Community volunteer roles in edinburgh

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to develop an online food bank, allowing people access to a food bank that may not get help through their local council/Job Centre and may only want to use the service online.

People may want to use the online service of a food bank for many reasons, whether due to disability or not. 

The role of Project Co-ordinator role will oversee this project with guidance and input from the trustees, lived experience board members and with the support of other co-ordinators that are relevant to the outreach, funding and running of the service.

You do not necessarily need experience of this kind of role but good attention to detail and task management potential will be key, we can work the rest out together. If you like the idea of this, please get in touch with us and we can arrange an informal chat.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Al Naasih is Hidayah’s 1-to-1 mentoring programme that supports queer Muslims as they navigate the intersections of their faith and identity. Mentors are trained and matched with mentees seeking guidance and support around personal, spiritual, and emotional challenges. The programme has grown steadily since its launch in 2020, and is now seeking a dedicated Programme Coordinator to help manage and grow its impact.

The Programme Coordinator will provide vital administrative, organisational and operational support to the Programme Lead to ensure the smooth running of the Al Naasih mentoring programme. This includes supporting mentor/mentee onboarding, tracking engagement, maintaining documentation and assisting with communication and evaluation processes.

Please this role is UK based and online/virtual.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

Programme Administration

· Support the onboarding of new mentors and mentees (e.g. scheduling interviews, collecting forms)

· Maintain and update mentor/mentee records (e.g. spreadsheets, contact lists, status updates)

· Assist with pairing logistics and follow-ups

· Monitor and record engagement (e.g. check-ins, frequency of meetings)
 

Communication & Coordination

· Act as a point of contact for mentors/mentees with routine queries

· Assist in scheduling training sessions, 1:1s, and check-ins

· Draft and send internal communications (e.g. newsletters, updates, reminders)

 

Monitoring & Evaluation

· Help collect and compile feedback from participants (surveys, check-ins)

· Support the Lead in reviewing and reporting outcomes and progress

· Contribute to improving the programme based on participant feedback

 

Programme Development Support

· Assist in developing materials or resources for training or outreach

· Contribute to social media or comms if applicable

· Attend and support Hidayah events relevant to the programme (where possible)

What do we expect from the Al Naasih Programme Coordinator?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer

in this role:

Essential:

· Must be a queer Muslim

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

· Good communication skills (written and verbal)

· Comfortable handling confidential information

· Commitment to the values of Hidayah and the Al Naasih programme

· Awareness of the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Muslims

· Proactive and reliable; able to manage own time and tasks

Desirable:

· Experience using tools like Google Workspace, Zoom, Airtable or Excel

· Experience in volunteer coordination, admin, or project support

· Previous involvement with mentoring, peer support, or similar programmes

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 2 - 4 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). You are also required to attend monthly meetings with the Programme Lead and occasionally with wider team. There is also an expectation of willingness to commit to the role for at least 6–12 months is desirable.

This role will be supported with induction and ongoing guidance from the Programme Lead. In addition, there will be opportunities for training in areas such as safeguarding, mentoring, or LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. Action Tutoring is a charity dedicated to closing the attainment gap and creating a more equitable future for young people.

We're building a diverse community of tutors passionate about educational equity. We are seeking dedicated volunteers from all walks of life to tutor and support pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage in maths and English.

As a volunteer tutor, you’ll:

• Tutor a group of 1-3 pupils (primary or secondary), with options to support online or in-person.

• Dedicate just one hour a week for a 10-20 week programme.

We provide the resources - you bring your enthusiasm! You’ll use our workbooks to deliver your sessions.

Whether you're a university student, a working professional, retired or simply looking to give back, your hour a week can open doors to brighter futures for these young people and make a lasting impact.

What you'll gain:

• Comprehensive training (2-hour induction, technical training for online tutors, optional further skills training).

• Ongoing support from your dedicated programme coordinator.

• Structured session plans and workbooks.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

• Optional tutor socials and buddy system.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes. If your qualifications differ from those mentioned, we still encourage you to apply. Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: This is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our programmes run during term time, and you can sign up at ay time throughout the year.

