Development manager volunteer roles in city of london, norfolk

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

​We usually only hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each school term, we will confirm the next date once you have applied.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

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.

Join The Difference as our next Chair as we tackle the social injustice of lost learning in England’s schools.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 31st October.

The Difference is a charity working to create a more inclusive education system where every young person can thrive. Founded in 2018, our mission is to ensure that rates of lost learning are falling by 2030. We take a three-pronged approach, delivering evidence-based programmes that equip school leaders to embed a whole-school approach to inclusion, conducting research to inform best practice and using our networks and expertise to influence policy and drive system-wide change.

We are seeking a new Chair to guide us through our next phase of growth and impact. This pivotal role will provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance and ensure the Board is well-equipped to support and challenge our executive team. The Chair will work closely with the CEO, championing high performance, inclusivity and constructive debate while helping shape strategy, oversee board development and support key areas such as fundraising and policy influence.

We are looking for an experienced non-executive with strong governance knowledge and proven skills in leading a growing organisation. Prior Chair experience is not essential, but strategic leadership and a collaborative approach are key. Above all, you will be an empathetic and inclusive leader, committed to our mission to ensure every student can access learning and feel a true sense of belonging.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 31st October.

Location:Remote

Time commitment:Flexible

Duration:Ongoing (flexible)

Start date:                      October 2025

Application deadline:15 September 2025

1.Our vision

At the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM), we're driving a global transformation in dog and cat welfare. Our focus is on free-roaming animals - those often labelled as strays or street dogs and cats.

With our global reach, credibility, and expertise, we're not just envisioning change - we're making it happen. Our approach is rooted in science, collaborating with leading academics to ensure our work is always evidence-led.

Through policy work, advocacy, and knowledge exchange, we're transforming lives, one paw at a time. Our coalition unites some of the world's most respected animal welfare organisations, including:

• Humane World for Animals
• RSPCA
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association
• World Animal Protection
• Four Paws
• Dogs Trust
• International Cat Care
• Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• Battersea

Together, we're creating a world where every companion animal lives a life worth living. 

2.About the Positive Cities campaign

Positive Cities is a new global initiative from ICAM, launched at UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum in November 2024, to support cities in taking practical action for vulnerable street dogs and cats. By signing the Positive Cities pledge, city leaders commit to a series of steps that improve animal welfare, make communities safer, and support the wellbeing of both animals and people.

The campaign is still in its early stages – and strong, thoughtful design will play a vital role in how it's understood, shared, and supported around the world.

3.The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer to help shape the look and feel of ICAM’s online presence and our global Positive Cities campaign. Your work will include creating logos, icons, and visuals for our websites, reports, and digital publications – with a special focus on designs that feature dogs and cats in ways that are creative, honest, and compelling.

You don’t need formal qualifications or agency experience, but you should have a good visual eye and feel confident in your graphic design skills. Whether you’re self-taught, a student, a hobbyist with a strong portfolio, or an early-career professional, we’d love to see what you can do. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, or similar is important, along with a good eye for layout, colour, and composition. A basic understanding of things like file formats and resolution is helpful too.

This is a great chance to make a real impact, contribute to an international campaign, and take creative ownership of designs that will be seen by cities, NGOs, and animal advocates around the world.

4.Why ICAM

ICAM is a small but influential international coalition working to improve the lives of companion animals through collaboration, evidence-based policy, and practical support. This voluntary opportunity offers:

·A supportive and friendly environment with space to be creative.

·The chance to shape the look and feel of a campaign launched on the world stage.

·Flexibility – no fixed hours or expectations; you decide what time you can offer.

·Full reimbursement of any agreed expenses.

·Optional opportunities to explore other areas of ICAM’s work and access learning or training resources in areas such as advocacy, policy, communications, or animal welfare.

5.How to Apply 

Please send the following to Patrick Gerard at Patrick [at] icam-coalition [dot] org:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your experience with graphic design, including any relevant tools or projects.
• A short cover letter (maximum 1 page) telling us why this role interests you and what you’d bring to it.
• You're very welcome to include a few samples of your work or a portfolio – especially anything featuring icons, illustrations, or animals.

