Environment volunteer volunteer roles

Our green charity looks after dozens of spaces around the East Midlands, including areas in the High Peak.c;

From planting and coppicing trees to litter picking and weeding, there are tasks for people of all ages and abilities, whether you’re an avid gardener or a brand new enthusiast. Full training, PPE, and light refreshments are provided. We’ll also fully reimburse your transport costs.

Volunteering has many benefits:

• Being active helps your physical and mental health
• Meet new people and being social
• Enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air
• See a green space improve before your very eyes
• Give back to your community
• …and much more!

We're looking for volunteers to assist with the day to day running of our shops located across north east Essex. Volunteer vacancies are available in various shop locations.

Duties of the role include the following:

(Note - Not all the tasks apply to every shop and will be dependent on which shop; type of tasks required for that area and your level of experience)

• Customer service
• Operating till & cash handling
• Signing customers up to Gift Aid scheme & inputting gift aid data if required
• Preparing donated goods for sale
• Ensuring recyclable goods are put in appropriate place
• Pricing as outlined by the shop manager
• Display and merchandising (may include transferring items from one display to another)
• Stock control
• Sorting donated goods (this may include lifting or moving moderately heavy items such as sacks of donated clothes or boxes containing books in some areas)
• Light cleaning duties and using an iron or steamer to press donated clothes

For coffee shops only:

• Operating coffee machines, serving customers and clearing and wiping down tables
• Ensure good food hygiene, health and safety and fire regulations are adhered to at all times

Training & supervision

• All required training, including till operation, gift aid and health & safety will be provided.
• For coffee shops you will be required to undertake online food hygiene training courses.

Knowledge & experience required

• Some customer service experience would be advantageous
• Ability to remain calm while listening to a customer complaint
• Ability to handle cash
• Excellent communication skills
• Previous experience of working or volunteering in a retail environment desirable
• Ability to use electronic tills and devices
• Friendly and approachable manner

Personal attributes

• Passionate about St Helena
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable handling cash
• Excellent communication skills
• Personable and approachable
• Reliable, trustworthy and flexible to meet the demands of the business
• Team player with a friendly outlook

Administration Support Volunteer

When someone reaches out to us, often in a moment of crisis, our administration support volunteers are one of the first voices they hear. You make sure that voice is calm, kind, and helpful.

You support people in a housing crisis, as well as offering assistance and information to supporters, volunteers, and members of the public who get in touch by phone, email, or in person. Working alongside our trained staff, you’ll help answer calls to our support line and keep things running smoothly across our office and support centre.

A big part of this role is helping the office runs smoothly day to day. That means getting involved in a wide variety of tasks, from supporting our databases and keeping records up to date, to helping with general admin, organising information, and making sure everything is where it needs to be so the staff and volunteer team can focus on supporting people. You’ll also help us keep accurate records so that people get the right support at the right time.

You’ll be helping with things like:

• Being a friendly first point of contact by phone, email, or at the door. 
• Listening carefully and recording important information accurately. 
• Supporting people with enquiries and helping them feel heard and understood. 
• Helping keep our databases and records up to date. 
• Supporting a wide range of daily admin tasks across the office. 
• Keeping the office organised so the team can focus on supporting people. 
• Helping prepare spaces for meetings and everyday activity. 
• Filing, scanning, and handling post. 
• Making refreshments and helping create a welcoming environment. 
• Supporting with basic stock checks and office supplies. 

What matters most in this role

We don’t expect you to know everything already. What matters most is:

• You’re kind, patient, and a good listener. 
• You can stay calm when things feel busy or emotionally challenging. 
• You’re comfortable using a phone, email and a computer, Microsoft Office and happy to learn new systems. 
• You understand the importance of confidentiality and treating people with respect. 
• You’re reliable and willing to be part of a team that supports each other. 
• You’re happy to help with a mix of people-facing and computer-based tasks.

 What you’ll gain

You’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support so you feel confident in your role. This includes training in safeguarding, confidentiality, and the systems we use day to day.
Many of our volunteers find this role deeply rewarding, not just because of the skills they gain, but because of the part they play in supporting people through difficult moments. We’re also happy to provide a reference for future opportunities.
 

When you’ll volunteer
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and/or 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. 
We ask for around one shift a week wherever possible, but we’re flexible. 

