Education volunteer volunteer roles

Location: United Kingdom (Remote) 

Role: Independent Assessment Review Panel Member - Volunteer

About Us: We are a leading membership body dedicated to advancing the field of governance. Our mission is to provide high-quality qualifications and continuous professional development opportunities to our members.

Role

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable individual in education and assessment practice, specifically related to quality assurance and the maintenance of standards, to join our Assessment Review Panel (ARP) as an independent member.

This is a voluntary position. The position is not remunerated. Reasonable expenses and lunch will be provided for attendance at Assessment Review Panel meetings.

Role summary

• Provide an independent expert opinion on education and assessment best practice.
• Monitor the quality and maintenance of standards of CGIUKI qualifications.

Responsibilities

• To attend Assessment Review Panel meetings - currently twice a year, in-person meetings at London office.
• To review reports from Examiners and Chief Examiners and other relevant information provided to ratify, as a member of ARP, the issue of results for CGIUKI qualifications.
• Challenge current processes and advise on best practice regarding the maintenance of standards within educational assessment.
• Provide advice on education and assessment best practice

Person specification

• Likely to hold/have held a senior position in another Awarding Organisation.
• Experience of the assessment, awarding and result confirmation process.
• Excellent communicator

How to apply

If you are passionate about governance and educational assessment, and you meet the requirements listed above, please send a copy of your CV together with a covering letter to Simon Feneley-Lamb, Learning and Standards Lead.

The deadline for your application is 31 December 2025.

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.

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC is looking for volunteer Non-Executive Directors for our new Education Centre CIC starting early in 2026!

Company Description

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC (based in Frome, Somerset), is intending to provide day courses, DWP work placements, Skills Bootcamps, our own LANTRA-certified courses and apprenticeships, in horticulture and agroecology. We will also run a weekly youth group to improve nature connection amongst young people; encourage a healthy attitude to the outdoors and give them land-based skills that they will not learn at school. There will also be a ‘light touch’ element of ecology and wildlife to address more positively the challenges we now face with climate change.

Our courses will be open to everyone of all ages; however, our primary focus will be on the provision of post-16 learning opportunities outside of ‘A’ levels and higher education; i.e. further education, work experience and land-based skills development to, ultimately, increase employability.

Our work is guided by a passion for an education that suits all learners, a commitment to supporting everyone to achieve their potential and a desire to see increased employability for young people living in Frome and the surrounding areas.

The Education Centre will be run by Vallis Farms Ltd Head of Land & Learning in conjunction with the Education Centre’s Operations Manager. The Head of Land & Learning will run the youth group and deliver teaching alongside other contracted instructors/teaching staff. The CIC will apply for funding to enable children, young people and adults to take educational courses who would normally self-exclude or be excluded due to lack of transport options or for financial reasons (e.g. a lack of funds to pay for a course or necessary equipment e.g. boots).

Role Description

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board of three people.

This is a voluntary role suitable for individuals who, like us, care deeply about an education provision for all, and are also eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of the Education Centre. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re looking for people with experience in either education (ideally secondary level or above), budget/finance management and reporting, monitoring and evaluation or charity governance, and have a desire to share your experience and skills.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will:

• Participate in board meetings (in-person in Frome) as often as is necessary to effectively carry out board duties and govern the CIC. The frequency can be decided by the board once convened, but will be quarterly at most
• Help guide Vallis Farm Education Centre’s strategy and priorities
• Ensure the CIC has effective leadership, strong accountability systems and effective policies and procedures to ensure it always meets its legal obligations and serves its stated community purpose
• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
• Act as an ambassador for our mission to improve post-16 provision in our area and help us build connections
• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge/experience, or community perspective to strengthen our education provision
• Ensure no conflicts of interest occur during the delivery of the CIC’s business

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their skills and experience, passion, or learned perspective to drive positive change in further education and employability for the young people of Somerset.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We ask that you bring:

• An interest in improving accessibility to high quality further education
• Experience (professional or personal) in at least one of the following four areas:
  • Education
  • Budget/financial management
  • Monitoring and evaluation (progress and impact)
  • Charity governance
• Operational and/or company management experience
• Creative ideas, strategic thinking, or problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team

Key Details

• Role type: Voluntary
• Location: Frome, Somerset
• Commitment: Up to 4 board meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
• Start date: Flexible, February/March 2026

Apply formally by sending your CV, details of two referees and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our Head of Land & Learning, Tamsin Westbrook

Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Friday 9th January 2026. An interview will follow for shortlisted candidates later in January to assess suitability and to meet the CIC team. All candidates will be informed whether they have been shortlisted or not. References may be sought prior to shortlisting for interview.