If you’re unsure whether your background or experience is the right fit, feel free to get in touch and ask – we’re happy to hear from anyone with the right skills and a passion for design.

6.Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity 

ICAM recognises that companion animal welfare is a global concern that affects people from all walks of life. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage, or civil partnership. Our strength lies in the diversity of our coalition and the varied perspectives they bring to our mission.

7.Location

This is a remote voluntary role, so you can be based anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.

Kimedes

Kimedes AI develops AI-powered IoT solutions to detect water leaks in infrastructure, optimizing water management and reducing environmental impact.

kimedes AI addresses the global challenge of water loss in infrastructure, where leaks cause significant resource waste, financial losses, and environmental damage. With climate change intensifying water scarcity, inefficient water management threatens both urban resilience and sustainability. By leveraging AI and IoT, we help cities and businesses detect leaks early, reduce water waste, and promote responsible resource management, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Kimedes AI combines AI-powered analytics and IoT sensors to detect water leaks in infrastructure with high precision. Our technology provides real-time SaaS monitoring and predictive insights, allowing utilities and businesses to identify and fix leaks before they cause significant damage or waste. By optimizing water management, we reduce costs, conserve resources, and support sustainable infrastructure development.

Intelligence Research Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

About Kimedes

Kimedes is a purpose-driven WaterTech startup tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges: water scarcity. Through our AI-powered leak detection technology, we help municipalities and industries reduce water losses by up to 30%, supporting a more efficient and sustainable use of water resources.

We are currently in our market expansion phase across Spain and Catalonia, building partnerships with municipalities, water utilities, and industrial players. We welcome motivated volunteers and interns who want to contribute to sustainability, technology, and climate impact while gaining real-world experience in a dynamic startup environment.

Role Summary – Intelligence Research Volunteer

As an Intelligence Research Volunteer, you will support Kimedes in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing critical market insights. Your work will focus on tracking technologies, competitors, policy frameworks, and sector trends in the water management and climatetech space. These insights will directly inform Kimedes’ go-to-market strategy, fundraising narrative, and product positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on emerging technologies in leak detection, water management, and climatetech.
• Map and analyze competitors, startups, and incumbents in the European and global water sector.
• Track market trends, regulations, and funding opportunities relevant to water technology adoption.
• Prepare concise reports, briefs, and dashboards to share insights with the CEO and COO.
• Support strategic projects such as pitch decks, grant applications, and partnership proposals by contributing research-based insights.
• Monitor industry news, conferences, and innovation clusters to identify opportunities for Kimedes.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and research skills, with ability to process and synthesize information clearly.
• Familiarity with market research methods and business intelligence approaches.
• Interest in climatetech, water management, or smart infrastructure.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setup and deliver on agreed timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English (Spanish/Catalan a plus but not required).
• Bonus: Experience in competitor analysis, trend reports, or academic/consulting research projects.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the strategy of a fast-growing climatetech startup.
• Direct collaboration with the Founder/CEO and COO on high-impact projects.
• A chance to contribute to real-world solutions tackling climate change and water scarcity.
• Mentorship and exposure to startup operations, fundraising, and market strategy.
• Certificate and letter of recommendation upon successful completion.
• Potential to evolve into a paid strategic role as Kimedes secures its Seed Round funding.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Summary

We are seeking a Volunteer Proofreader to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and professionalism of our written materials.

Detailed description

Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.

Key Responsibilities

·Proofread documents for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.

·Check for consistency of tone, style, and terminology across materials.

·Ensure clarity and accessibility for different audiences, including young people, teachers, and parents.

·Provide suggestions for improving readability and flow.

·Work with the Dignify team to finalise content for print, digital, and presentation use.

·Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive materials.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

Essential

• Excellent attention to detail and strong command of written English.
• Ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
• Commitment to Dignify’s mission and values.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.

Desirable

• Familiarity with educational or safeguarding content.
• Experience with proofreading for different audiences (e.g., young people, educators).
• Knowledge of inclusive and sensitive language guidelines.

