Information support volunteer volunteer roles in chilton moor, greater london

Please note this is a voluntary role and as such there will be no provision of salary or employee status.

Are you looking for a new challenge? We are seeking to appoint suitable individuals as Volunteer Panel Members (known as Associate Hospital Managers - AHMs) to work independently of our Trust and clinical teams who assess and treat people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).

If you are an organised, articulate person with a broad experience of life, who can work collaboratively, work within specified procedures and is passionate about delivering high quality mental health services, then this rewarding role may be worth considering.

The MHA 1983 sets out procedures under which a detained patient may ask for a review of their detention heard by a panel of three or more AHMs. Written evidence is taken from appropriate doctors, nurses, and social workers; oral evidence is taken from these professionals, from the patient and others as appropriate.

The Trust presents its case for continuing detention under the applicable section of the MHA. The patient may have the support of a legal representative or an advocate. Following review, section 23 of the MHA provides that the Associate Hospital Managers may exercise the power to discharge a patient. Similar procedures are followed in the regular review of detentions, renewals and extensions.

Main duties of the job

• To understand the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and the MHA 1983 Code of Practice, with particular reference to the role of managers (MHA (1983) Section 2, 3, 37, 20, and 23 and MHA 1983 Code of Practice Chapters 37 and 38). An electronic link to the Code of Practice will be issued on appointment.
• To sit on a panel with two or more other AHMs and conduct a hearing (online and in person)
• To read reports on a patient's mental state, their social circumstances, and nursing care. These reports will include existing care plans and arrangements for after care. The panel may then interview and question the patient professionals and other family members/carers of the patient at hearings.
• If present, to help the patient explain why they wish to be discharged from detention, sympathetically and openly at hearings.
• To balance information presented and decide whether to exercise the power to discharge. Discharge from detention can only be affected by the unanimous decision of 3 AHMs.
• To confirm the decision for continued detention/continuation of Community Treatment Order (CTO) or discharge the patient.
• To attend relevant meetings and AHM related training as required
   

About us
Oxford Health is a great place to volunteer and to be able to make a difference to how we deliver care across our communities and mental health services.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"

Job responsibilities
AHMs are independent volunteers who work in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 to review patients compulsory detention and Community Treatment Orders against statutory criteria. The Code of Practice to the MHA 1983 specifically states that AHMs cannot be employees of the organisation.

You will be expected to attend at least two hearings per month either via Teams or in person at one of our hospital sites. You will be reimbursed for travel expenses and an attendance fee of £50 is payable per hearing. You will be provided with a Trust laptop to carry out AHM duties.

Please review the role description attached for a comprehensive overview of duties and requirements relating to this role.

The Trust will support you by providing a comprehensive induction, as well as training and development for the role, mentoring and professional review. You will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in relation to the role and an attendance fee is payable per hearing.

Interviews for this role will be held on Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September at the Littlemore Mental Health Centre in Oxford.

The role in a nutshell: 

Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life. 

What will you be doing? 

As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required. 
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly. 
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required. 
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise.  Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy. 

How would you be supported in this role? 

When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role? 

Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open. 

Additional information: 

We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role? 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you. 

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 Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on

Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm

This role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
• Facilitating conversation in the group
• Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
• Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
• Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
• Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
• Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
• Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are currently seeking a new Trustee who, after three months of service on our Board, would step into the role of Chair, with the current Chair completing their term after this successful appointment.

The Chair of Headway East London plays a crucial role in providing inclusive leadership and clear direction to the Board of Trustees. They will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance and ensure the effective working of the Board as a collective. A key part of the role will be to both support and hold to account the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.

The Chair will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Chief Executive and represent Headway East London externally alongside them. They will be a visible and approachable presence within our community, upholding the importance of relationships with our members – people living with brain injury – and ensuring that this insight informs strategic thinking.

We are looking for someone who brings: 

• A strong track record of board-level leadership and a sound understanding of good governance in the charity sector.
• Experience of transformation and organisational development.
• Excellent communication and chairing skills – able to ask thoughtful, challenging questions and facilitate productive Board discussions.
• Extensive understanding of charity finances and risk oversight.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Chief Executive to shape and monitor organisational goals, policies and performance.
• A natural, down-to-earth style – personable, non-hierarchical and approachable.
• A commitment to community – with lived or professional experience of brain injury, or a clear understanding of its impact.
• A values-led approach and belief in the power of human relationships to drive strategic outcomes.

The Chair will also help foster relationships with partners, funders and supporters, helping to strengthen Headway East London’s reputation and long-term sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

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

Job Title: Personal Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Personal Assistant to support daily coordination, scheduling, and communication tasks across departments. This remote volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and looking to gain experience in nonprofit administration while contributing to a meaningful community-driven programme. 

Position Overview:
The Personal Assistant will be responsible for organising meetings, managing calendars, supporting internal communications, and assisting in day-to-day administrative operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring smooth coordination between teams, and offers autonomy, flexibility, and mentorship opportunities for someone looking to develop or apply their administrative and organisational skills in the Third Sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support & Coordination:

• Manage meeting schedules, appointments, and internal calendars.

• Organise virtual events, staff briefings, and team check-ins.

• Support in planning and executing internal conferences or training sessions.