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.

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Coordinator (PC)

Location: Kakamega, Kenya

Duration: Minimum 3 weeks during our summer programme, which runs from approximately late June –  to mid-September 2026

Start Date: The EPAfrica summer starts in late June, with travel to Kenya taking place several days before the Project Associates arrive.

Compensation: This is a non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

Travel: All project-related travel in and around Kakamega County. Flight tickets are at the expense of the post holder*
Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer.
Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery (travel to sites, partner meeting expenses, etc.) covered by the charity.

*Additional Costs: Round-trip flights to Kenya and limited subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week).

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our focus is on a win:win approach to skills development and capacity building. We recruit, train and support graduates in the UK to develop leadership and project management skills, while working in partnership with rural schools in East Africa to create sustainable improvements in education by investing in people, resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Project Coordinators play an essential role in this work, engaging directly with schools, developing a strong understanding of the local context, and supporting meaningful, long-term projects.

Role Overview

As a Project Coordinator (PC), you will be part of EPAfrica’s Summer Team, contributing to the effective delivery of our in-country programme. Working alongside the Project Manager and fellow Coordinators, you will help ensure that Project Associates (PAs) have the operational guidance, logistical support, and pastoral care they need during their placements.

The role offers a broad introduction to programme coordination, capacity building and grassroots development work. It provides valuable experience in supporting teams, navigating operational challenges, and contributing to the smooth functioning of a multi-site programme. Project Coordinators play an important part in maintaining programme quality and supporting volunteers as they apply training, develop confidence, and build relationships in partner schools.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of the Project Manager (PM), the Project Coordinator will:

Support Project Associates (PAs) in their placements, including:

• Monitoring project progress and helping PAs address challenges as they arise.

• Providing pastoral support and helping maintain volunteer wellbeing.

• Co-delivering training on topics such as project management, responsible development practices, cultural awareness, safety, and wellbeing.

Operational Coordination

• Assist with the coordination of logistics essential to programme delivery.

• Facilitate communication between PAs, the Summer Team, and the UK-based central charity team.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Contribute to in-country monitoring and evaluation activities, including:

  • Monitoring visits to current and recent investment schools.

  • Assessment visits to potential future participant schools.

  • Staying informed on developments in the Kenyan education sector and their potential implications for our work.

• Support the maintenance of relationships with local partners.

Team Contribution

• Participate in Summer Team planning, reflection sessions, and process documentation.

• Help maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of the Kenya-based team in line with EPAfrica’s risk guidelines.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• Demonstrated interest in grassroots international development; prior experience (volunteering, fieldwork, or professional) preferred.

• Experience working within teams delivering project-based work, and the ability to support others with empathy.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures.

• Facilitation skills, or willingness to learn how to assist in delivering training, and creating psychologically safe learning spaces 

• Confidence in taking initiative, solving problems under pressure, and making thoughtful decisions.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment

• Experience and willingness to act with resilience and adaptability in new cultural contexts and settings (food, travel, communications, cultural expectations, etc.)

• Experience as a Project Associate (formerly Project Worker) or previous Summer Team involvement preferred, though relevant experience in similar contexts is also valued.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience in project coordination and delivery.

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level.

• The opportunity to spend time in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya.

• One week’s holiday mid-programme, with the opportunity to explore Kenya (e.g., Mombasa, Nairobi, Maasai Mara).

• Experience working with a dedicated and collaborative team, and the chance to build a strong professional network.

• Transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and risk awareness.