Training / Support

·A full induction to the service will be provided

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Additional Information

·You will be required to undergo a DBS check

·We will require 2 x references

·This role is primarily remote however there may be times where you will be required to attend Team Meetings in Hatfield

United Nations CSO, Centre for Big Synergy, seeks a Partnerships Researcher for the World's biggest sustainability film festival!

This is an opportunity to build for furthering your career in research and partnerships and also to gain professional esteem and presence.

Big Syn Institute is a part of the Centre for Big Synergy and has been organising the Big Syn International Film Festival (BSIFF) since 2019.

The partnerships researcher will work closely with the team to identify and engage in strategic research, both online and offline, for the biggest film festival and awards, of its kind - Big Syn Institute's BSIFF, London.

Since 2019, the festival has reached over 50M people and in over 120 countries. Through relevant shorts, features, animations, documentaries, CSR videos and Public Service Videos, Charity films, the festival advocates the United Nations 17 Global Goals and also celebrates the work of UK's marginalised filmmakers. 

OSCAR, BAFTA and EMMY award-winners, as well as other luminaries from film and media, sustainability, and policy have been part of the festival and have supported it since inception. Winners from the festival have eventually won OSCARS and EMMY awards

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a dedicated researcher with a can-do attitude. The partnerships researcher must be able to:

• Conducting deep online research to identify partners and opportunities that align with our values
• Creating clear summaries and recommendations based on your findings
• Updating the team once a week (remotely) to discuss research progress and priorities.

What are we looking for?

A committed and meticulous person, passionate about making the world a more sustainable, safer and peaceful place

• Proven experience of research and working with the team to identify potential partners and stakeholders
• Experience conducting structured research to identify trends, gaps, or opportunities—especially in social, environmental, or nonprofit sectors
• Ability to research and maintain database of potential partners, work on lead generation and follow ups
• Prompt communication and timekeeping, ability to deliver on time
• Maintain confidentiality and utmost standards of professional etiquette.

What difference will you make?

Over 85% of people in the UK and even more, globally, are unaware of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)let alone take any steps to create a more sustainable world for themselves and in the process for others in this complexly interconnected world.

This highlights the need for such initiatives to educate the British as well as global societies about the UN SDGs. Your contributions can educate and inspire millions to act on the SDGs and bring positive changes that will impact all of us in this complexly interconnected world.

Most importantly your efforts will ensure that the film festival and the UK's marginalised filmmakers (LGBTQI+, women, disabled and ethnic minorities) get even more visibility, thus furthering the motto of the festival to celebrate inclusion and diversity whilst inspiring the civic society to act on the Global Goals. It will also help partner organisations join forces and work in synergy to amplify the impact of the initiative through communal as well as individual efforts. Thus, benefitting more lives that we would have helped acting alone.

Before you apply

If you think you may not have all the skills or experiences requested but feel you are a strong candidate, please do apply as you will be part of a team with a broad skill-set. As you will be working remotely we will provide you with as much support as possible. This application is urgent and we are looking for the right candidate to start as soon as possible.

Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.

Role Purpose

We are seeking Volunteer Schools Workers to accompany our lead Schools Worker in delivering workshops to children and young people. You’ll help create a safe, positive environment for learning, support classroom activities, and be an encouraging presence for students as they explore important topics around respect, relationships, and digital culture.

Key Responsibilities

· Accompany the lead Schools Worker to sessions in primary and secondary schools.

· Assist with setting up and packing away resources and equipment.

· Helping facilitate and monitoring small group sessions

· Observe and note student engagement to help evaluate sessions.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Strong communication skills, especially with young people.

· Willingness to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and gender identities.

· Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as pornography, sexual harassment, and objectification.

· Calm, approachable manner that helps young people feel at ease.

· Openness to learning and developing new skills.

· Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with young people, staff, and colleagues.

· Good rapport with people of all ages and abilities.

· Commitment to confidentiality.

· Reliable timekeeping and punctuality for all sessions.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service will be provided

· You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

· Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

· Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

· Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· We will require 2 x references

· You will be required to dress in an appropriate manner when accompanying the team to sessions (school smart)

We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

Job Description:

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer - Commercial Proposal Volunteer to join their team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

By joining Quilombo UK and QMC Capoeira School you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provided you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will assist Quilombo UK in preparing funding bids that contribute to their further development. They should be well-organized, with a proactive attitude to deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organization. Candidates should be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks.

