Information and advice volunteers volunteer roles in newcastle
Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who come into contact with bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.
About the role
As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 1,500 calls between Sep 2022 - May 2023.
You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.
Commitment
Winter volunteers will be ready to start Bat Watches on Mon 6th Oct. We hope volunteers will sign up to Bat Watches until May 2026 and there is always the option to continue volunteering after May.
We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to 1-2 Bat Watches per month between Sep – May.
A Bat Watch is up to 3.5 hours (including 30mins break), please see below for Bat Watch times:
Weekdays
Morning
9:30 – 13:00
Afternoon
13:00 – 16:30
*Please note that VBCH winter season operates In Office Hours only.
All you need is:
- A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable)
- A speaker/mic or headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
- A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed.
Skills and abilities
- Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
- Accurate record-keeping.
- An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
- Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
- Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.
Training and support
New winter volunteers must complete some introductory online training in their own time and attend one online training day on either:
- Wed 3rd Sep
- Thu 11th Sep
Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.
Returning winter volunteers (those who have done a winter season with us in 2023 or 2024), will receive a refresher training video instead. If you have done a winter season with us pre-2023, you will need to attend a full training day. Thank you!
All volunteers will receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.
BCT will reimburse certain "out of pocket" expenses where required.
Benefits of volunteering with BCT
- Supporting and learning about the work of the leading NGO in the UK solely devoted to the conservation of bats
- Developing transferable skills that can help enhance your CV
- Developing confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Learning about opportunities to get involved in other aspects of bat conservation
- Learning more about bats
- Discounts to BCT training
How to sign up
To find out more and sign up, please click the link above. You will need to create a Better Impact account to sign up.
Further instructions on how to sign up are available on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role: Head of Local Operations (Scotland & Northern Ireland)
Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Head of Local Operations to lead the launch and on-going delivery of its commissioned research projects in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The focus of these projects will be obtaining and analysing primary and secondary data in order to help smaller community organisations improve their ways of working and effectively report on their impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring their teams deliver these projects within the agreed time-scales and in line with the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations, growing Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach.
Working closely with the Departmental Director, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively contribute to the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.
This role reports directly to the Director of Local Operations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.
We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.
Purpose of the role:
To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.
Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.
Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.
We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.
Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.
You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.
Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.
We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.
We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.
Module One = Tues 16th Sept
Module Two = Wed 24th Sept
Module Three = Weds 1st Oct
Module Four = Weds 8th Oct
Module Five = Wed 15th Oct
10am to 2pm
You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Single Parents Support and Advice Services, we are a Charitable Incorporated
Company with over 35000 members UK wide
Our charity founder and director Nicola Booth in 2012 took the initiative to set up
SPSAS with the purpose to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to promote equal and
fair treatment among Single Parents and their Children. We also aim to help, advise
and support Single / Lone Parents by giving them access to support and services
that normally they would not have access for varied reasons. We also aim to
eliminate the stigma attached with being a single parent in society and across all
ethnicities across the UK.
Our charity runs solely on donations and all members of our charity including the
director are currently working on a non-paid voluntary basis. Despite these hurdles
We feel we have made a positive impact with our services.
We are seeking Legal advisors to work remotely to conduct research and provide
advice on various areas on law via email to members seeking advice.
Legal Advisor Responsibilities:
Conducting legal analysis and researching legal matters.
Providing advice on legal matters.
Drafting legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents.
Reviewing legal material.
To be considered we require the individual to meet the criteria below
Legal Advisor Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Law/ currently studying/completed LPC/BPTC
Strong analytical and research skills.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work well within a team and individually.
Ability to work long hours when needed.
Commit to one day a week for a minimum 3-month period
We hope we have caught your interest and very much appreciate you volunteering
for SPSAS
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.
About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today.
What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.
Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
- Successful track record of achievement through their career
- Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
- Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board
What are we looking for?
You’ll need to:
- Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
- Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
- Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
- Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
- Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
- Have good interpersonal skills
- Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
- Be able to exercise good independent judgment
- Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
- Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
- Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
- Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer
What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RNIB's Sight Loss Counselling Team is an established team of telephone counsellors. Accredited by the BACP, we offer free and confidential counselling and emotional support to people affected by sight loss. Volunteers will either be qualified counsellors/psychotherapists; having completed a BACP accredited training or equivalent OR be students in the final stages of counselling or psychotherapy.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Week
Key requirements
- This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check: DBS Enhanced PVG Scotland Adults Access NI Enhanced
Location
Region
- West Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland, North West, North East, East Midlands, East of England, South East, Scotland, Greater London, Yorkshire and the Humber, South West
Home based
- This role is home based
Additional location information
-
Our service is completely remote and therefore home based. You will be able to gain clinical hours towards your counselling qualification;
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 16 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- Ability to communicate clearly;Approachable & empathetic nature;Effective listening skills;Friendliness, enthusiasm and reliability;Work with wide range of people
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.
