Community volunteer volunteer roles in wareham, dorset

• Location: UK-wide (Board meetings online, with occasional in-person events)
• Time Commitment: 8–12 hours per month
• Term: Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years
• Remuneration: Voluntary Role (expenses reimbursed)
• Start Date: October 2025
• Applications Open: July 2025
• Applications Close Date: 5 pm, Friday 5th September 2025
• Interview Dates: 15th September (PM) and 17th September (AM)

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and review DiMHN’s strategy, vision, and values.
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and governance requirements.
• Monitor performance and support the CEO and executive team.
• Act as an ambassador for DiMHN, promoting our vision, purpose, and values, as well as the work we do.
• Contribute to fundraising, research, and partnerships. 

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.
• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.
• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes
• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.
• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.
• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.
• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.
 

Eligibility:

Applicants must be over 18 and eligible to serve as a charity trustee 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are actively working to improve the diversity of our Board, recognising that inclusive leadership strengthens both our governance and our ability to achieve our purpose. Diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, richer insight, and more equitable outcomes for the communities we serve.

We know that some groups remain underrepresented in charity governance, including people from racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQAI+ individuals, younger adults, and people with lived experience of mental health. We also value regional diversity and welcome applications from across the UK. We encourage applications from 

How to Apply:

Send your CV and a short written or video/audio statement (max two pages or five minutes), titled “[Your Name] Trustee Role.”

In your statement, tell us why you’re interested, what you’d bring, and any support you might need to thrive in the role.

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.

Are you passionate about animal welfare and wanting to make a difference to the lives of cats and kittens in the York area? Join us as a Foster Coordinator to support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of cats and kittens. 

Role overview:​

As the Volunteer Foster Coordinator, you will play a vital role in managing our foster program for cats in our care. This position is essential for ensuring that our cats are placed in loving, temporary homes while they await adoption. You will collaborate closely with foster carers, potential adopters, and other volunteers to create a supportive environment that benefits both the cats and their fosters.

Key responsibilities:​​

• ​Foster management: Oversee the onboarding and ongoing support of foster carers.

• Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for foster carers, addressing any questions or concerns and providing necessary updates. Communication will primarily occur through email and messaging platforms, access to facebook and Whatapp is essential.

• Training and support: Provide guidance and resources to foster carers on cat care, behaviour, and best practices to ensure the well-being of the cats in their care and ensuring our policies and procedures are upheld.

• Record keeping: Maintain organised and accurate records of foster placements, including intake forms, health updates, and feedback from foster homes.

• Coordination of resources: Ensure that foster homes have the necessary supplies (food, litter, etc.) and access to veterinary care as needed.

• Post-Foster follow-up: Check in with fosterers to gather feedback and facilitate any transitions to permanent homes, ensuring a smooth process for both the cats and their fosters.

What we’re looking for:​​

• Passion for animal welfare: A strong commitment to the well-being of cats and a desire to support their journey to permanent homes.

• Excellent communication skills: Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with foster carers and the volunteer team.

• Organisational skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple foster placements simultaneously.

• Computer proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and communication platforms such as email and social media.

• Previous experience in animal rescue: Preferred but not essential; a willingness to learn and grow in this role is important. It is essential, however, to have experience and knowledge of cat health and behaviour.

Why Join us?​​

• Make a difference: Play a crucial role in the lives of cats and their foster families.

• Gain experience: Develop valuable skills in animal rescue and foster care management.

• Community support: Become part of a dedicated team of animal lovers and advocates.

• Ongoing training & development: Receive support and guidance from experienced volunteers and trustees.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the Dorset Group in Weymouth. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Mental Health Tech Project “Rooted” 
Remote | Flexible hours | Volunteer role with strong portfolio potential

At Rooted, we’re building something that matters.
We believe emotional well-being should be nurtured, just like a seedling needs light, water and care. Rooted is a mental health tech initiative focused on emotional expression, community, and early intervention – blending psychology, AI, and digital storytelling to support young people’s mental resilience.

