Head of volunteer roles

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach and part of that journey is to collect analyse and report on information gathered during our work and from our Lived Experience Board who will hold focus groups to supply information to ensure that the work that we carry out as an organisation remains relevant and changes as people’s needs do.

This information and the reports that are created on the back of it, will also be used to encourage and campaign for change in wider society.

The role of Research and Analysis Co-ordinator will be to collate the data and create analysis reports for the organisation to use as part of our ongoing projects and look at new areas of work that comes from this data.

You don’t need to have lots of experience in this area, just the attention to detail and understanding of how such data is collected and reported, we want to do things differently, therefore those core skills, as well as a passion for the charity purpose, is more important than anything else.

If you think you would be good at this, please apply, we want to hear from you.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

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

The role will require you to:

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

Skills required

Professional

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

Personal - We need volunteers who:

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

Research Volunteer [Norfolk]

Do you want to help identify the housing issues that shape our campaigns?

Information about the role

At Shelter Norfolk we’re building a coalition to secure long-term change. As a Research Volunteer, you’ll be a vital part of our work to achieve this. You’ll research important areas to help us learn more about the issues and the ways to fix them. Your research will contribute directly to our campaigning work to change housing in Norfolk. 

Location: Shelter Norfolk Hub, 50-52 Fishergate, Norwich

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments)

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

· Supporting Shelter Norfolk’s project work by carrying out research and data collection.

· Using the internet to research relevant topics, for example, Landlord Licensing Schemes and Council Enforcement Schemes.

· Making Freedom of Information requests to Local Authorities.

· Gathering data on the experiences of people affected by homelessness and bad housing, for example via questionnaires or surveys.

· Compiling the data collected in an accessible format. 

· Providing updates of your findings to the relevant action groups at Shelter Norfolk

This role fights the housing emergency by identifying local issues, so we can make sure our campaigns are relevant to the changes that are needed in the local area.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who is interested in housing and homelessness and who has enthusiasm for improving the experience of renters in Norfolk. The volunteer in this role will need some basic IT skills, including using the internet and sending emails.

Supporting you

· You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

· The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

· You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

· You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we passionately believe that neutering cats before they can breed is an essential part of cat ownership, and without neutering the UK’s cat population would quickly get out of control. Our neutering volunteers help spread positive neutering messages and make it easier for owners on low incomes to get their cats neutered. They help raise awareness of the benefits of neutering, promote our neutering schemes and respond to enquiries from members of the public.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the benefits of neutering and our neutering schemes
• Responding to enquiries about neutering
• Completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
• Following up with cat owners to make sure that vouchers are used
• Ensuring all cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures  

A bit more information about this role and the team

Neutering issuer to support with the administration and issuing of neutering vouchers.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by promoting our neutering scheme. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our neutering volunteers usually spend between two to four hours a week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of North East

As a Community of Practice Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a Community of Practice Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 26/09/2025

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Setting The Hardman Trust’s strategy and priorities.
• Representing the community, we serve and ensuring our decisions reflect the needs and experiences of those leaving prison.
• Supporting and constructively challenging our staff team to ensure the charity’s work, resources, and partnerships are well-managed and deliver maximum impact.
• Approving operational strategies and policies and monitoring their implementation.
• Approving The Hardman Trust’s financial plans and budgets and monitoring progress.
• Ensuring that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Promoting and safeguarding our values by acting with integrity, fairness, and commitment at all times.
• Applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote the charity’s work.

What we are looking for
No single Trustee will have everything the Hardman Trust needs. We want our Board to have the
collective experience needed to support and guide the charity. What matters most is your
commitment to our mission, your willingness to share your perspective and knowledge, and your
readiness to contribute to our Board’s decision-making. You do not have to have been a Trustee
before.
To complement the experience of our current Trustees, we are keen to hear from people with one or
more of the following:

• Lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether your own or that of a partner, family member, or close friend.
• Knowledge of Black, Asian, or minority ethnic communities, especially in relation to challenges faced after leaving prison.
• Professional experience in, or connected to, the criminal justice system.
• Expertise in HR, banking, and employment law to help us strengthen our policies and practices.
• Fundraising expertise to help grow the charity’s income and help us establish a Fundraising
• Advisory Board.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences.

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Trustee Pack for more information about this position.

Winter Bucket Collections Volunteer - Norfolk

Do you want to raise some money for Shelter, while having fun along the way?

Information about the role 

This role involves supporting our Community Fundraising teams. You’d be joining bucket collection events in the community to help us raise money. This is a highly flexible role. We’ll let you know about upcoming opportunities, and you can choose which you’d like to do. 

