Community volunteers volunteer roles in redbridge, london
We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.
Person specification:
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.
• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.
• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.
• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.
• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.
• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.
• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.
• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.
The ideal applicant would also possess the following:
• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.
• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.
We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.
If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.
The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Barnet and South Hertfordshire group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 Barnet and South Hertfordshire area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Summary:
Leads end-to-end Talent Acquisition (TA) and Onboarding functions, driving strategies to attract, hire, and seamlessly integrate top talent. Manages Team Leaders for Talent Acquisition and Onboarding, ensuring alignment with workforce plans, compliance, and candidate/employee experience excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Talent Leadership
-
Develop and execute TA and Onboarding strategies to meet current and future workforce needs, including diversity hiring goals and skills gap mitigation.
-
Partner with senior leaders to forecast talent demands, refine employer branding, and align processes with business growth objectives.
Team Management & Development
-
Directly manage Team Leaders: Talent Acquisition (recruitment focus), Team Leaders: Onboarding (documentation readiness), and the Workforce Planning Team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance oversight.
-
Foster collaboration between the TA, workforce planning, and Onboarding teams to ensure seamless handover from hire to Day 1 readiness.
Recruitment Excellence
-
Oversee sourcing, selection, and offer management processes, ensuring efficiency (e.g., time-to-fill ≤30 days) and quality of hire.
-
Optimise the use of tools and metrics to drive data-driven recruitment decisions.
Onboarding & Documentation Readiness
-
Ensure flawless onboarding processes, including right-to-work checks, contract execution, and pre-employment compliance (e.g., UK right-to-work, GDPR).
-
Audit onboarding documentation for accuracy and audit readiness, addressing gaps in collaboration with Legal and Talent Advisory.
Compliance & Risk Mitigation
-
Ensure adherence to employment laws, data protection regulations, and internal policies across TA and Onboarding.
-
Resolve escalated issues (e.g., background check discrepancies).
Stakeholder Collaboration
-
Partner with diverse stakeholders to streamline onboarding logistics (e.g., system access, equipment provisioning).
-
Advise senior leadership on talent market trends, competitor insights, and process innovations.
Requirements:
-
Education & Certification: CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent (e.g., Bachelor’s degree in HR Management, SHRM-CP, or PHR certification).
-
Experience: 8+ years in talent acquisition and onboarding, with 3+ years managing multi-functional teams (TA and Onboarding).
-
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in relevant systems and programmes.
-
Legal Knowledge: Mastery of UK employment law, right-to-work requirements, and GDPR compliance.
-
Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor leaders, resolve cross-functional conflicts, and drive process improvements.
-
DE&I Focus: Track record of designing inclusive hiring and onboarding practices for underrepresented groups.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
We believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a strongly held belief in the benefits that empowering leadership skills can have in shaping the future of the next generation.
We are looking for individuals that can promote our cause and are willing to share their personal and professional experience and insights as part of the collaborative decision-making of our Board of Trustees.
We are committed to diversity in the workplace through a workforce that reflects the population and communities we work with across the UK.
Our board of Trustees is currently under-represented by individuals with black, asian, and ethnically diverse heritage in addition to people aged under 30 years of age.
As such, we would welcome applicants with these backgrounds to support our aim of a nationally representative organisation workforce.
Knowledge, skills and experience
While we are interested in the person, we are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience in one, some, or all of the following areas:
o Working with primary and/or secondary schools, colleges, and/or youth-development organisations.
o Working in or with Awarding Organisations.
An understanding or experience of financial oversight is considered desirable but not essential.
Trustee commitment and responsibilities
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated.
To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit approximately 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are generally held virtually.
Members of our Audit, Risk and Compliance committee additionally meet two weeks before each board meeting for finance and regulation focused discussions with the Executive team.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
· Ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do.
· Supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice, guidance, and opinion in the pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.
· Constructively guide the Executive in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy.
· Actively represent and champion the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation.
· Maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight promoting best practice as a Charity to ensure our sustainability and longevity.
Our values
Created in collaboration with the Leadership Skills Foundation team, our cultural values are our ways of working that we expect in all aspects of our interaction with each other and with our delivery centres, tutors, partners, and learners.
-
We are better together
Together, we do great things. Collaboration, belonging and individuality aren’t just buzzwords to us; they’re deeply held commitments in the way we work. As we solve problems together, we make sure everyone feels listened to and valued.
-
We are guided by goals
Every initiative we developed is guided by clear aims. From giving young people the confidence to achieve, to bringing major change to communities, all our goals are significant and focused on improvement.
-
We evolve and innovate
As the world changes, so do the opportunities and challenges of the people we support. As different times call for different skills, we are brave enough to be different and to innovate to be fit for the future.
-
We have pride in our programmes
We never forget how valuable everyone’s future is. That’s why we go above and beyond to deliver high-quality trustworthy and regulated programmes.