We're at an exciting stage of development and looking for a creative volunteer to help shape how the world sees Rooted.

Do you want to use your design skills to support a new movement in mental health innovation?
We're seeking a Graphic Designer to join our small, mission-driven team and collaborate directly with our UX designer and founder.

You’ll play a key role in shaping our visual identity – developing a brand guidelines deck and designing our logo – to bring Rooted’s values of empathy, growth and connection to life.

This role is for you if…

• You’re a creative thinker with a strong eye for brand, typography, and visual storytelling.

• You have some experience (formal or informal) in the mental health sector, nonprofits, or tech-related projects.

• You’re comfortable collaborating with others remotely and enjoy co-creating with UX and product teams.

• You’d love the chance to make a meaningful contribution to an early-stage product and grow your portfolio with purpose-led work.

• You care about aesthetics and impact – and believe design can be a tool for social good.

What you’ll be doing:

• Co-developing Rooted’s brand identity in collaboration with the UX designer and project lead.

• Creating a set of brand guidelines (colours, typography, icons, image style, tone).

• Designing a logo that reflects Rooted’s emotional and botanical themes.

• Supporting visual assets for presentation decks, website drafts, or early promotional materials.

Details:

• Location: Fully remote

• Time commitment: Flexible, estimated 3–5 hours/week for 4–6 weeks

• Start date: ASAP (we’ll work around your availability)

• Benefits:
  • Your work will feature in a real mental health tech product
  • Full credit in our team materials + LinkedIn reference if desired
  • A chance to collaborate closely with experienced creatives and researchers
  • Space to experiment and propose ideas
  • A thank-you package & optional showcase on our launch page

To apply:
Please submit:

• Your portfolio or link to your work (required – this can be a website, Behance, PDF, or Google Drive folder)

• A short note on why this project interests you

• (Optional) A CV or LinkedIn profile

Don't worry if you’re early in your career or haven’t worked on something exactly like this before. We care more about the quality of your ideas and your openness to collaboration than a polished resumé.

Apply via the “Apply” button below.

We strongly encourage applications from designers who identify as neurodivergent, people of colour, LGBTQ+, or who have lived experience with mental health challenges.

Let’s co-create something beautiful and healing – together.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

Exciting Volunteering Opportunity: Join CGD Society as Secretary to the Board of Trustees 

Are you passionate about governance and looking to make a meaningful impact? The CGD Society (CGDS) is seeking a dedicated individual to join the trustee board as Secretary of the Board. This position offers a unique chance to lead on governance initiatives while collaborating closely with a supportive team of Trustees and staff.

As Secretary, you’ll wear two important hats:

• Company Secretary: Keeping our records in order, organising board meetings, and ensuring timely filings with regulatory bodies.

• Governance Lead: Driving best practices, staying ahead of regulations, and working to strengthen our charity's governance framework.

You'll have strong support from our Chair, Treasurer, Executive Director, and the Governance & Finance Subcommittee. 

We’re looking for someone who’s committed and wants to make a difference in supporting those affected by CGD, Chronic Granulomatous Disorder, a rare genetic disorder. With resources like our Governance Calendar and guidance from experienced colleagues, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

To find out more please read the job specification.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the Dorset Group in Weymouth. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Make a difference to the lives of cats and kittens in York and surrounding areas as an adoption coordinator. 

Role overview:​

As the adoption coordinator, you will oversee the rehoming process for cats in our care. This role is essential in matching cats with suitable adoptive families, ensuring a smooth transition from foster homes to permanent residences. You will work closely with fosters, adopters, the Trustees and the Home Visit Co-ordinator to facilitate successful adoptions that benefit both the cats and their new families.

Key responsibilities:​​

• ​Adoption management: Oversee the adoption process from home visit stage to adoption day, including participating in screening potential adopters, facilitating home visits, coordinating meet and greets and providing after care support. 

