Human rights volunteer roles

This is an exciting opportunity to become involved in a prestigious charity at the forefront of key issues on child protection. Founded in 1955, Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) helps vulnerable children who are separated from their family overseas.

We are looking for a new trustee, preferably with public affairs and stakeholder management expertise, to help us deliver on our ambitious new strategy. 

Background:

CFAB is a unique charity that has the capacity to change the lives of vulnerable children at a time when demand for its services is growing year on year. We are led by a dedicated and committed staff and a Board of Trustees who have built on the organisation’s longstanding record of achievement to position us firmly for the future. With a balanced budget and strong reserves, CFAB can now achieve more by increasing its earned income to deliver direct services, by growing its philanthropic funds to reach more children who find themselves outside the system, and by expanding its training offer to strengthen our role as a sector leader in this specialist field.

What makes CFAB Special: 

CFAB is the only charity in the UK with a specially qualified children’s international social work team. We use expertise gathered over 70 years to ensure that vulnerable children are cared for and protected, no matter where they come from. We operate through our International Social Service network to professionally evaluate care options in more than 120 countries – giving children with family overseas the best possible chance of a secure, stable and loving home – and wherever possible reuniting them with family members. 

CFAB runs the UK’s only professional, free Advice Line dedicated to international child protection, and provides specialist consultancy to help resolve complex international cases. CFAB also provides training to disseminate learning on how best to manage inter-country social work cases involving children and families. We also advocate for legislation and best practice to meet children’s needs and to ensure families separated by international borders are supported to reunite when this is in the child’s best interests. 

Who we are looking for:

If you have an interest in child protection or children’s rights, as well as a background in public affairs or stakeholder management, we’d love to hear from you. This is a chance to be a trustee for a well-known charity that is making a real difference in children’s lives. You’ll be joining a dedicated and friendly group of trustees with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds. The board recently agreed on an ambitious new strategy that emphasises the enhancement of CFAB’s public profile. We are looking for trustees who can help us deliver on that, through their expertise and enthusiasm. 

We welcome applications from those who are experience trustees as well as those who do not have previous experience as a trustee, but who have relevant personal experience and are willing to show a commitment to CFAB and our mission. 

To make an application, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification requirements. We will be holding interviews on a rolling basis, with a view to appointing someone by October 2025.

Role Description: 

A. Public Affairs and Stakeholder Management Trustee Role Description

Role description 

The Trustee should:

1. provide leadership to the Board in the area of public affairs, policy and stakeholder management. This could include a focus on PR, public affairs, external communications or local government engagement. You do not need to have experience in all areas.
2. monitor decisions made at the Board in relation to Public Affairs and Policy work and ensure that they are implemented
3. assist in setting the strategy of the organisation and in setting and monitoring performance against targets.
4. actively participate as the key member of the sub-committee of the Board
5. assist in securing additional exposure of CFAB’s work, particularly through facilitating opportunities with press, guiding digital publications (whether social media or online media opportunities) and amplifying CFAB’s voice with relevant audiences, including local and national government or supporters 

As with all Trustees, this Trustee is also responsible for:

• ensuring CFAB complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations 
• ensuring CFAB pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association, and that it uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• ensuring CFAB operates within the parameters laid down by the CFAB Governance Manual
• safeguarding the reputation and values of CFAB  
• ensuring the financial stability of CFAB and its effective and efficient administration  
• protecting and managing the property of CFAB and ensuring proper investment of funds
• appointing and monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive
• representing CFAB externally

Every Trustee is asked to use their specific skills, knowledge and professional experience to help the Board of Trustees collectively reach sound decisions.

This includes ensuring Trustees: 

• scrutinise Board papers and actively contribute to Board discussion
• participate in relevant committees 
• respond to any request from the CEO, for advice and support to the CEO or other team members on specific initiatives
•  remain conscious of any conflicts of loyalty or interest.
•  take decisions solely with the best interests of CFAB in mind. 

B. Person Specification

The Trustee should bring to CFAB a skill mix appropriate to the governance of CFAB, including: 

1. Public Affairs Strategy

• Experience developing and advising on public affairs strategies that influence policy and public service priorities.
• Understanding of how to align public affairs with organisational goals and impact measurement.

2. Policy Understanding 

• Strong grasp of local government structures, priorities, and decision-making processes.
• Knowledge of policy areas relevant to the charity’s mission (e.g. safeguarding, family services, children’s welfare).

3. Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• Ability to identify, map, and prioritise key stakeholders including local authorities, elected officials, council executives, and public sector partners.
• Strategic thinking around managing and nurturing high-value relationships over time. 