Know someone great for this?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Overview:
The Programme Coordinator provides critical administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth operation of the employability and skills development programme. As the first point of contact for participants, this role focuses on managing inquiries, maintaining records, coordinating schedules, and facilitating seamless communication between participants, trainers, and stakeholders. The Programme Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring participants feel supported and programme activities are delivered efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Participant Engagement & Support:
-
Serve as the primary contact for participants, responding to inquiries via phone, email, or in person, and providing guidance on programme logistics, enrollment, and resources.
-
Manage participant registration, onboarding, and attendance tracking for workshops, training sessions, and events.
-
-
Administrative Coordination:
-
Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records, including personal details, progress updates, and post-programme employment outcomes, ensuring compliance with data protection policies.
-
Schedule and coordinate meetings, training sessions, and stakeholder events, including room bookings, material preparation, and calendar management.
-
-
Documentation & Reporting:
-
Prepare and distribute programme-related materials, such as handbooks, training agendas, and certificates of completion.
-
Assist in compiling data for reports on participant engagement, attendance, and feedback to support programme evaluation.
-
-
Logistics & Communication:
-
Manage programme logistics, including training materials, technology setups, and participant resources.
-
Draft and send routine communications (e.g., reminders, updates) to participants, trainers, and partners.
-
-
Compliance & Record-Keeping:
-
Ensure all participant files and programme documentation adhere to organisational policies and grant requirements.
-
Support audit processes by maintaining organised participant consent forms, evaluations, and feedback records.
-
Required Qualifications:
-
Education: A high school diploma is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in administration, communications, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.
-
Experience:
-
1–2 years in administrative support, customer service, or programme coordination, preferably in education, non-profits, or workforce development.
-
Experience managing high-volume inquiries and maintaining detailed records.
-
-
Skills:
-
Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
-
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a customer-service-oriented approach.
-
Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and familiarity with databases or CRM systems.
-
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry and reporting.
-
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Description
The Together Plan is a UK registered charity, promoting community capacity building, with a current focus on Belarus and Eastern Europe, through research, exploration, cultural events and dialogue. We help communities discover what can be achieved collectively, working alongside community members to develop skills and knowledge while providing the necessary training to build a sustainable future.
The Together Plan draws its inspiration for projects around three central pillars – ‘past’, ‘present’ and ‘future’ and each project drives a central belief which can be distilled into one line … Jewish people, wherever they are, are not alone.
The Together Plan is looking for pro-bono support to help maintain and expand our current Salesforce solution. We are looking to develop a long term relationship with a volunteer (or two) from the Salesforce ecosystem. Time commitment is expected to be on average 5 hours a month and maybe a little more if there is a specific project ongoing.
Required Skills and Qualities
-
Proactive and self-motivated
-
Organised
-
Good attention to detail
-
Communicative and friendly
-
Quick learner
Role Duties
-
Dashboard / Report creation for specific campaigns / opportunity needs
-
Troubleshooting when necessary (time critical)
-
Taking a weekly system backup
-
Proactively thinking of new solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the work of the charity
-
Facilitating the introduction and set-up of new features / integrations
Role Length
-
6+ months
Time Requirement
-
between 2 and 8 hours per month, depending on the month, with occasional email use outside these hours.
-
This role can be performed outside of regular office hours.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Brent group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 Brent area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Co-Group Coordinator for our London Borough of Sutton group. As our local Co-Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead, alongside our existing Group Coordinator, in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 London Borough of Sutton area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
East London Waterworks Park is looking for illustrators, animators and graphic designers to help campaign in the creation of our new park with natural swimming ponds.
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 illustrators, animators and graphic designers to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on coordinating our digital marketing.
There is opportunity to lead on projects across content creation, social media, film or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working circle.
The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
While technical skills are essential, we also value your ability to think creatively and strategically. You should have experience in creating engaging visual content for various platforms that will engage stakeholders and decision makers, such as public reports, presentations for decision makers, social media and websites. A strong understanding of storytelling and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through visuals will be invaluable. You should 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 creative talents will be invaluable in bringing the park’s biodiversity to life. Through your illustrations, animations, and graphic designs, you’ll help us create visually captivating content that inspires, educates, and engages our community, stakeholders and decision makers. Your work will play a vital role in fostering a strong connection between people and nature, ultimately creating the park’s future.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Haringey group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 Haringey area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA London South East Branch
This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your legal and GDPR compliance expertise whilst helping the RSPCA to; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.
Overview of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR opportunity
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at the London South East Branch and support us with GDPR compliance.
Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.
The RSPCA London South East Branch
The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR
-
Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
-
Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.
-
Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists.
-
Support with liaising with external specialists for advice on shop leases when necessary.