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

OVERVIEW

Title: Volunteer Opportunity: Leadership Training Programs Department

Reports to: Director, Leadership Training Programs

Classification: Volunteer

ABOUT WOMEN’S WORLD BANKING 

About 1 billion women remain excluded from the formal financial system. Women’s World Banking researches, designs, and invests in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments in emerging markets to create greater economic security and prosperity for women, their families, and their communities. 

The Women’s World Banking Institute is a hub for research, training, and capacity-building dedicated to advancing women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment worldwide. Through research, learning opportunities, and convenings, we help equip financial service providers, policymakers, and partners with insights and tools to take evidence-based action. 

VOLUNTEERING WITH US 

We welcome volunteers who are interested in supporting our Leadership Training Programs. Volunteers may be invited to contribute in areas such as maintaining alumni engagement lists, helping with session planning, or providing general support to ongoing knowledge-sharing efforts. This is a flexible, short-term opportunity to gain exposure to the work of an international non-profit organization while contributing to initiatives that promote women’s financial inclusion and leadership development.

POSSIBLE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES 

Volunteers may be involved in one or more of the following types of activities, depending on their skills and interests: 

• Collecting and organizing information related to financial inclusion and leadership training. 
• Assisting with light research on leadership trends, case studies, or best practices. 
• Helping to organize and maintain internal knowledge resources. 
• Contributing ideas to strengthen participant engagement in training programs. 

HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST 

Please share the following: 

• A short statement of interest describing why you’d like to volunteer with us and your general availability. 
• Your resume or brief overview of relevant background. 
• Contact information for one or two references. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning September 15, 2025. 

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer role and is not considered employment. Participation is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Women’s World Banking. 

Timeframe: Flexible (any 3-month period)

Job Description
Are you passionate about storytelling, design, and digital creativity? As a Volunteer Content Creator with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us share our mission of empowering young people through training, employment opportunities, and social development.

You’ll work alongside a supportive team of creatives and strategists who value big ideas, collaboration, and fun. In this role, you’ll play an important part in shaping our brand’s message and vision by producing engaging content for our digital channels.

If you’re enthusiastic, eager to grow your skills, and motivated to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging and attention-grabbing content for social media, newsletters, and digital platforms.

• Support campaigns that communicate our mission and activities.

• Collaborate with the creative and marketing team to brainstorm fresh ideas.

• Adapt content for different formats (posts, graphics, short videos, blog pieces).

Requirements

• Strong writing and communication skills.

• Organised, proactive, and willing to learn.

• Creative flair with an eye for detail.

• Experience with Canva, Adobe, or other design tools (a plus, not essential).

Additional Information

• This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.

• Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

• Flexible hours – you can fit this role around your studies or other commitments.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to improving youth employment outcomes. Through volunteering, interactive workshops, work experience, and training programmes, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.

Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.

CPRE Buckinghamshire (part of CPRE – The Countryside Charity) is looking for a Trustee with a background, or strong interest, in the local farming community. This Trustee will take the lead in our campaign to support sustainable farming and agricultural practices, and will help us to partner with relevant groups, with the aim of enhancing and protecting Buckinghamshire’s wildlife and countryside. 

This volunteer role would suit someone living or studying in Buckinghamshire who would like to be involved in campaigning and sharing their expertise with other Trustees, volunteers and members of CPRE.

You will ideally have experience of, or a deep interest in, sustainable farming, and agricultural practices that ensure food production without compromising the environment or future generations' ability to meet their needs. Your expertise will help us to demonstrate how farming today can focus on reducing its impact on ecosystems, can promote biodiversity, and can minimise energy use.

As a Trustee, you will also be part of our small and collaborative Trustee board. You will help to deliver our strategy, vision and mission, and guide the future direction of CPRE Buckinghamshire. Along with the other Trustees, you will ensure that the charity has the necessary policies and resources, complies with legal requirements, and adheres to its governing document. 

This is a volunteer team that typically works remotely, though some occasional face-to-face meetings may occur when needed – we will pay expenses in these instances. We estimate that the commitment would be around 2–3 hours a week, but you can of course do more if you wish!