4. Local Authority Relations

• ​Experience working within or alongside local authorities.
• Understanding of commissioning processes, partnership frameworks, and funding mechanisms in local government. 

5. Advocacy and Influence

• Experience in shaping public debate, contributing to consultations, or influencing policy outcomes.
• Confidence in representing the charity at public meetings, sector forums, or roundtables.

6. Communication Skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with senior stakeholders, writing policy briefings, and contributing to thought leadership.
• Ability to distil complex policy issues into accessible messages. 

7. Strategic Governance Insight 

• Understanding of the role of a trustee in public affairs oversight (e.g. ensuring activity is compliant with charity law).
• Ability to challenge and support the executive team in shaping an ethical and impacƞul engagement strategy. 

8. Political Acumen

• Awareness of the political landscape at local and national levels, including the ability to identify risks and opportunities for engagement.
• Insight into how local priorities may shift due to political changes or economic pressures. 

9. Crisis and Issues Management

• Experience supporting or advising on responses to public scrutiny, policy changes, or contentious issues involving local authorities. 

10. Collaboration and Diplomacy

• Skilled at building consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Sensitive to the reputational considerations of engaging with public bodies. 

11. A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs and the fulfilment of its mission 

C. Commitment

CFAB has four regular Board meetings per year of which one is held concurrent with the AGM. There is also a Marketing committee which meets four times per year, which the Trustee should attend wherever possible. Additional Extraordinary Board meetings may be called as necessary. Other trustees will participate in committees including: Finance & HR, Fundraising and Policy & Practice. Overall time commitment is approximately 2 – 3 hours a month.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it! 

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in! 

What you will be doing 

• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock. 
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till. 
• Researching valuable and vintage stock. 
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays. 
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop. 

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers. 

The skills you need 

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering 
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required 
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others 

What's in it for you 

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development 
• Grow your confidence and meet new people 
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle 
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust 

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people. 

CFAB Experts by Experience Advisory Group Member

Volunteer role

Could you be part of our Experts by Experience Advisory Group to help make a positive contribution to our efforts to protect children and reunite them with family overseas?

Children and Families Across Borders protects children who have become separated from their families across international borders. As the UK member of the International Social Service network, our specialist team inter-country social workers, work with over 130 partners around the globe to reunite families. Our work is complex but life changing.

CFAB is creating an Experts by Experience Advisory Group and is looking for people to join and support our work. The purpose of our engagement would be to would be to embed the voices and insights of individuals with direct and personal experience of aspects of our work into the service design and decision-making processes within CFAB. We believe that the insights and input from those with experience of our work will help to ensure that our services, our strategies and our messaging are grounded in real needs and experiences rather than assumptions and ultimately lead to better outcomes for children.

We would consider individuals with direct, personal experience of international kinship care, international adoption, alternative care, international migration and asylum as experts by experience.

Requirements:

The Advisory Group will meet twice per year (either remotely or in person) and there will also be opportunities to feed in and participate in other ad hoc projects.

Experts by Experience will:

• Provide advice and recommendations on policy, program design, and delivery.
• Review and contribute to strategic documents, reports, and evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for co-production and co-design within the organization.
• Act as advocates and champions for the integration of lived experience.
• Ensure diverse experiences are represented and inform inclusive practices.

What can we offer you?

Though this is a voluntary role, your participation will be compensated. Expenses will also be covered in line with CFAB’s expenses policy.

We will ensure we offer pre and post meeting support to experts to identify and reflect on any issues that require processing.

We will provide training to support your skills development based on the opportunities you would like to be involved with. We will share with you the impact of your participation on our work.

Irise International is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our journey to achieve menstrual justice.

We are a small but globally respected charity based in Sheffield, working across the UK and East Africa to end menstrual injustice by shifting power to young activists and grassroots leaders. Our work is bold, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. From launching youth-led policy tools in UK schools to co-hosting pan-African feminist gatherings, we amplify the voices of people who menstruate in spaces they’ve historically been excluded from.

We’ve just launched our 2025–2030 strategy and are entering a crucial phase of development. We’re building new income streams, deepening youth leadership, and evolving into a post-founder organisation under new leadership. We’re also piloting exciting collaborations—with councils, universities, and feminist businesses—while supporting our small team with the structure they need to thrive.

Our current Chair will step down in 2025, and we’re seeking someone to work alongside them and our CEO over the next 6–12 months to support a smooth and values-led transition.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a hands-on, relational governance role where your voice will help shape the next chapter of an ambitious and radically hopeful organisation.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to equity

• Champion inclusive, youth-led governance that centres marginalised voices

• Act as a sounding board and strategic partner to the CEO

• Facilitate a collaborative and engaged board culture

• Support fundraising, advocacy, and strategic partnerships where appropriate

We particularly welcome interest from individuals with lived or professional experience in menstrual health, youth-led activism, gender equity, or anti-oppressive practice. We value non-traditional leadership journeys and want this role to be accessible and sustainable for the right person.

