Environment volunteer roles

Make a difference in your community – join us as a Trustee

Crossroads Care South East London is a trusted, long-standing charity providing vital support to unpaid carers and those they care for. As we continue to grow and evolve to meet increasing demand, we are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees in the following non-remunerated roles:

1. Are you experienced in safeguarding and want to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected and empowered?

We are looking for a Trustee with a strong background in safeguarding, preferably in social care, health, education, or a related sector. As our lead Trustee on safeguarding, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding policies and practices

• Support and challenge the executive team to uphold best safeguarding standards

• Ensure the charity meets its legal and ethical obligations to service users, staff, and volunteers

Ideal Individual will have:

• Experience in safeguarding roles or policy implementation

• An understanding of safeguarding within voluntary or care sectors

• A commitment to creating safe, inclusive environments

2. Fundraising Trustee

Do you have a background in fundraising, marketing, or income generation? Help us build sustainable funding for the future.

We are seeking a Trustee who can help guide our fundraising strategy, strengthen donor relationships, and support innovative income development. As Fundraising Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic input into fundraising plans and campaigns

• Support the team in identifying new funding opportunities

• Champion our cause to potential supporters and funders

Ideal Individual will have:

• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or business development

• Knowledge of grant funding, corporate partnerships, or individual giving

• A strategic mindset and willingness to leverage networks

3. Lived Experience Trustee

Have you been an unpaid carer or received support from care services? Your insight is invaluable.

We believe the voices of those with direct, lived experience should shape the way we support our community. As a Trustee with lived experience, you will:

• Bring unique perspectives to decision-making

• Help ensure our services are person-centred and responsive

• Represent the needs of carers and cared-for individuals on our Board

Ideal Individual will have:

• Experience as an unpaid carer or recipient of care services

• A passion for advocacy, inclusion, and social change

• Willingness to learn about governance and contribute to strategic discussions

What We Offer:

• A meaningful opportunity to make a real difference to unpaid carers and families

• A welcoming, collaborative Board and senior leadership team

• Induction, training, and ongoing support to help you succeed

• Flexible commitment, including quarterly Board meetings and occasional subcommittees

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

REQUIRED FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Penair is a large progressive and innovative single academy trust secondary school wishing to develop an outstanding culture and provision. We are seeking a Chair of Trustees, with the knowledge and skills to support and help drive sustained improvement, to join Penair School from September 2025.

Penair is looking to recruit a Board Chair to succeed the current post holder who is retiring from the role after 10 years. We are interested in applicants with a range of skills and leadership experience. Experience in the education sector is not essential. The role’s focus is to oversee the following key functions of the Board:

· strategic leadership of the academy trust - the Board defines the trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the trust’s culture and sets and champions the trust strategy

· accountability and assurance - the Board must demonstrate robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the school, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping its estate safe and well-maintained

· engagement - the Board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. As such, trustee governors must involve parents, schools and communities in a way that demonstrates decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement

· governance – trustees must apply the highest standards of conduct and ensure robust and effective governance arrangements are in place, critical for effective financial management

The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate a successful track record in delivering across these areas.

Penair is a ‘Good’ school, confirmed by Ofsted inspections in 2017 and again in March 2023 — with a steadily growing number of pupils on roll. Over the last five years it has grown from 915 to 1240 pupils. To accommodate demand for places, Cornwall Council has funded the building of a new £4 million teaching block and a dining hall expansion.

Penair is never complacent however, and the success of the school continues to grow and develop under the Headteacher’s accomplished leadership. The ongoing support and challenge provided by the Board of Trustees helps drive this continuous pursuit of quality, in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.

This is an exciting time to join the school and work with a strong group of trustee governor colleagues. The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate the drive, integrity, resilience and capacity to lead the Board in its endeavours to deliver for the children and families of Truro and beyond.

Interested applicants are invited to an informal meeting with the current Chair of Trustees and Headteacher in the first instance. If you are interested in discussing this exciting opportunity further, please contact Errin Allan, Headteacher’s PA.

"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".

Bid - Writer Support (Administrator) Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for Bid - Writer Support to join our passionate and driven team.

As Bid Administrator you will support the performance of a high performing bid team designed to facilitate and support the successful winning of new grants and tenders across the UK.

As an outstanding administrator you will play a key role in assisting the team to ensure that all bid documents and business development literature is prepared and presented not only to the highest possible standards but on time – often within challenging deadlines. Key to success in the role will be the following traits:

· Adaptability

· Determination

· Flexibility

· Robust disposition

You will be at your best when you’re working under pressure and in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This role calls for someone who can react as deadlines and priorities change; someone with resilience and a tenacity to get the job done whilst never compromising on quality.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management of a central mailbox, including basic tender management duties

· Monitoring new business opportunities advertised on various portals and websites.