We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background. Students who are studying (or have studied) relevant courses are also welcome to apply.

Role Purpose

The Volunteer PR Officer will help raise awareness of the organisation’s mission, activities, and achievements by creating and sharing engaging stories. They will manage relationships with the media, support communication campaigns, and strengthen the organisation’s public image.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations
  • Draft and distribute press releases, articles, and media briefings.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and local media outlets.
  • Respond to media enquiries promptly and professionally.
• Content Creation
  • Write engaging content for newsletters, blogs, and social media platforms.
  • Support the design of promotional materials (posters, flyers, campaigns).
  • Capture and share stories that showcase the impact of the organisation’s work.
•  
• Campaigns & Events
  • Assist with the planning and promotion of fundraising and awareness campaigns.
  • Promote events through traditional and digital channels.
  • Represent the organisation at community events and networking opportunities.
• Brand & Reputation
  • Ensure all communications are consistent with the organisation’s tone, values, and branding.
  • Monitor media coverage and share highlights with the team.
  • Support crisis communication when needed.

Skills & Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident in networking and building relationships.
• Creative and able to generate new ideas for campaigns.
• Familiar with social media and digital communication tools.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently.

Commitment

• Flexible hours (approx. 3–6 hours per week, depending on campaigns and events).
• Willingness to attend occasional meetings and events.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Gain valuable PR and communications experience.
• Develop professional skills and expand your network.
• Contribute to a cause that makes a real difference.
• Be part of a passionate, supportive volunteer team.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food

· Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

● A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us

● Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction

● A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare

● Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home ● You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

Help give animals a voice – join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group.

Do you want to help shape a fairer future for animals, where progress in medicine is equal, ethical, and compassionate?

We’re looking for passionate changemakers to join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group as volunteer members. Whether you’re a professional (human clinician, vet, scientist, engineer, or bioethicist), an animal guardian, or simply someone who believes in equality for all species, then we’d love to hear from you.

What is PGIE?

In human healthcare, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) has become a powerful way to make sure research meets real patient needs. At Humanimal Trust, we’re translating this idea into veterinary medicine through PGIE – bringing together patients (in our case animals, via their guardians), the public, and professionals, to develop best practices.

By joining, you’ll be helping to guide research, so it benefits both humans AND animals.

As a volunteer member, you’ll:

• Help shape an ethical framework for One Medicine, focusing on good practice in veterinary clinical trials and collaboration between human and veterinary medicine.
• Join virtual group meetings (around 6 per year, with at least 60% attendance expected).
• Share your ideas and perspectives to support our mission and influence real change.
• Work with others to build consensus on key issues.
• Support projects and campaigns that spread the message of One Medicine.
• Occasionally represent the group at meetings and events.

What you’ll bring:

• Good listening and communication skills.
• An open mind and respect for different perspectives.
• A real passion for making a difference.
• Enthusiasm for our mission to create a fairer, kinder future for all species.

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of something truly groundbreaking – PGIE is the first group of its kind.
• Play a direct role in giving animals a voice in medical progress.
• Help build stronger connections between humans and animals in the fight against disease.
• Be part of a supportive, inspiring community of people who care as much as you do.

While this is a voluntary role, we will do our best to cover any out-of-pocket expenses related to your involvement.

Together, we can make sure that all humans and animals benefit from equal and sustainable medical progress, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. This is One Medicine.

Spark Inside is an award-winning charity that has transformed the lives of over 1,000 people living and working in our prisons. We have pioneered coaching in prisons, showing the value of coaching to change lives and systems. In the next decade, we set out to make coaching available to anyone who wants it in the justice system and aim to reach 10,000 young people with our coaching programmes. 

Our expert coaches are qualified and trained professionals. In addition to developing and delivering innovative coaching programmes, we are also committed to working with parliamentarians and government officials to influence criminal justice policy, and shift the perception of people in prison, platforming their voices and highlighting their unlocked potential.

We are seeking a Honorary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. The right person will be a strategic thinker with at least 3 years of experience in a senior level finance role.

Duties of Treasurer
The duties of the Honorary Treasurer cover two areas: those as a Trustee and those specifically designated to the Honorary Treasurer.