We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026.
Community Connections aims to:
- Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
- Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
- Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register.
As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.
Here’s an overview of what will be involved -
• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms.
• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.
• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were
• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.
We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.We’d love to hear from students with an interest in mental health, psychology, content development, and gaming.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Senior Researcher in an Initial Research Team is the operational lead for one
particular project at a time, they will work with the Research Manager and within
the Initial Research Framework in order to plan and execute the research. At the
conclusion of research projects the Senior Researcher is responsible for providing
an accurate research report which allows for consideration as to what happens
next with the research inline with our organisation's purpose.The role of Senior
Researcher is key in our organisation's progress and overall positive output as it is
the starting point for all of our work. It is therefore important Senior Researchers
are committed and capable.
Responsibilities may include:
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To oversee and take part in the planning and execution of initial research projects
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To supervise a team of approximately 4 research volunteers, delegating and creating tasks according to the research plan
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To work with and support the Research Manager, ensuring task coordination across platforms such as ClickUp and a high level of communication across the team
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To ensure outputs such as literature reviews and surveys are completed to the highest standard possible, in line with ethical considerations if relevant
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To comply with and advise on using the OSCOLA referencing system
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To organise analysis of Freedom of Information request data sets
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To collaborate with the rest of the team and the RM to provide an internal research report at the end of the research project, including a summary and key recommendations for next steps
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To conduct 1-1s and lead team meetings where necessary
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To regularly communicate with team members about their task progress, welfare and support needs
Required experience and qualifications:
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To have experience in supervising or managing a group of people
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Clear communication skills and a demonstrable level of academic writing to a high standard
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In depth knowledge of qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus
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To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas
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To have an undergraduate degree, master’s degree a plus, in a related subject
A Little About Us!
Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organization. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.
Why we need you!
Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organization. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!
What we offer!
Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organization who is looking to help young people in the UK.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
��Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Real Difference across West Glamorgan! ��
Join one of our Programme Boards or Steering and Advisory Boards as a Lived Experience or Unpaid Carer Volunteer Representative
Are you passionate about improving health and social care services in your community? Do you have lived experience or care for someone who uses health and social care services?
West Glamorgan Regional Partnership wants to hear from you!
We are looking for volunteer representatives to help us shape the future of health and social care services across the region. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful; ensuring real experiences guide real change.
Volunteers must live in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot region.
We have a variety of Programmes:
- Communities and Older Peoples Programme
- Carers Partnership
- Dementia Programme
- Well-being and Learning Disability Programme
- Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Programme
- Children and Young People Programme
- Neurodiverse Programme
�� What you’ll be doing:
• Sharing your experiences and those of others in your network.
• Helping shape and influence regional health and social care programmes.
• Working alongside professionals and other volunteers to improve services.
• Representing the views of unpaid carers and people with lived experience—not just your own.
�� Time Commitment:
• Quarterly meetings (approximately every 12 weeks)
• 2-hour meetings
• Meetings held online or in person, Monday–Friday during office hours.
• Some time needed to prepare for meetings
• 4-year volunteer term (flexible and supported).
�� Skills & Support:
• No qualifications needed, just your experience and willingness to contribute.
• Full induction, training, and ongoing support provided.
• Travel expenses reimbursed.
�� Why Volunteer?
• Make a positive impact in your community.
• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills.
• Be part of transforming health and social care locally.
• Receive references to support any future employment.
We bring organisations and volunteers together to improve the health and well-being of the people of Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business
· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers
· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year
· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact
We are looking for people who are:
· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook
· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC
· Able to communicate with a range of different groups
· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution
· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people
· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements
We can offer you:
· Induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· YBTC commitment to health and safety
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and
research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RNIB is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer on our team of over 50 runners at the 44th edition of the Great North Run – the biggest and best half marathon in the world. Lend your voice and energy and help us be the loudest cheer point on the course!
RNIB runners raise vital funds to help ensure that no one faces sight loss alone and we are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to cheer and motivate runners to make it around the course.
Please note, this role is only available for those who live within a close proximity to Newcastle or South Shields.
How often will I be needed?
- 3 Hours per Event
Location
Region
- North East
Additional location information
-
Newcastle Upon Tyne (Central location) and South Shields
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 16 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- Being able to cheer on our amazing runners is the main skill needed and being available on Sunday 7th September.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic new start-up charity dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.
We are currently a not-for-profit organisation, going through charity registration.
Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.
Our Values:
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Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.
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Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.
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Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.
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Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.
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Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.
At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.
It's an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new government's focus on getting people back to work or in training and development. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact, but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch.
HR and Volunteering Manager:
We are looking for an HR and Volunteering Manager who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation. You will be responsible for setting up and managing all aspects of our HR and volunteering programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential.