You will be volunteering as part of the team who are responsible for creating the bids to attract funding for our new or existing projects. The role will involve discussing project ideas and proposals with the management & project teams, searching for the right funding opportunities and preparing bids for submission.

You will work as part of an experienced team, where writing skills and experience in crafting persuasive and compelling content are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and write commercial proposals tailored to meet the specific requirements of clients and align with business objectives.
• Review and revise previously created proposals to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with current business strategies.
• Collaborate closely with other team members, partners, and stakeholders to produce high-quality bid responses, compelling content, and effective key messages that align with win themes.
• Assist in establishing a comprehensive proposal development strategy.
• Propose innovative ideas for bid submissions in line with the established strategy and market demands.
• Collect, organize, and analyze all relevant information to be included in the proposals.
• Manage a detailed “bid plan” and ensure all proposals are approved and submitted before the stipulated deadlines.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Ability to work with Excel is an advantage; support will be provided if necessary.
• Excellent writing skills with a strong understanding of persuasive writing and narrative structure.
• Focused, organized, and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Some understanding of commercial market trends and research processes.

Perks:

• A supportive working environment providing opportunities to develop your skills and experience in commercial bid writing.
• Work alongside seasoned professionals eager to share their expertise.
• On-site training programs to help you grow your skill set.
• A casual yet professional office setting with snacks and drinks provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits: Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• No weekends

Experience:

• Bid writer: 1 year (preferred)

Location:

• Remote (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

We’re looking for a friendly and empathetic Pathway Volunteer. As the first point of contact for individuals accessing our Community Wellbeing Service, you’ll play a vital role in welcoming guests, conducting initial triage appointments to understand their goals and needs, and signposting them to the most appropriate support services.

The role will require you to:

• Greet guests who are visiting the Community Wellbeing service for the first time
• Conduct a ‘pathway’ triage appointment, establishing the members’ goals and note down areas of concern and current issues
• Signpost to local services and partners that come into the space
• If needed, book an appointment for the member with an advisor
• Update Sufra’s case management system, keeping detailed notes of appointments

Skills required

Professional

• No formal qualifications are necessary, however understanding and having knowledge of the landscape of Brent, the welfare benefit system and other voluntary and statutory services will be beneficial.
• You need to be a confident communicator, able to give a warm welcome to all and keep to timely appointment slots.
• Digital literacy is essential.
• You must be confident with IT platforms such as Microsoft Office and preferably have used case management systems before.

Personal - We need volunteers who:

• Are friendly
• Are non-judgemental
• Can actively listen
• Are passionate about supporting local families to access the support they need
• Are empathic
• Preferably be able to speak another language: Arabic, Persian, Spanish
• Are confident communicating to people without a shared first language
• Have IT skills (ability to use Microsoft Office applications, or willing and able to learn)
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality

The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The organisation connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to thrive both mentally and physically.

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support across all stages of life, from diagnosis to living well. The charity:

• Shares expert advice and guidance to help people live well today.

• Funds pioneering research to improve understanding of different conditions and drive the development of new treatments.

• Works with the NHS to achieve universal access to specialist healthcare.

• Campaigns to improve rights, accessibility, understanding, and access to treatments for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.

The Role

This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy guiding its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.

The charity is seeking to appoint a Vice Chair to support the Chair and play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.

The Vice Chair serves as a Trustee and, in addition to standard Trustee responsibilities, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair acts as a supportive and critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair as required.

Person Specification

Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Knowledge of charity governance and Trustee responsibilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus, and manage differing perspectives.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and integrity.

• Availability to commit approximately 20 days per year to the role.

The charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative grant- making organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years.

Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.

 Who we’re looking for

• Do you want to make a real difference in Islington?
• Are you passionate about tackling local poverty and inequality?
• Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
• Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.

Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.

The closing date for applications is 16th October at 5:00 p.m.

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.