Specific duties as Treasurer
The Honorary Treasurer works closely with, and provides support and advice to, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Head of Finance and Operations and CEO.

To find out more information about the responsibilities of the role and required experience, and how to apply, please see attached job description.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About DMAFB

From One Act of Kindness to a Global Movement

A stranger's simple act of helping someone find a home sparked a journey that would become DMAFB. Founded on the principle of "I help you, you help me. Everybody happy" - we're building a digital wellbeing platform that transforms micro-acts of kindness into tools for connection, cultural exchange, and mental wellbeing improvement.

Our Mission: Prevent burnout, improve workplace morale, and make kindness a natural part of daily work life through science-driven, human-first interventions.

What we're building

We're developing an MVP platform that combines:

• Predictive analytics for early detection of workplace wellbeing issues
• Real-time monitoring and personalised intervention recommendations
• Time-series tracking of individual and team wellness metrics
• Pattern recognition to identify hidden risks before they become crises
• A lightweight, intuitive interface that seamlessly integrates into daily workflows

This isn't just another wellness platform - it's a proactive system that shifts organisations from reactive surveys to meaningful, data-driven support.

What we need

We're seeking a volunteer Full Stack Developer with experience in:

Backend/Data Infrastructure

• Building RESTful APIs and microservices architecture
• Working with time-series databases and handling complex data pipelines
• Implementing machine learning model integration (experience with model serving/deployment)
• Database design for high-dimensional, structured datasets
• Authentication & security best practices for sensitive HR/wellness data

Frontend development

• Creating responsive, accessible dashboards with data visualisation
• Building real-time scoring interfaces that display risk metrics
• Experience with progressive web apps or mobile-first design
• Implementing notification systems for alerts and interventions
• UI/UX sensibility for healthcare/wellness applications

Bonus skills (not mandatory)

• Experience with Python ML frameworks (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Knowledge of GDPR/data privacy compliance for employee data
• Background in healthcare tech, HR tech, or mental health platforms
• DevOps experience (Docker, CI/CD, cloud deployment)

What you'll contribute to

• Core platform architecture for our MVP launch
• Integration points for predictive models and analytics
• User-facing features that make wellbeing interventions effortless
• A scalable foundation that can grow with our community

What you'll gain

✨ Purpose-driven work - Help prevent burnout and improve lives globally
�� Ground-floor opportunity - Shape the technical foundation of a growing movement
�� Collaborative team - Work alongside ML specialists and wellness experts
�� Portfolio value - Real-world experience building AI-integrated healthcare tech
�� Potential equity - As we grow, early contributors will be considered for equity opportunities

Job Description
Are you ready to put your digital marketing skills into practice and make a real impact? As a Volunteer Digital Marketing Manager with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us grow our online presence and reach.

In this role, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen our brand message, boost engagement, and drive traffic to our digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Increase traffic and visibility across TESYouth’s digital channels.

• Grow our brand message, vision, and online presence.

• Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns.

• Monitor and analyse performance using SEO, Google Analytics, and other tools.

• Collaborate with the creative and communications teams to align marketing activities.

Requirements

• Experience in digital marketing and social media management.

• Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and related tools.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• Proactive, dedicated, and willing to learn.

Additional Information

• This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.

• All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Flexible hours – ideal for those looking to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.

Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to tap in to social media as a whole to communicate openly and confidently about the areas we work in. What we are doing, we feel is new and grabbing those opportunities.

With this in mind, we want people who have a specialist interest, experience in or want to learn more about one of more of the areas the Living Reasons will be working in and confidently host lives on social media or in our currently being built website option for video drop in live sessions that are two way conversations with people.

This role will mean having to deal with challenging members of the public, there will always be moderators to ensure the people taking part in the live session remain respectful but there may be the need to respectfully challenge people's opinions in an attempt to educate. 

Living Reasons will never shy away from complex conversations and being challenged on our stance, we are sure we will learn from these sessions as well.

So if you have a strong sense of general social justice, fairness, equality, diversity and equity in all areas of life and for all people, then this could be the role for you. Get in touch, and we can discuss in more detail.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.