• A valuable addition to your CV, many EPAfrica alumni progress to roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service, and a range of consultancies.

Interested?

We welcome applications from those enthusiastic about education and development and interested in contributing to impactful, hands-on work in Kenya. You are also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them, please indicate this in your application.

16-Week Semester: 20 January – 24 May 2026

Location: Online (Google Meet & Google Classroom)

Commitment: Approx. 4 hours per week 

About the Role

Victory Afghanistan is seeking enthusiastic and committed Volunteer English Instructors to join our international online teaching team. We provide free English education to Afghan girls and women, helping them rebuild their futures through learning and mentorship.

Our next semester runs for 16 weeks, beginning 20 January 2026 and finishing 24 May 2026.

You do not need to be a qualified English teacher to apply, enthusiasm, reliability, and strong communication skills are most important. However, having teaching experience or a TEFL certificate would be advantageous. Join a multinational team of volunteers from 27 countries.

All curriculum materials, lesson plans, and assessments are provided. Volunteers only need to prepare for classes, teach their lessons, and complete light marking and feedback.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver two live online English lessons per week (1 hour each).

• Dedicate approx. 2 additional hours per week for preparation, marking, and communication.

• Follow the provided curriculum and assessments.

• Collaborate with co-instructors and program coordinators.

• Create a culturally sensitive and inclusive learning environment.

About the Students:

• All students are female and based in Afghanistan, aged 11 to 40.

• You’ll typically teach a group of around 10 students.

• We are currently recruiting instructors for Intermediate (Level 5) and Advanced (Level 6) classes.

• Many students face internet limitations and many connect via mobile phones.

Dates: 2 February 2026 – 7 December 2026

Location: Remote (Online via Google Meet)

Commitment: 1 hour per week for 16 weeks

Location: Fully remote

Structure: We provide guidance, resources, and ongoing support, but there is no fixed curriculum.

Mentees: You will be paired with a small group of mentees (typically 6–9), aged 18–26, all fluent in English.

Scheduling: Mentors arrange sessions directly with mentees at mutually convenient times.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome professionals from a wide range of industries. Our current mentors come from backgrounds including law, mental health, business, civil engineering, and architecture. Each mentor is carefully matched with students pursuing similar career paths to ensure meaningful and relevant engagement.

You do not need formal mentoring experience. We are seeking dedicated, emotionally intelligent, and inspirational professionals from around the world who bring real-world experience, strong communication skills, and empathy, and who are passionate about helping others grow.

This is not a traditional mentorship programme — it is a structured pathway designed to help young Afghan women develop the academic and professional skills needed to move forward despite the severe restrictions placed on them inside Afghanistan.

Applicants should hold either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of professional experience. They should demonstrate emotional intelligence, clarity in communication, and the ability to guide, inspire, and challenge thoughtfully. A reliable internet connection is also essential.

Our students have completed six levels of English and are now enrolled in one of four mentorship semesters. Each mentee follows her own unique path, whether:

• Pursuing an online university degree,

• Applying for scholarships abroad (Europe or the US), or

• Seeking remote work or internships (particularly for qualified professionals currently unable to work inside Afghanistan).

This is an opportunity to make a tangible, life-changing impact. The women in our programme are courageous, determined, and eager to learn, yet they lack access to role models and practical guidance from professionals in their fields.

As a mentor, you will help them take the next step, n whether that means applying for scholarships, building a career portfolio, or gaining the confidence and professional skills to work remotely.

Our long-term goal is to move towards a 1:1 mentor-to-student ratio, ensuring that each young woman receives the personalised support she deserves.

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC is looking for volunteer Non-Executive Directors for our new Education Centre CIC starting early in 2026! 

Company Description 

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC (based in Frome, Somerset), is intending to provide day courses, DWP work placements, Skills Bootcamps, our own LANTRA-certified courses and apprenticeships, in horticulture and agroecology. We will also run a weekly youth group to improve nature connection amongst young people; encourage a healthy attitude to the outdoors and give them land-based skills that they will not learn at school. There will also be a ‘light touch’ element of ecology and wildlife to address more positively the challenges we now face with climate change. 