Location:  Shelter Norfolk, Whitefriars House, 50 Fishergate, NR3 1SE

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! You can choose the shifts you’d like to volunteer at.

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with bucket collections taking place on different days. You can choose the days that best suit your availability.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Holding collection buckets in public spaces.

• Making sure the money raised is counted and safely banked for Shelter.  

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience  

No specific skills or experience are required for this role. We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about joining our fight for home! 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role and we will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Maryhill Shopping Centre, Unit 8 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G20 9SH, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 500 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Unit 2C, Hunts Cross Retail Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, L24 9WA, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people? 

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross (Croix Rouge) in Montrouge. The programme will run from September 2025 – August 2026 (subject to visas). 

You will join the head office communication department of Croix-Rouge insertion, a programme funded by the French Red Cross that enables destitute young people, homeless people and long-term jobseekers to re-connect to the labour market, through civic participation. An intermediate to fluent level of written and spoken French is essential for this role and you will have the opportunity to further develop your written skills in French and gain experience in communicating across a range of channels, as well as developing your conversational French through lessons provided by Croix Rouge. 

On your arrival in France, you will take part in a 3 days on-arrival seminar in Paris, where you will get to know your national coordinators and other European volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Paris before leaving for your placement role! Your role involves volunteering for a maximum of 35 hours per week, including French lessons and a personal project. 

This is a great opportunity to get involved in key projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! 

Typical tasks may involve: 

• Activities at Headquarters: 

• Manage and update the association's web pages and social media accounts (including SEO improvements) 

• Create, update, and adapt various materials (posters, flyers, brochures, catalogues, activity reports, videos, presentations, etc.) 

• Monitor and share news related to Croix-Rouge insertion activities 

• Participate in the organisation of national events (General Assembly, seminars, partner meetings, etc.) 

• Support the creation of Activity Reports and ensure deadlines are met 

• Contribute to discussions and working groups to deepen the Croix-Rouge insertion project and improve communication practices 

• Provide logistical support for organising the General Assembly 

• Facilitate the flow of information between headquarters and the local offices 

• Activities on the Ground (Croix-Rouge Insertion Local Agencies - Bondy and Bobigny): 

• Assist the agencies in the development, daily operations, or sustainability of their actions related to Access to Rights, Prison-Justice, Mobility, Digital Inclusion, and Basic Skills for RSA beneficiaries 

• Support the sharing and learning of skills between teams to fully experience the support process, especially in the development of theatre improvisation workshops for beneficiaries 

• Assist in communicating on the ground to change the perception of the public interest, which is still often stigmatised in priority urban areas 

We’re looking for the following qualities: 

• Someone sensitive to the association's social and environmental dimension 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail 

• Creative with good interpersonal skills

• Interest in office automation tools, graphic design software and animation tools (Adobe Suite, Canva, etc.) 

• Interest in digital media (social networks) 

• Ability to analyse, summarise and write in French

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. This role requires someone with intermediate to fluent levels of spoken and written French. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates. 

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs. 

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

About Fresh Futures

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

One of Fresh Futures key services is Brian Jackson College, an alternative education provision. The college can support up to 100 young people aged 13 to 18 based across three sites, in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield. The College is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

There are ambitious plans to grow the provision across Kirklees and neighbouring areas in the near future.

The Board of Governors is a sub-committee of Fresh Futures Board of Trustees. Governors can also be appointed as Trustees of the Charity, but do not need to be so.

The role of the Governors is to:

· Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction

· Hold the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the College students, and the performance management of staff

· Oversee the financial performance of the College and make sure budgets are allocated appropriately

Governors are asked to attend 4 meetings a year, one per term, usually held virtually via Teams, and one in-person awayday.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

An accredited museum and award winning visitor attraction, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a charity and the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe.

We are a centre for volunteering and, with the assistance of over 100 volunteers, we deliver an extensive programme of educational and fundraising events each year designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors including historians, aviation enthusiasts, school parties and families. 

We also open to the public most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

We are looking for people who can our meet, greet and provide information to our visitors, all wrapped up in a friendly welcome to the site. This will also include taking care of our small retail outlet.

You will become familiar with our shop and our range of gifts and gradually build up your knowledge of our museum and exhibitions.

Are you... 

• Friendly and confident when talking to people of all ages and backgrounds
• Able to build strong relationships with staff and other volunteers
• Happy working in a small but busy team
• Willing to learn the operation of a simple till system
• Willing to find out more about our displays and exhibitions
• Happy to undertake other ad-hoc roles

This could be the perfect role for you!