journey of growth and leadership.

Why Volunteer as an Instructor?

• Play a hands-on role in shaping the lives of young people.

• Gain training and leadership experience in youth work and ceremonial service.

• Be part of a uniformed tradition that blends discipline with community pride.

• Make a lasting difference by helping cadets achieve, serve, and lead.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to train, inspire, and support cadets on their journey, step forward today. Become a Ranger Cadets Instructor—your leadership will shape the future.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Support your local Oxfam shop by helping to sort, research, price and prepare donated items - for our online shop, all while gaining hands-on retail experience in a safe, supportive environment.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

About Crawley Open House

Crawley Open House provides vital support and services for those suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or other forms of social exclusion in Crawley and neighbouring areas.

Trustee Opportunities

We are now seeking dedicated, passionate, and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our future — sharing your expertise, guiding our strategy, and helping us continue to deliver life-changing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

If you want to make a real difference and be part of an organisation that truly transforms lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in adult education, benefits systems and fundraising and a genuine commitment to contributing to social change.

We are looking to appoint more than one Trustee and welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Adult Education

Benefits System

Fundraising

IT infrastructure

Local/Central Government

Social Housing

Immigration

Trustees are responsible for a full range of Trustee duties including strategic oversight of Crawley Open House, financial accountable (we have a dedicated treasurer), planning and monitoring, transparency and accountability and we would ask you to volunteer within the charity at least once a year.

In line with its commitment to inclusion, Crawley Open House actively welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups across age, ethnicity, geography, physical ability, and socio-economic experience.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Crawley Open House

Charity no. 1048919