· Reviewing new business opportunities as they arrive, forwarding relevant opportunities to the appropriate bid writers.

· Taking ownership of the bid library, which includes ensuring that it kept up to date as and when new opportunities are submitted.

· Thoroughly proof-reading materials to ensure information is grammatically correct, well-researched, and without spelling errors

· Ensuring that our in-house bid process is understood and implemented to ensure that quality, commercial and legal requirements are consistently met

· Taking ownership of client portals – Including dealing with daily alerts and maintenance of portal logins

· Providing general administrative support to the bid writing team.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday and Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:Day shift

Experience: Administrative: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

Volunteers would be expected to attend events and promote the work of St John. They would also be expected to attend network meetings.

Candidates will be interviewed in person at the unit, by the VEL and Community Network lead.

The welcome event will be arranged and delivered by the VEL and Community Network lead

Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/07/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

Interviews are due to take place on the following: Tuesday 24th June, 18:30-21:30 @ York Tuesday 8th July, 18:30-21:30 @ York Tuesday 15th July, 18:30-21:30 @ York

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) -Tuesday 22nd July, 19:30-21:00 @ York 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 13/07/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Climate and nature are urgent, motivating issues, so we attract great volunteers. We want to fulfil our potential by making sure we get the best out of our fantastic people and all the future ones we attract by keeping them happy and active. That is the role.

What will you be doing?

EcoCounts is a group of volunteers working together to embody EcoCore’s approach to the climate crisis. EcoCore covers a lot of ground because the climate and biodiversity crisis is so all-encompassing, which means we have a lot of varied and different volunteer tasks available, ranging from carbon footprint data collection, setting up sub-teams of friends or colleagues or doing social media or running workshops. 

Your responsibilities would be to create volunteer tasks from our work streams, which would include things like: 

• creating a role description for each volunteer task to give a good outline of everything required and expected

• keeping track of what volunteers are active on

• encouraging and inspiring volunteers to deliver on commitments

• creating an incentives or rewards framework for volunteers, potentially working with supporting businesses to agree on gift vouchers, tokens etc

• managing a small budget

• building up a social network with events, collaborations and other inputs

• using our social media accounts to advertise, to celebrate achievements etc

• help other directors, trustees & secretary keep reporting, stats, and feedback on activities up-to-date

Goals

1. Our 2025 target is 100 people doing their carbon footprints

2. We’re looking for 20 coordinators

3. We have about a dozen volunteering roles to fill beyond the two above

What are we looking for?

1. You should be a people-person with experience of managing people. You should be happy to put in the time and effort communicating with the volunteers both all-together and individually in a way that gets the best results from them.

2. Personal change is only one of the five ways that we can change society - we don't focus on personal change alone, we want to change our community, our local businesses and our local government.

3. You should check out our manifesto on the About page to make sure you agree with the ways we advocate for the way forward in the climate crisis – are you happy what we suggest is one of the best approaches?

What difference will you make?

Society has got itself into a dangerous situation with the climate crisis and EcoCounts aims to create a way out. We need all sorts of different people, not just climate nerds and sustainability fanatics, although of course that doesn't hurt. The person we need right now is someone who knows what people need to keep them happy and effective as a volunteer for us.

Being a volunteer-based organisation at this stage still, that might make the volunteer chief of staff the most important person we have. Of course we all consider each other equal. Being small and dynamic means EcoCounts can offer the flexibility for you to do an excellent and fulfilling job.

Rewards

Once you have found your feet, we can offer references, recommendations or certifications on any of the public platforms that we use, like Linkedin and Reach Volunteer. We are also building a social network and plans for regular events, so we hope you will also find our group socially rewarding.

Lead the Board of the Martin James Foundation, the global network of charitable organiastions working with a shared vision in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.

Applications close on: Monday 14th July 2025

Location: Global (with head office in Birmingham B17 9NJ)

Time commitment: Equivalent of 2 days per month

About the Martin James Foundation

The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations working with a shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.

Through our work, we strive to bring an end to institutional care for children, including orphanages, by engaging in family strengthening work and gatekeeping to prevent family separation, reunification and reintegration of children back into their families and communities when possible and facilitating family-based alternative care when it is necessary.

The Foundation is comprised of the following:

• MJF Global – utilises technical and financial resources generated by the Foundation to invest in partner organisations that support children and families in various countries, contributing to the global efforts in deinstitutionalising care practices.
• Key Assets – independent, non-profit fostering agencies in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand delivering charitable services for children, families and communities.

About the role

The Martin James Foundation is currently seeking a new Chair as our founding, current Chair comes to the end of their term later this year. This is an exciting time for the Foundation as we continue to deliver on our new strategy.

We are looking for an individual who will contribute to guiding the charity on its mission to support children and families around the world.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply.

