Head of volunteer roles

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.

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:

Unit 7 The Valley Centre, Sugar Way, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9QB, 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:

57-60 King Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7JH, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

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

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Middlewich and District Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks

Trustee (Fundraising & Grants Lead) responsibilities:

• to work alongside the Finance Committee, treasurer and the rest of the board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity
• to work alongside the trustee board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charity’s vision and objectives
• to lead on the organisation of fundraising opportunities to support the running of the charity, with a specific focus on engaging with business and corporate partners
• to lead on incorporating national Trussell fundraising campaigns/events into the food bank’s fundraising calendar
• to oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity’s vision and objectives
• to regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives.
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity.
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately.
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated.
• to review and approve financial statements.
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection.
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• an understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Middlewich & District Foodbank
• a knowledge of, and passion for, fundraising and grant application writing
• an ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner
• experience of liaising with business and corporate partners and the development of fundraising relationships
• excellent communication and collaboration skills
• the ability to engage with others and be part of a team, as well as being organised and motivated to complete tasks independently
• willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• the ability to listen and engage with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences
• willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support will be provided. This role could support someone taking their first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

What difference will you make?

By leading on fundraising and grants matters for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Middlewich & District Foodbank.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager. 

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Volunteer with The Remakery Oxford

Who we are

A community-driven organisation, our mission at Remakery Oxford is to foster a circular economy approach to waste in Oxford. Through creativity, skill-sharing and collaboration, we transform waste into art and function, providing an antidote to fast fashion and single-use culture.

Our focus is to help shift mindsets around sustainability, consumption and top-down mass production.  Through workshops, talks and podcasts, we encourage experimentation, social innovation and education, driving forward the idea that anyone can curate art, function and fashion with minimal planetary impact.

Our next goal is to establish a studio for those who lack the space and tools to work independently. With the support of our volunteer team we hope to provide a collaborative space in exchange for skills sharing in the community.

Our values

1. Disruption: We believe in challenging current systems and ideologies and encouraging community members to be agents for change.
2. Collaboration: We are a community-driven organisation with a focus on learning and growing together.
3. Open-mindedness: We firmly believe that change comes about through experimentation
4. Curiosity: We foster creativity and continuous learning.
5. Respect: We respect people and the planet, championing fairness and resourcefulness.

Where we are now

We have run several successful events and have developed a modest but engaged follower base. We currently have a small but well-established volunteer team alongside a growing newsletter community and a few established local partnerships. 

What we have achieved:

- Two successful Upcycle fairs

- A variety of workshops (e.g., upcycled jewellery, jeans-to-totes, low-impact film development).

- Built a community of remakers and trash artists

We are keen to explore new activities, circularity at their core, that can maximise our impact in Oxford.

What we need help with

We have flexible volunteer opportunities for anyone who shares our passion for circularity and is willing to uphold our values. It may suit you if you work part time, are out of work, are retired, on parental leave or are a student. There's no minimum time commitment.

We are looking for volunteers in these areas:

Running Events - Creative types who want to run workshops and other events themed around circularity, reuse, repair and reimagination.

Marketing, Content & Outreach - Social Media, Creative Writing, Video Editing, Infographics, Event Promotion.

Organising Events - Planning, Promoting, Venues, Flyers, Coordinating attendance.

Community & Partnerships - University, Families, Schools, Artists & Makers, Corporate Outreach, Fundraising Support.

Tech & Digital - Website creation and management, eCommerce setup, launch and support.

Circular Projects - Local grower & composter roles, waste hub, circular systems experiments.

We have roles which can be handled remotely as well as in person.

What's in it for you

You'll gain experience in sustainability, circular design, and community building while contributing to a purpose-driven organisation. You'll connect with like-minded makers, artists, and changemakers, with flexible hours to fit around your other commitments.

Most important is an abundance of passion, energy and enthusiasm for circularity and making a positive impact in the community.

How to apply

Send us your application and please tell us:

• Your interests and relevant skills
• Availability
• Why you'd like to join us

We would love to have you as part of our growing community.

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

As a County Safeguarding 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 County Safeguarding 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 22/11/2025

From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked. Whether you have a passion for fashion and love chatting to customers, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference in your local community.

Our Retail Volunteer Anne shares why she loves volunteering, “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team! It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.”

We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.

Join our fabulous team of Retail Volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.

Why we want you

We are looking for someone to help our shop management team assist customers and donors and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming and assisting customers and donors
• Customer care
• Stock control
• Sorting donations
• Hanging and ticketing stock
• Helping to keep shop clean and tidy

The skills you need

• Effective communication and customer care skills
• A willingness to volunteer in a team environment, and with the public
• A willingness to undertake all training required for role

What's in it for you

• Meet new people
• Use your skills and learn new ones
• Make a real difference to people with our conditions

Disclaimer

Expenses Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. These should be discussed with your Line Manager prior to outlay and must be submitted within the prescribed guidelines as detailed in the CHSS Volunteer Expenses Policy. Safeguarding In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a basic disclosure check. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are committed to equality of opportunity, and we aim to ensure no volunteer is unfairly treated on the grounds of an offending background.