• ​Communication: Act as the primary point of liaison between prospective adopters and foster carers, providing information about available cats and addressing any questions or concerns with the aim of facilitating a smooth running adoption process. We use Facebook messenger and email as primary forms of communication so access to these is essential.

• ​Matchmaking:  Assess the needs and preferences of both cats and adopters to ensure the best possible matches for long-term success.

• ​Record keeping: Maintain accurate and organised records of adoption applications, follow-ups, and outcomes to track the progress of each adoption.

• ​Support and guidence: Provide resources and support to adopters on cat care, behaviour, and integration into their new homes to facilitate successful adoption. 

• ​Post-adoption support: Facilitate after care support for adopters and ensure the conditions of adoption agreements are upheld- for example sending out neutering reminders when adopted kittens are old enough  and sign adoptions off once fully complete. 

What we’re looking for:​

• Passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to helping cats in need.

• ​Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• ​Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• ​Ability to handle cats safely and compassionately.

• ​Proficiency in basic computer skills with experience in using Microsoft Word, Teams, Excel and Docusign.

• ​Previous experience in animal rescue is preferred but not essential.

Why Join us?​

• Gain valuable experience in animal rescue.

• ​Make a direct impact on the lives of cats, our foster carers and the wider volunteer team.

• ​Be part of a supportive community of animal lovers and advocates.

• ​Receive ongoing support from the experienced Trustee team and volunteers.

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more.

We are looking for trustees to join our Board to support steering the charity forward. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

We are a charity which can influence anyone’s daily life.

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

 Our charity trustees play a key part in strategy development and bringing our strategy to life. We would welcome applicants with:

-Senior finance experience across the charity, government or private sectors.

-Legal experience in Charity Law or legal expertise relevant to the third sector.

We’re especially interested in candidates bringing diverse experience from the corporate sector. Additional digital skills are desirable. Whatever your background, a commitment to the values and objectives of the charity overall will be crucial.

We actively welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds generally and from all parts of the UK. 

Walk with us.

These roles are voluntary and unpaid, although appropriate expenses will be paid.

Closing date: 18/08/2025 (5pm)

Interviews: 03/09/2025 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

We are looking for a creative and strategic Email Marketing Strategist to develop and guide our overall email marketing approach. You will be responsible for designing audience journeys, setting objectives, and working with the marketing team to ensure our emails are impactful and aligned with Roots Academy’s mission. This is a unique opportunity to play a leadership role in shaping how we engage with our global community.

Key tasks

• Develop and oversee the email marketing strategy to support Roots Academy’s goals.

• Design audience journeys and lifecycle email flows (welcome sequences, event reminders, etc.).

• Define KPIs and performance metrics for email campaigns.

• Provide strategic direction to the Email Marketing Officer and content team.

• Suggest and plan A/B testing, segmentation strategies, and personalization tactics.

• Stay informed about email marketing trends, tools, and best practices.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims.

• Experience or training in developing email marketing strategies.

• Understanding of customer journeys, funnel marketing, and audience segmentation.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret campaign data and make recommendations.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, self-driven attitude.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in digital marketing strategy and leadership.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As a Governance Officer, you will work closely with the Governance Lead to ensure strong governance practices across Roots Academy. Your role will focus on supporting governance frameworks, policies, and compliance measures to align with charity governance requirements and relevant regulations. You will also play a key role in embedding a culture of governance across the organisation.

Key tasks

Trustee Support

• Assist trustees with governance-related tasks and ensure they have access to relevant policies, guidelines, and resources.
• Direct trustees to appropriate regulatory frameworks, best practices, and governance training materials.

Governance & Compliance Support

• Support the onboarding process for new trustees, ensuring all necessary documentation is collected and securely stored.
• Assist in coordinating trustee meetings, including preparation of agendas, accurate minute-taking, and document distribution.
• Maintain key governance registers, such as the register of interests, policy register, and risk register, ensuring timely updates and compliance.