-
To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those on low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
-
Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
-
Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
-
Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
-
In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
-
Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
-
Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
-
Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
-
In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.
Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR
-
We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
-
Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
-
The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
-
The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
-
A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
-
Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
-
Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
-
Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
-
Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
-
References will also be required.
How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.
There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About UK Reads
UK Reads is the UK-based charity of the global non-profit World Literacy Foundation, which works to eradicate illiteracy and promote equitable access to education worldwide. In the UK, we focus on closing the literacy gap for children from underserved communities, ensuring that every child has access to the literacy support they need to thrive academically and personally.
We deliver high-impact literacy programmes, distribute free books, and partner with schools, libraries, and community organisations to foster a lifelong love of reading.
About the Pen Pal Project
The Pen Pal Project empowers children aged 7–16 to become confident communicators by engaging them in creative, meaningful letter writing. UK pupils are matched with peers in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries to exchange letters over six structured sessions throughout the academic year.
The project supports pupils in:
-
Developing core literacy skills (reading, writing, sentence structure, vocabulary)
-
Strengthening confidence, empathy, and communication through storytelling
-
Learning about different cultures, family structures, traditions, and daily life in another part of the world
-
Practising both written and spoken English in an encouraging, low-pressure environment
Each school cohort follows a themed session plan exploring topics such as identity, youth culture, food, heritage, health, and hobbies.
Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers, with support from teachers and UK Reads staff.
Role Overview
As a Writing Session Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting literacy, creativity, and inclusion in schools. You’ll work directly with students to help them explore personal expression, read incoming pen pal letters, and craft thoughtful responses.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about education, communication, cultural exchange, and making a difference at a grassroots level.
Responsibilities
-
Facilitate six themed writing sessions at a primary or secondary school in London (sessions take place during school hours)
-
Create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel safe to write and express themselves
-
Support pupils with varied literacy levels, including those with special educational needs (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), or lower confidence in reading/writing
-
Guide pupils in reading and responding to letters received from international pen pals
-
Encourage vocabulary development, sentence structure, and narrative skills using the provided facilitator resources
-
Use creativity and cultural awareness to promote engagement and curiosity
-
Complete light administrative tasks (~1 hour per session), including:
-
Reviewing students’ letters for safeguarding
-
Submitting short post-session reflections or feedback forms
-
-
Attend a short online training session and stay in communication with the UK Reads team
Time Commitment
-
Approx. 6-8 hours/month over the academic year
-
Each session includes:
-
~1 hour in-school delivery time
-
~1 hour admin/reflection time
-
-
Plus training, planning, and communication time as needed
-
Sessions are typically spaced two per academic term (six total)
Volunteers are matched with one school and are expected to complete the full six-session cycle to ensure continuity and build rapport with pupils.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. You don’t need formal teaching experience — just commitment, empathy, and a passion for helping young people thrive.
Essential:
-
Strong spoken and written English
-
Comfortable working with children and young people in a school setting
-
Reliable, organised, and able to follow session plans
-
Open-minded, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to different learning styles
-
Able to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions over the academic year (during school hours)
-
Based in London or able to travel to schools across the city
-
Willing to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training
Desirable (but not required):
-
Experience in education, youth work, creative writing, literacy support, or mentoring
What You’ll Gain
-
A highly rewarding volunteer experience with visible impact on young learners
-
Full training and a ready-to-use facilitation guide
-
Support from a dedicated project coordinator throughout your placement
-
Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs
-
A reference upon successful completion
-
The opportunity to be part of a meaningful international exchange project
-
Connection to a network of volunteers and educators working toward literacy equity
Safeguarding & Inclusion
We are committed to child protection, safeguarding, and inclusive learning environments. All letters are reviewed by facilitators before being exchanged. Volunteers must complete a DBS check and basic safeguarding training before beginning their placement.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from those who reflect the communities we serve, including volunteers from Black, African, Caribbean, and diaspora backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Hammersmith & Fulham Community!
Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Hammersmith & Fulham by helping them grow in confidence. Just a bit of your time each week can bring creativity, share laughter, and make a positive impact!
If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.
Why Choose The Kids Network?
- Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
- Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
- Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.
Impact on Mentees
- Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
- Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
- Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Connection
- Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
- Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
- Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.
Your Role as a Mentor
As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.
Join Us Today
Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.
For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our Regional and Community Development teams work alongside our local groups to play an active role in increasing awareness of and engagement with the MS Society locally.
As our Regional Cultural Connector Volunteer, you’ll help to identify and plan our involvement and support of regional or local activities and events aimed at minority, hidden and culturally specific groups, to provide information for people living with MS as well as help us to engage with those communities to understand their priorities and needs.
We want to show that we’re here to support everyone and to do that we need to reach and connect with people within their own communities. You’ll help us do that with a welcoming and friendly attitude and ability to reach and promote us within your region.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.
About you
Confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Asian MS group. As our Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 the UK to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.