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Volunteer Executive Assistant to the CEO

Organization: Bright Futures & Hillel Bright Futures Trust Community Hub
Location: Croydon, South London (Office-based)
Time Commitment: Main office days - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday/Online the remaining days (Potential Job Share available)
Start Date: Immediate (Following successful interview and reference checks)
Benefits: Free hot lunch, travel expenses, free training, and EAP support

About Us

Bright Futures and the Hillel Bright Futures Trust are proud to be South London's leading SEND community hub. Based in Croydon, we offer a vital range of education, training, and well-being services. We mainly serve children aged 4 to 19 years, extending up to 25 years for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We are deeply family-centred. We firmly believe that "a happy parent is a happy child." Because we champion equal opportunity and community support, over 90% of our services are delivered completely free of charge. This life-changing charitable work is only possible through the dedication of our incredible team and volunteers.

The Opportunity

Are you looking to use your professional skills to make a real social impact? We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Volunteer Executive Assistant (EA) to support our Chief Executive Officer.

This rewarding role offers the chance to gain high-level experience in the charity sector. You will act as a central pillar across our organization, directly contributing to our growth and community outreach.

What You Will Do: arrange of business admin duties - 

• CEO Support: Manage diaries, schedule meetings, and handle administrative workflows.
• Project Assistance: Coordinate tasks for community initiatives to support free service delivery.
• Human Resources: Assist with volunteer onboarding records and training schedules.
• Fundraising Support: Help track grant applications and coordinate local fundraising events.
• Communications & Social Media: Create content using Canva and manage our active social media profiles.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Skills:

• Tech Literacy: Mastery of the full Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams.
• Design Tools: Proficiency in Canva to create engaging social media and marketing graphics.
• Communication: Warm, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Organisation: Excellent time management and the ability to manage diverse administrative tasks.

Desirable Criteria:

• Driving License: A clean, valid UK driving license is highly preferred.
• Background Checks: A current Enhanced DBS check is ideal, though we can arrange this for you.

Commitment & Flexibility

• We require a commitment on our core days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Online days: Tuesday and Friday (will consider job share across 3 days)
• We welcome applications from individuals looking for a job-share volunteer arrangement to cover these days.

What We Offer You

• Free Hot Lunch: Provided daily at our hub.
• Travel Expenses: Full reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
• Well-being Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (via Bright HR).
• Professional Development: Free targeted training where required to enhance your performance in the role.
• References: A high-quality reference upon successful completion of your placement.
• Environment: A friendly, supportive team environment making a genuine difference.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

Volunteer Workshop Support

What you’ll be doing

Workshop Support Volunteer

• Welcome and support participants during workshops
• Help with activities, discussions and group participation
• Assist staff with setting up resources and workshop materials
• Support a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment
• Help gather feedback and pack away after sessions
• Support online sessions where needed

or Workshop Co-Facilitator Support

You may also support workshop delivery by:

• Assisting the lead facilitator during sessions
• Helping guide discussions and group activities
• Supporting positive group dynamics and equal participation
• Encouraging confidence, engagement and peer support
• Helping participants feel comfortable contributing and sharing ideas
• Assisting with online facilitation tools such as breakout rooms and chat functions

What we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience — just the right attitude:

• Friendly, reliable and approachable
• Good listener and communicator
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Comfortable working with people from different backgrounds
• Positive, organised and supportive
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Experience in group work, coaching, mentoring or wellbeing support is helpful but not essential.

What you’ll get

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in workshop facilitation and community support
• Opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team
• The chance to make a real difference in your local community

Time commitment

• Around 3 hours per week during workshop courses
• Opportunity to support multiple courses over time

Volunteer Sports Psychologist – Shape the Mindset of Champions with KUWFC!

Imagine being at the heart of South London’s women’s football revolution. Kenningwell United Women’s Football Club (KUWFC) isn’t just a team—it’s a movement. As a dynamic, non-profit club competing in National League Tier 7, KUWFC opens the doors to football for women of every background, championing inclusion, wellbeing, and community spirit.

This is where ambition meets opportunity.

Volunteer with KUWFC and you’ll step into an environment buzzing with energy and innovation. Here, you’ll work alongside ex-Chelsea professionals, connect with elite clubs like Crystal Palace and London City Lionesses, and play a vital role in fostering mental strength and resilience through state-of-the-art approaches to sports psychology.

Why KUWFC? Because here, you don’t just build your resume—you build your legacy.