As Chair, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the CEO between board meetings and leading their annual appraisal

• Chairing quarterly, inclusive board meetings

• Supporting board recruitment and mentoring

• Supporting strategic reflection on partnerships, funding, and risk

• Upholding Irise’s values and accountability to our menstrual justice framework

This voluntary role requires an average of 3–4 hours per month. We offer flexibility and support with access needs, caring responsibilities, or other adjustments. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

As an Administrative Support Volunteer, you will play an essential role in the team, complimenting the work of the Manchester Hub and allowing Shelter clients to receive the support that they need. The opportunity will allow you to make a difference in your local community as well as gaining hands-on experience in one of the UK's leading housing charities. 

Suggested Involvement: e.g. A suggested minimum commitment of one day per week for six months

Availability: e.g. This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 

Location: Manchester Hub, Unit 3, Great North Tower, 5 Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE 

Supervised by: Hub Administrator 

Why get involved with Shelter? 

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Shelter volunteers are involved in our head office, services, shops, campaigns, events and our legal teams, and they all contribute their valuable time, skills and experience. We simply couldn’t achieve our goals without them. 

Main tasks 

• General administrative tasks (photocopying, scanning, and minute taking) 

• Covering reception and meeting and greeting people who are dropping into the office on an ad hoc basis 

• Updating local resource documents, such as local authority information sheets

• Inputting information on to our case management system 

• Supporting the team with resources for delivery of training 

Skills and experience required 

• Previous administrative experience or an interest in gaining administrative skills 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Ability to manage your own time and task load 

• Confident and professional telephone manner 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public). 

• Confident IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes. 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value others 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection 

Induction, learning and development 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will: 

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies & Procedures 

• Provide e-learning including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Environmental Awareness and Safeguarding 

• Provide access to other appropriate Shelter training 

• Provide a local induction relevant to your role 

• Pay ‘out of pocket’ expenses in line with Shelter’s Volunteer Expenses Policy 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness 

• Gain valuable work experience 

• Be part of a great team 

• Build your confidence and develop transferrable skills 

• Enhances your CV 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will invite successful candidates to an informal interview to discuss the role further. 

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.  

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 ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

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)

Come and join London's Hopscotch Women's Centre's Board of Trustees in the roles we have available, including specialities:

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

HUMAN RESOURCES

WOMEN'S SERVICES

We meet 4 times a year and help shape the strategy and aims to further the mission of Hopscotch Women's Centre, supporting ethnically minoritised women facing abuse, poverty, mental health issues, unemployment and insecure immigration status. We also have a Homecare service, which is our admired social enterprise and a part of our charity.

Do look at the attached Job Descriptions and let us know if you have any questions - our CEO is on hand to have a chat. Thanks!

Job Title: Specialist: Talent Acquisition
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Acquisition

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a pioneering organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First philosophy, we foster workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. Join our remote team to amplify our mission through strategic, inclusive communication that drives engagement, equity, and belonging.

Role Overview

As the Specialist: Talent Acquisition, you will primarily focus on managing and conducting interviews for various positions across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of recruitment processes, exceptional interviewing skills, and the ability to engage and evaluate candidates effectively.

Key Responsibilities

 Interview Management: Take ownership of the end-to-end interview process, from scheduling and coordinating interviews to conducting them. Ensure a seamless and professional experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
Candidate Evaluation: Conduct interviews, assess candidate qualifications, skills, and cultural fit, and provide feedback to hiring managers. Use behavioural interviewing techniques and other assessment tools to gauge suitability.
Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate closely with hiring managers to understand role requirements, team culture, and key competencies needed for each position.
Candidate Engagement: Build strong relationships with candidates, providing them with timely updates and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the process.
Reporting & Analytics: Track and report interview metrics, including candidate feedback, time-to-hire, and any recruitment challenges. Use data to continually improve the interview process.
Onboarding Support: Work closely with HR colleagues to ensure a smooth transition from interview to onboarding for successful candidates.
Compliance & Record Keeping: Ensure that all interview processes adhere to company policies, legal requirements, and best practices. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the applicant tracking system (ATS).