Who we are looking for

We seek someone:

• Ideally with experience in a leadership capacity within the provision of global development and/or in children’s protection, social care or care reform.
• Experienced on Boards and will work to lead our board to ensure good governance and strategic innovation.
• With excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic tact. You’ll develop a strong working relationship with our Chief Executive and maintain connections with key stakeholders globally.
• A collaborative leader who can bring people together, foster a team environment, and work in partnership with our board and team to drive our ambitious strategy.
• Local or national government engagement experience, such as securing and delivering contracts or lobbying for policy change is highly desirable.
• The availability to prepare for and attend quarterly board meetings, quarterly sub-committee meetings and monthly CEO catch-ups.
• UK, or amenable to attend meetings within GMT working hours, and amenable to attending one face-to-face meeting per annum.

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 on Monday 14th July 2025.

About Roots Academy 

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

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 2,000 students across the UK, Canada, Australia & USA.

Role Summary

To bring our vision to life, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing our social

media strategy. You will be responsible for creating engaging and meaningful content that

resonates with our audience, promotes our educational programs, and nurtures our

community’s spiritual development.

Key tasks

• Social Media Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy

aligned with Roots Academy’s mission and goals.

• Content Creation: Create compelling and informative social media content, including

posts, videos, graphics, and stories, that reflects our values and engages our target audience.

• Community Engagement: Build and nurture a vibrant online community by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and respectful manner.

• Content Calendar: Maintain a content calendar to ensure a consistent posting schedule and to plan for special events, holidays, and campaigns.

• Audience Growth: Implement strategies to increase our social media following and engagement, including the use of hashtags, collaborations, and promotions.

• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor social media metrics, track campaign performance, and provide regular reports with insights and recommendations for improvement.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure that all social media content adheres to Roots Academy’s branding guidelines and reflects our core values.

• Collaboration: Work closely with other teams to align social media efforts with broader organisational objectives.

What we’re looking for

• Strong understanding of Islamic values and the ability to communicate and promote them effectively.

• Proven experience in social media management, preferably in an educational or nonprofit context.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in social media management tools and platforms.

• Creative thinking and the ability to develop engaging content.

• Strong analytical skills for tracking and evaluating social media performance.

• Understanding of social media advertising and paid promotion.

• Community management experience with the ability to maintain a positive and respectful online environment.

• Graphic Design Software - Basic knowledge of graphic design software like Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite for creating or editing marketing materials.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.

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

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

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

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

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Mary's is an open access, youth led organisation open to any young person aged 10-19. 

We are currently looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated, and energetic individuals to volunteer as youth club support workers, ideally over our busy summer programme.

As a Volunteer, you will assist Mary’s Youth Club team in providing exciting opportunities to young people at the Youth Club. 

This includes activities that take place on and off site

With excellent listening skills and the ability to empathise, you will build relationships of respect and trust and help maintain a welcoming, caring, safe and fun environment for Mary’s Youth Club members.

This role will include (but not be limited to):

• setting up and clearing the rooms
• assisting the team in providing the daily activities, this can include playing board games, arts and crafts, sports activitie, helping to prepare snacks, taking the register for the day and potentially going on day trips around London
• if you are volunteering on a Friday evening you may also be required to assist with the preparation of our warm evening meal

The time commitment:

• We are looking for people who are able to commit 3-5 hours per week - this will be to help cover the summer programme and therefore will be mostly day-time hours

• (Please note you are welcome to apply to volunteer during the term-time but the hours for this are different, they are monday-friday 4-7pm)

Experience

You do not need to have experience in volunteering, or to have worked with young people before, as you will be well looked after by the team. 

Training

You will be given a full induction to Marys Youth Club. 

This includes access to our training platform. The mandatory training for this role includes:

• Safeguarding
• Health and Safety
• Equality and diversity

Essential for This Role 

Safer Recruitment Checks: 

• DBS is essential for this role (we will provide this if you don't have one already)

• Completion of mandatory training modules as outlined above

• Interpersonal skills 

• Time Management skills

• Team Work 

• Ability to get stuck in

• Commitment to/ interest in, the work that we do

Please note that unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to be able to pay sponsorship visa costs for individuals, therefore you will need to have settled status or pre-settled status in the UK in order to be able to apply for this volunteer role

In return

You’ll be sharing your time and skills and gaining accreditations and valuable CV boosting skills 

We will also provide, references and/or a volunteer certificate

Reasonable travel expenses can be covered 

Note that we do also have other volunteer roles based in the office so if this is of interest then please get in touch to discuss

Application Instructions 

We will be holding a volunteer introduction call on July 3rd at 1pm

Followed by a settling in session with the young people on July 7th and 10th from 4-7pm (you can choose which day works best for you)

Please fill out the form on our website to apply 

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.