Our courses will be open to everyone of all ages; however, our primary focus will be on the provision of post-16 learning opportunities outside of ‘A’ levels and higher education; i.e. further education, work experience and land-based skills development to, ultimately, increase employability. 

Our work is guided by a passion for an education that suits all learners, a commitment to supporting everyone to achieve their potential and a desire to see increased employability for young people living in Frome and the surrounding areas. 

The Education Centre will be run by Vallis Farms Ltd Head of Land & Learning in conjunction with the Education Centre’s Operations Manager. The Head of Land & Learning will run the youth group and deliver teaching alongside other contracted instructors/teaching staff. The CIC will apply for funding to enable children, young people and adults to take educational courses who would normally self-exclude or be excluded due to lack of transport options or for financial reasons (e.g. a lack of funds to pay for a course or necessary equipment e.g. boots). 

Role Description 

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board of three people. 

This is a voluntary role suitable for individuals who, like us, care deeply about an education provision for all, and are also eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of the Education Centre. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re looking for people with experience in either education (ideally secondary level or above), budget/finance management and reporting, monitoring and evaluation or charity governance, and have a desire to share your experience and skills.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will: 

• Participate in board meetings (in-person in Frome) as often as is necessary to effectively carry out board duties and govern the CIC. The frequency can be decided by the board once convened, but will be quarterly at most 

• Help guide Vallis Farm Education Centre’s strategy and priorities 

• Ensure the CIC has effective leadership, strong accountability systems and effective policies and procedures to ensure it always meets its legal obligations and serves its stated community purpose 

• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance 

• Act as an ambassador for our mission to improve post-16 provision in our area and help us build connections 

• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge/experience, or community perspective to strengthen our education provision 

• Ensure no conflicts of interest occur during the delivery of the CIC’s business 

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their skills and experience, passion, or learned perspective to drive positive change in further education and employability for the young people of Somerset. 

What We’re Looking For 

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We ask that you bring: 

• An interest in improving accessibility to high quality further education 

• Experience (professional or personal) in at least one of the following four areas: 

• Education 

• Budget/financial management 

• Monitoring and evaluation (progress and impact) 

• Charity governance 

• Operational and/or company management experience 

• Creative ideas, strategic thinking, or problem-solving skills 

• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team 

Key Details 

• Role type: Voluntary 

• Location: Frome, Somerset 

• Commitment: Up to 4 board meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings 

• Start date: Flexible, February/March 2026

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Book Aid International is the UK’s leading international book donation and library support charity. Every year we work with our partners to provide over one million brand-new books worldwide.

We are looking for volunteers to support our small, friendly warehouse team in Swindon.

If you’d like to make a hands-on contribution to sharing the power of books worldwide, and you have a few hours a week you can offer on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

The role includes assisting in preparing book shipments by selecting titles accurately from a provided pick list and using handheld scanners.

You will contribute to the overall safety of the working environment by following health and safety practices, and contribute to a positive team environment.

You must be able to stand for extended periods and perform light lifting duties, including handling and placing individual books.

You must be over 18.

Please visit our website for more information including how to apply. 

Volunteer Opportunities at Coombe House Farm
Our farm is in the early stages of an exciting journey. We are already cultivating a vibrant mix of fruit and vegetables, including our no-dig beds, polytunnels and orchard. We currently care for chickens, ducks, sheep and guinea pigs with more animals being introduced as the site develops. We are expanding and would love volunteers to join our friendly team! 

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager for further details.  We are always happy to discuss how you can get involved. We can then advise you of the application process and next stages. 

The Diana Award are thrilled to invite you to volunteer for our Mentoring Programme in Spring 2026, which operates across London. 

We collaborate with volunteer mentors to support young people aged 14-18 who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) through mentoring interventions, career skills development programmes, and support with their youth-led social action projects. 

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR? 

We welcome applicants of all industries and levels of experience. Through mentoring you will gain skills in communication and leadership, building empathy and understanding of issues and barriers facing young people in their communities. 