You will be responsible for:
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HR Programme Development and Management: Set up, develop, and manage the HR programme. Design and implement initiatives that enhance HR practices and volunteer management.
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Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Develop strategies to recruit, train, and retain volunteers. Ensure volunteers are engaged and supported.
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Partnership Building: Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to create partnerships and opportunities.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the HR and volunteering programmes, making adjustments as needed.
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Team Leadership: Lead and support a team of dedicated volunteers and staff.
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Fundraising and Outreach: Contribute to fundraising, grant applications, and community outreach efforts.
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Communication and Collaboration: Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the organisation.
Volunteering in this role can be incredibly rewarding, as you'll be making a significant impact on the charity's ability to achieve its mission while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.
Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!
Unlock YOUR Potential
- BREAKING BARRIERS
- UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Maximise benefit entitlement, ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about social media and can lead a small team? We're looking to recruit a Lead Volunteer for our Social Media Team. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for promoting a small charity supporting a rare condition and has the ability to support a volunteering team as well as plan and use platforms and tools for social media including Canva, Google Drive and other digital platforms.
The Social Media Team develops and promotes Burning Nights CRPS Support’s communications online, using social media platforms as widely as possible, in order to maximise our impact and to inspire actions in the public, healthcare professionals, communities and businesses. The promotion of our activities will raise awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and provide support and empowerment to the CRPS community. Communications will also run in line with Burning Nights CRPS Support's campaigns strategy/plan.
This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.
You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.
Key Tasks and Objectives
You will lead and support an overarching communications strategy, direction and plans for Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media/online communications, create engaging content, supervise the team and encourage high standards.
Tasks may include:
- Managing the Social Media campaigns across social media, which includes overseeing engaging content, writing and editorial, design and artwork from The Social Media Team.
- Help develop social media campaigns and day-to-day activities.
- Prepare graphics for sharing across channels.
- Monitor the impact of social media campaigns; Analyse, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize the charity’s reach.
- Scheduling and posting social media content.
- Capture and report on monthly data from across all social media platform.
- Lead on Social Media meetings or the social media section of Comms meetings.
- Work with the whole Comms & Marketing Team including the Lead Communications & Marketing Volunteer to provide relevant content for their teams to use on social media, providing training/coaching where appropriate.
- Develop, manage content and maintain social media objectives and targets.
- Supporting the Social Media Team to ensure our social media platforms are regularly updated.
- Supporting with the development, preparation and implementation of Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media strategy in conjunction with the overall Comms strategy.
- Encouraging others to comment on our posts and share them with others, to ensure that our communications reach a wide range of stakeholders and diverse audience.
- Increasing the numbers of followers and engagement across our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and X, using appropriate tools and utilising relevant channels to reach diverse audiences.
- Monitor, analyse and report on the performance of social media channels/activities using tools like Metricool, Buffer and Google Analytics, feeding back monthly to the Lead Comms Volunteer and the trustees, using the data to inform future activities.
- Keep up to date with the charity and healthcare sectors, events and news, and suggest content to promote through our social media feeds.
- Support new volunteer Social Media Team members ensuring they understand their role or assign them their role.
- Act responsibly with data held by Burning Nights CRPS Support that you may access as part of your role, adhering to guidelines and policies and reporting any concerns or possible breaches to Burning Nights CRPS Support's Data Protection Officer/Lead.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Experience of using social media platforms, other online tools and Communications to generate interest in a charity, business or project.
- Experience of managing a team and projects.
- The ability to inspire people to act and get involved internally and externally.
- Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for social media platforms.
- Good IT skills, including Google Drive, Canva, Buffer, Word and Excel.
- Experience of managing multiple campaigns, with excellent organisational and time management skills, delivering effective targeted outcomes.
- Be proactive and show initiative, with the ability to volunteer unsupervised.
- Genuine interest in supporting a small charity and a passion for campaigning for a healthcare charity.
- Be motivated and enthusiastic with proven experience and is passionate about social media and marketing, and producing tangible results.
- Good interpersonal skills dealing with people sensitively and respectfully from a wide range of backgrounds
- Strong strategic development, project management and articulate communication skills.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy, with succinct writing and proof-reading skills
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other volunteers and staff.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise and structure work schedules.
- Ability to be innovative and creative.
- Ability to be flexible and have a 'can do' approach.
- Friendly, approachable manner - able to build rapport with a range of partners and staff, and provide a collaborative team environment.
- Confidence in communicating on Zoom or by email.
Key Benefits
- Voluntary Experience: Gain practical real-world experience working in social media management.
- Supportive Team: Collaborate with a passionate team working on projects.
- Personal Development: Develop your skills in social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement.
- Portfolio content for future job applications.
- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.