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

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 2 11/15 Carolgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 6BZ, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

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

The Charity for Action on Spiritual Abuse (formerly Replenished Life) is on a bold mission — and we need passionate, committed individuals to join us at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

Our Vision 

We believe in a world where everyone who has experienced harm in a spiritual, religious, or faith-based context is: 

• Heard and understood 

• Properly supported 

We are working towards a world where every faith and secular organisation: 

• Knows how to recognise and respond to spiritual abuse 

• Understands what a healthy religious or spiritual culture looks like 

Why Now? 

Thanks to a major Comic Relief Organisational Growth Fund grant, we are scaling up in big ways — expanding our support services, training programs, and research initiatives. With this growth comes an exciting opportunity: 
We’re recruiting 3 new trustees to join our dynamic and forward-thinking board. 

Who We're Looking For 

We are especially keen to hear from people with skills and experience in any of the following areas: 

• Financial planning and oversight 

• Strategic thinking and organisational development 

• Safeguarding and complaints handling 

• Policy, process, and quality assurance 

Whether you're already a trustee or exploring this role for the first time, if you believe in safer spiritual spaces and have time to give (around 1–2 days per month), we want to hear from you. 

We are committed to building a diverse trustee board that reflects the communities we serve, and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, faiths, and none. 

Why Become a Trustee? 

Being a trustee is more than governance — it’s purposeful leadership. It means: 

• Playing a vital role in a growing, impactful charity 

• Using your skills for social good 

• Collaborating with passionate, kind, and committed people 

• Gaining new experience and strategic insight (great for your career or personal growth!) 

• Helping shape national conversations around spiritual abuse, faith, and safeguarding 

We’ll support you every step of the way with training, resources, and a friendly, engaged trustee and leadership team. 

Time Commitment 

• Quarterly online board meetings (weekday evenings) 

• One in-person strategy day per year 

• Occasional reviews or input between meetings 

• Ongoing contribution to your portfolio area — within your flexible 1–2 days/month 

Practical Bits 

• This is a volunteer role (reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed) 

• Supportive induction and ongoing trustee development provided 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

To express your interest, contact Ruth Appleton through charity job message 

Download the full Trustee Recruitment Pack

Want a chat? Ruth is happy to talk more about the role before you apply. 

Lead Volunteer - Winter Bucket Collection

12:30 – 18:00, 26th November 2025

Sidney Street, Cambridge, CB2 3HX

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home?

We’re looking for someone who can lead a team of volunteers at events in the community to help us raise money and awareness.

The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise.

You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

You’ll be supporting our bucket collection by helping us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will:

• Support and coordinate the volunteer team on the day at events.
• Deposit cash into Shelter bank account at the end of the event or pass over to Shelter staff member

To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will:

• Provide you with relevant policies, induction, training and information
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Skills and Experiences Required

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group
• Passionate about joining the fight for home
• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
• Meet other volunteers locally
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager. 

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

dmtr
dmtr tackles global hunger and the interconnected challenges of climate change, poverty, and low productivity for smallholder farmers. Over 670 million people face chronic undernourishment, often due to poor access to finance, climate shocks, and inefficient food systems leading to significant waste.

The startup champions local innovation, believing communities hold the best solutions but lack the support to scale. dmtr focuses on building an equitable, climate-resilient agri-food system by empowering early-stage innovators and social startups through a three-pillar approach: Educate (creating content on food system challenges), Inspire (connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and investors through workshops), and Enable (securing funding and visibility from impact investors).

By fostering this ecosystem, dmtr helps locally developed, technology-driven solutions gain the resources needed to scale, strengthen local economies, and build resilience against global challenges.

Research & Publications Lead

Purpose: Provide strategic research and editorial leadership to guide dmtr’s focus and visibility

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analyze current research and innovation trends in hunger reduction, food systems, and agri-tech.
• Produce quarterly insights on target geographies, solution areas, and startup ecosystems.
• Lead the writing of the monthly newsletter and blog content.
• Collaborate with the podcast and workshop teams to ensure content aligns with strategic themes.
• Identify gaps in knowledge and recommend topics for guest contributions, events, or funding campaigns

Essential Skills:

• Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in global food systems and social enterprise.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to distill complex information for broad audiences.
• Ability to synthesize academic research, reports, and data into actionable insights.
• Strategic thinking to inform dmtr’s focus areas and content planning. Experience in thought leadership, communications, or editorial publishing

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

 **Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:**

- Serving customers on the till
- Taking stock donations from the public
- Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
- Dressing the window displays
- Asking people to join us as a volunteer

**As a Retail Volunteer you will be:**

- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- A good communicator (including listener)
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

**As a Mencap volunteer you will:**

- Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
- Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive full Training and support
- Volunteer alongside other people
- Have a chance to give back your local community

**About Mencap**
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.