- Network with top-tier professionals and learn from the best
- Develop practical skills in mental skills training, performance enhancement, and player wellbeing
- Make a real impact in women’s sport and community health
- Shape the future of football, bringing your passion to a fast-paced, ambitious club
- Earn references and experience that will propel your career forward

We seek passionate Sports Psychologists—students, graduates, or anyone ready to start their career in sports psychology. KUWFC is your gateway to hands-on experience, professional growth, and a chance to change lives by empowering athletes from the inside out.

Ready to stand out? Ready to make history?
Apply now and join Kenningwell United Women’s Football Club—where your expertise transforms not just players’ performance, but their lives and your own career.

Volunteer Role: Operations Director (Senior Leadership Team)

Location: Remote (London connections highly beneficial)

Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week

Help Build the Engine Behind MINDSET Charity

Poor mental health can affect anyone — but men and boys are often less likely to talk about how they feel. Many carry their struggles quietly, without the support, tools or safe spaces they need to grow.

MINDSET Charity is being built to change that.

We’re a London‑based start‑up charity in our concept and set‑up stage, creating a movement that empowers men and boys to develop stronger mindsets, healthier habits and positive futures through action‑based wellbeing. No therapy. Just growth, reflection and real‑world tools that help men become the best version of themselves.

To turn this vision into reality, we’re recruiting an Operations Director (Volunteer) to join our Senior Leadership Team — someone who can help us build the operational foundations, systems and processes that will make MINDSET Charity a success.

This is your chance to shape the operational heartbeat of a charity before it launches.

What You’ll Lead

As Operations Director, you’ll play a key role in:

• Designing and developing our early operational systems

• Creating structure, processes and workflows that support growth

• Helping prepare MINDSET for Trustee recruitment and formal governance

• Supporting programme development and operational delivery

• Coordinating teams, volunteers and early-stage projects

• Building partnerships, networks and community connections

• Ensuring MINDSET is ready to launch with clarity, efficiency and impact

If you have connections in London, that’s a huge advantage — but passion, organisation and belief in our mission matter most.

Who We’re Looking For

Someone who:

• Has experience in operations, project management or organisational development

• Thrives in start‑up environments and enjoys building structure from scratch

• Can think strategically while managing practical day‑to‑day needs

• Communicates clearly, confidently and compassionately

• Believes deeply in men’s mental health and positive male role models

• Can give at least 4 hours per week (more if possible)

• Wants to help create a charity that will genuinely change lives

You don’t need charity sector experience — just initiative, leadership and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Why Join Us?

1. Because this is more than a role — it’s a chance to help build a charity that will support men and boys for years to come.
2. Because your operational leadership will shape our future, our programmes and our impact.
3. Because you’ll be part of a movement that empowers men to grow, reflect and thrive.

• This is purpose.
• This is leadership.
• This is the beginning of something powerful — and we’d love you to help build it.

Apply now and help us build MINDSET Charity — one mindset, one action, one future at a time.

MINDSET Charity

Men and Boys Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity

Job description

Job description

What is the befriending service?

• The Befriending Service links volunteers 1:1 with a disabled child/young person.
• Links are based on shared interests and activities, which you can enjoy doing together, either in the young person’s home or out in the community.

What experience do I need?

• You do not need any previous experience with disabled children or young people
• We ask that you are friendly, caring, reliable and able to make a commitment to visit a young person regularly.

What will I be doing?

You will volunteer within WECIL’s befriending service for disabled children/young people and their families. This involves:

• Spending time regularly with a disabled child or young person in their home or their local community.
• You will not be asked to administer medication or deliver personal care in this role.

Who am I responsible for?

• You are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person you are linked with.
• All links are risk-assessed and carefully monitored by your Coordinator.

How often will I be needed?

• We typically ask for volunteers to commit to 1-4 hours a week
• The days / times are agreed between the volunteer and the family.
• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to ensure the child and their family are able to benefit fully from the relationship.

What about expenses?

• Volunteer travel expenses can be reimbursed on receipt of a claim form. You won’t be left out of pocket.

Any Perks?

• Ongoing training and support to develop skills and confidence
• Professional references provided for committed volunteers
• Volunteer socials to meet like-minded people and build friendships
• Expenses are covered
• A welcoming and supportive environment

Time2Share@WECIL is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the children we support. 

Unfortunatly we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers

Our values:

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Volunteer Admissions Assistant

You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you. 

The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:

• Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
• Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
• Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
• Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
• Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
• Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
• Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!

Who we’re looking for:

We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community.  Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:

• Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
• Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
• Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
• Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
• Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
• A good telephone manner
• Good team working skills

This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.

Training and support:

All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift.  We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.

Availability:

We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers

Our values:

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.