Policy & Risk Management

• Support the Governance Lead in developing and reviewing governance policies, including Conflict of Interest, Risk Management, and Whistleblowing Policies.
• Assist team leads in ensuring policies are implemented effectively and aligned with best practices.
• Help monitor compliance with Charity Commission regulations and the Fundraising Code of Conduct.

Embedding a Governance Culture

• Assist in raising awareness of governance principles across the organisation.
• Support the Governance Lead in organising training sessions or briefings on governance best practices.
• Help integrate governance principles into the organisation’s operations and decision-making processes.

What we’re looking for

▪ Interest or experience in charity governance, risk management, or compliance.

▪ Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

▪ Excellent organisation and communication skills.

▪ Ability to work independently while collaborating with different teams.

▪ Familiarity with Charity Commission Regulations and governance best practices (desirable but not essential).

What we have to offer

▪ Be part of a dedicated team of 90+ volunteers across the UK.

▪ Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.

▪ Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

▪ Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team. 

About the role

Our Peer Mentors are at the forefront of our Youth Services delivery, tackling head on the issues that young people are facing everyday. As a Peer Mentor, you will engage with young people who reach out to Youth4Youth for support, taking time to coach and guide them through the difficulties that they are facing. This exciting opportunity, targeted at individuals who are between the ages of 16 and 25, provides young people with the space to directly impact and transform the lives of young people, significantly improving their overall wellbeing.

Ideal candidates are those who are able to commit to regular volunteering activity of at least 2 hours per week (on average) and who are able to comfortably communicate via written e-mail and other remote chat functionalities.

Responsibilities:

Your core responsibilities as a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth include:

• Building strong, professional relationships with young people seeking mentoring support.
• Demonstrating commitment to the charity by regular volunteer engagement to maintain ongoing communication with young people (which includes responding to young people within an agreed and reasonable time frame).
• Providing light support, advice and guidance to young people in relation to the troubles that they are facing, in line with the resources provided to you by the charity.
• Maintaining professional boundaries with young people and not seeking to offer support beyond your capability that may put a young person at risk.
• Maintaining regular contact with your Youth4Youth supervisor, with the expectation that you will meet at least once per month for a supervision session that involves reflective practice and a focus on your development as a mentor.
• Providing support as part of our Peer Mentor network to colleagues across the Charity who are also directly supporting young people.
• Maintaining compliance with all policies. Most importantly this means maintaining the right level of confidentiality around your conversations with young people and recognising your safeguarding responsibilities in raising concerns as they arise to keep young people safe.

Peer Mentors are also actively encouraged to get involved in fundraising, outreach and social media activities where they feel comfortable and able to.

Skills 

• Strong written communication skills, such as being able to effectively compose a written e-mail in response to a young person.
• Ability to build strong, professional relationships and maintain trust between yourself and a young person, such as through active listening and adapting to the individual needs of different young people.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy to others.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment and recognise when you may need support yourself.
• Proficient in the use of IT tools, such as Microsoft Outlook.

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Skills development for you:

As a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth, you will be required to take part and graduate our Youth Services Academy. This program requires an upfront commitment of 10 - 13 hours of training prior to taking on the role of communicating with young people. This investment in you not only equips you with the understanding of what it takes to be a successful peer mentor, and the skills that you will need, but also is an investment in you. This training will provide you with core soft skills that are transferrable to many opportunities, whether that's in everyday life for you, your education setting or your place of work. All Mentors graduating from the Youth Services Academy will be provided with an electronic certificate to demonstrate your successful completion of the program, which can be shared with potential employers.

Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process:

Unlike other roles at Youth4Youth, the hiring process has been simplified for peer mentors, recognising the demographic of individuals that we are seeking to fill these positions. To put you at ease, the hiring process includes:

• An initial application, stating your reasons for wishing to become a Peer Mentor
• A remote interview conducted via Microsoft Teams

Successful candidates at this stage will be invited into the final stage of the recruitment process which includes:

• Satisfactory references being received (these do not need to be employment references)
• A satisfactory DBS check being received
• Successful completion of the Youth Services Academy