OUR MENTORING PROGRAMMES  

We will be running our exciting Twelve-week Mentoring Programme from March - July 2026, across London, in the boroughs of Enfield, Hounslow, Southwark, Redbridge, and Sutton. 

The programme will involve: 

• Twelve weeks of in-person weekly mentoring sessions that last one hour (excluding travel) and are delivered on the same day and time each week. 

• Group mentoring, where a group of volunteer mentors work together to support a group of mentees, with the help of a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Volunteer mentors will share advice and guidance with young people who are at risk of becoming NEET.

We will train you to mentor and provide ongoing support for the duration of your programme. 

The Diana Award can provide you with a professional reference, paid for DBS check, and refund your travel expenses in exchange for your voluntary work. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Requirements 

• A minimum of 18-years-old.

• Willing to complete a DBS Check (paid for by The Diana Award).

• Willing to provide contact details for two referees.

• Has the right to work and volunteer in the UK. 

• Able to attend a three-hour in-person mentor training session. 

• Able to commit to weekly face-to-face sessions. 

• Lives or works in London.

Skills 

• Passion for working with young people. 

• Has developed or willing to develop active listening skills. 

• Ability to see solutions and opportunities when working with people or in a group setting. 

• Ability to show resilience when faced with challenging situations or behaviours. 

Experience / Knowledge 

• Has work experience, this can be professional, from previous volunteering, or social action initiatives. 

• Has developed or willing to develop experience of picking, planning, and delivering a social action campaign. 

Optional Experience / Knowledge 

• Has prior experience working with young people. 

• Has experience in organising grassroots activism. 

• Has experience or knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

• Has experience or knowledge in Widening Participation. 

• Has experience in project management. 

Responsibilities

• Commit to weekly sessions for twelve weeks, demonstrating consistency and punctuality. Mentoring Programme sessions last 60 to 90 minutes (excluding travel time). Follow through is key when working with young people at risk of becoming NEET. 

• Collaborate with a Diana Award Facilitator and other volunteer mentors to deliver and support group mentoring sessions within a school setting. 

• Review session plans and prepare for weekly sessions. Communicate weekly and in a timely manner with other volunteer mentors and a Diana Award Facilitator. 

• Create a safe and positive learning environment and provide young people with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 

• Nurture positive relationships with young people. Listen, understand, and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. 

• Support young people to plan a social action project. 

• Foster a growth mindset and encourage young people to challenge themselves to work towards their goals. 

• Support young people’s professional development by connecting them with further opportunities. For example, workplace visits, work experience, resources, relevant networks etc. 

• Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as per The Diana Award Safeguarding Policy. 

OUR CHARITY 

The Diana Award is the charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. We seek to empower young people, delivering bespoke youth programmes for children and young people aged 9 – 25. We work with young people to unlock their potential, create opportunities for their growth, and inspire action from them to lead the change they want to see. 

HOW CAN I APPLY?

1. Read the Mentor Application Pack attached, so you have all the necessary information before applying. 

2. Apply now using the Online Application Form. The deadline to apply is 7th January 2026 you will hear back about your application in mid-January 2026.

If your application is successful, volunteer mentoring will begin in March 2026, following identity checks and training. 

We can’t wait to receive your application! 

About the Demonstrator role

Demonstrators play a huge part in St John being able to deliver education and care in communities, with Demonstrators supporting the delivery of all of our training to volunteers and the public. If you choose to apply for this role, you will have the opportunity to ensure outstanding quality training is provided to our people, enabling them to carry out their roles to a high standard.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31st December 2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9FTE) and over 100 volunteers. Our office is based in the Leemore Centre in central Lewisham. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

AFRIL’s ESOL support volunteers will work with AFRIL’s Community Activities Coordinator to provide friendly and professional ESOL and English Conversation activities to participants.

Your duties will include: 

• Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the ESOL / English Conversation activity.

• You will work with the Community Activities Coordinator to plan activities and sessions according to the appropriate level of the participants’ English.

• You will engage participants in the activities, supporting them to take part, improving their English and confidence.

Other duties also include:

• Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.

• Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.

• Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.