Key Skills & Qualifications

Experience: 3+ years of experience in recruitment, specifically in conducting interviews and managing the interview process.
Education: A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is preferred. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent is a plus.
Interviewing Expertise: Strong background in conducting interviews, including using behavioural and situational interview techniques.
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence candidates and hiring managers effectively.
Attention to Detail: Ability to assess candidates thoroughly and provide insightful feedback to ensure the right hiring decisions are made.
Technology: Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and MS Office. Familiarity with interview scheduling tools and recruitment platforms is beneficial.
Problem-Solving: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme. It requires a commitment of at least 12 hours per week, typically across two 6-hour workdays (Monday to Friday).
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Shape narratives that advance social justice and employee belonging.

• Creativity: Experiment with multimedia storytelling in a values-driven environment.

• Culture: Join a collaborative team where authenticity and courage are celebrated.

• Flexibility: Remote work with autonomy and opportunities for growth.

We have an exciting opportunity to become a Trustee and / or Governor and be part of team who really do change children’s lives.

The Charity runs an SEMH School, and we are seeking several volunteers to join our current team of Trustees and Governors.

We would be very interested to speak to you if you share our passion about our Charity and have a genuine interest in the welfare, care and development of children with social, emotional, or mental health consideration.

We are specifically interested to find Trustees and / or Governors who have experience in the following areas:

· Education

· Finance

· HR

· Charity Sector

· Children’s Social Care

The Charity requires Trustees who will:

· Take a strategic role on the Board, holding the Senior Management Team (SMT) to the ethos and principles of the Charity in line with its founding documents.

· Provide support and balanced guidance to the SMT, acting as a critical friend.

· Ensure accountability of the SMT, regarding financial management.

· Provide challenge in a measured and open way.

Governors will be concerned with the school only.

Volunteers can opt to be both a Trustee and a Governor, or just one or the other. 

Talbot House Children’s Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils, and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure. The Charity will arrange and pay for all DBS checks. Please see our Safer Recruitment Policy for full details.

You can apply via our website jobs page, or contact HR via email for an application pack, or call Deirdre Pearson our CEO, for an informal discussion.

These roles are voluntary; however, the Charity does require a level of commitment for the role. Our Trustees and Governors meet up to 4 evenings per year for full Board / Governor meetings. There are also termly monitoring visits for Governors. Full induction and ongoing training will be provided; a mentor from the existing board will be assigned so that you are supported fully.

Many companies encourage employees to volunteer in this way as part of their corporate social responsibility policies, allowing attendance at our meetings without affecting other terms and conditions (if you are currently employed, please check with your own HR department who can provide further details).

Trustees and Governors will be able to claim expenses providing they are incurred in carrying out their duties as a Trustee and / or Governor.

The Charity’s core values are:  

People – passionate people are at the heart of Talbot House. 

Place – providing a safe, nurturing environment where we are all equally valued and encouraged.  

Pride – we take pride in celebrating our achievements and inspire self-belief. 

To achieve this we create a warm, safe and welcoming environment with experienced and nurturing staff who are committed to our values across all elements of the Charity.

You really could help us make a difference; we look forward to hearing from you soon.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

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 in Lille. The programme will run from September 2025 – August 2026.

You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the French Red Cross undertake in Lille. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!

The French Red Cross operates a project called “Mobile support programme for migrants” (DMSE) along the shores of northern France. This programme aims to “go towards” migrants and provide them support directly in the makeshift camps. The project offers three main services: access to care, maintaining and restoring family links and supporting unaccompanied children. The successful volunteer will likely spend 2 days a week in the field supporting migrants, 1 day in the office providing administrative and logistical support and 1 day will be dedicated to their individual Element project, a chance for the volunteer to develop their own project or cultural exchange activity. The remaining day will be treated flexibly and could see the successful volunteer supporting the French Red Cross on their other projects such as helping the FRC in launching first aid training for migrants.

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. 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.

We urgently need volunteers who can provide a friendly face, shop for and deliver groceries to our clients.

The Age Connects shopping service is an invaluable lifeline to so many older, vulnerable members of our local communities, particularly those with no family or friends to offer shopping support. We know that older people can become frail, and those who have mobility problems, who no longer drive or don’t have access to the internet, may find it difficult to do their weekly shop.

As a shopper you will be providing a shop and deliver service for the client either on a weekly or fortnightly basis. You will collect their shopping list, carry out the shopping and deliver it back to them. It could be that you’re the only person they see or speak to that day or even that week and it can be an opportunity to have a chat with the client, provide them with information about other services they may need or to offer practical help.

This is a fee paying service, the client will pay £5 per shop to the charity. If you are a friendly, reliable and trustworthy, you can help. You need to be aged 18+, and to be able to make a commitment for a minimum of 6 months: we will also require two character references, and will carry out a DBS check before you can start. It is best if you have access to your own transport, as some clients do not live centrally, or require large shops.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Wakefield

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.