Data & System Management:

• Maintain and update internal databases and contact lists.

• Implement and uphold procedures and administrative systems.

Staff Liaison & Communication:

• Act as a point of contact between managers and teams.

• Assist in internal communications and task follow-ups.

General Administrative Tasks:

• Contribute to internal meetings with updates and suggestions.

• Provide ad hoc administrative support to leadership and teams as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No specific degree required, but relevant administrative or office support experience is preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience as an administrative or personal assistant is an advantage.

• Familiarity with coordinating meetings, managing data, or supporting organisational logistics.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.

• Proactive, professional, and able to work independently or collaboratively.

• Strong team player with attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable administrative and coordination experience in the nonprofit sector.

• Receive support and mentorship to build confidence and skills.

• Work flexibly in a fully remote setup with a collaborative team.

• Build your network within a mission-driven cultural organisation.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses (if in-person support is required for specific events).

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Market Researcher Volunteer

Are you curious, do you enjoy exploring ideas, researching trends, delivering insights and eager to make a meaningful impact?

We're looking for a volunteer Market Researcher to support planning across various initiatives and projects by gathering, analysing, and reporting information that informs smart decisions.

Whether you’re gaining experience, switching paths, or simply want to contribute your skills meaningfully, this is your chance to work on purposeful projects in a flexible and rewarding opportunity.

We’re passionate about what we do and value every person who helps us do it better.

Let’s explore something meaningful together.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics ranging from markets, industries, customer needs, or competitors, depending on the project.

• Gather and organise information from credible online sources, industry reports, surveys, and interviews

• Analyse findings to identify opportunities, trends, and challenges

• Deliver written reports that are clear, structured, and meaningful to help decision-making in the project

Requirements

• A curious mind with an eye for detail

• Strong skills in online research and information synthesis

• Ability to work independently and manage your own time

• Strong communicator, especially in writing

• Experience in research or reporting is helpful

The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.

ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by support group helpers means attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing

• Welcome new people when they come along to activities for the first time
• Promote the group and Parkinson's UK in your community
• Help setting up and clearing up after group meetings - supporting other volunteers during busy periods
• Assist at events, which may include serving refreshments, handling registrations and raffles
• Contribute ideas for fundraising, activities and potential speakers

The skills you need

• A positive outlook to make things happen in our local community

What's in it for you

• You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community
• You'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. You would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this. You will also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

What we're looking for

We need a finance-minded trustee who can keep us on the right track financially while we focus on creating real change. You don't need to be a charity expert (we'll teach you that), but you do need to care about what we're doing and have the skills to help us do it properly.

Your background might include:

• Professional experience in finance, accounting, or bookkeeping

• An ability to make sense of financial information and explain it to others

• Strong attention to detail (because the small stuff does matter)

• A genuine enthusiasm for our mission and charitable objects

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Previous charity sector experience

• Formal accounting qualifications

• Experience with charity accounting software

• Understanding of what it's like to run a small charity on a tight budget

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in boardrooms making abstract decisions. You'll be:

• Keeping our finances healthy: Overseeing day-to-day financial operations and making sure our bookkeeping stays accurate

• Being our financial voice: Presenting clear, understandable financial reports at monthly trustee meetings

• Planning ahead: Leading our annual budget process and helping us make smart financial decisions

• Staying compliant: Ensuring we meet all charity financial regulations and coordinate our annual independent examination

• Managing risk: Helping us spot potential financial challenges before they become problems

• Helping with fundraising: Writing grant applications, helping come up with fundraising ideas

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - this includes one monthly trustee meeting, your financial review work, and the occasional extra task that crops up

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps timeline:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

Every month, we see the difference our work makes to neurodivergent legal professionals who've struggled to find their place in traditional firm culture. Your financial expertise won't just keep our books balanced - it'll help us scale our impact responsibly and ensure we're here for the long haul.

What we offer in return

• Real impact: See directly how your skills contribute to meaningful change

• Supportive team: Work with a committed and welcoming board that'll have your back

• Professional development: Gain valuable charity governance experience

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References and recommendations for future opportunities

• Reimbursed expenses: We cover reasonable costs related to your trustee duties

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

Research is an important part of our work at Helen Bamber Foundation and enables us to understand our clients’ experiences and how they can be best supported. We produce evidence, which we use alongside learning from our services, to try to change law, policy and practice across different organisations and authorities such as the NHS and Home Office. Everyone in the sector can then use our evidence to drive positive change and improve support for Survivors. 

Much of our research has a clinical focus, such as exploring new types of therapeutic approaches. We also carry out systematic reviews of existing evidence about health conditions and their management and interview-based studies of the lived experience and health impact of aspects of forced migration (such as the mental health impact of detention and of quasi-detention accommodation). We conduct research addressing legal, counter-trafficking and policy issues such as the difficulties experienced during the ‘transition’ period after people gain leave to remain . We are working to increase involvement of and co-production with people who have expertise by lived experience (including our clients and former clients) in our research programme.

Research helps us achieve our goals of securing legal protection for survivors, increasing access to appropriate care and preventing re-trafficking. 

We are looking for a volunteer to support the research team to progress a variety of research projects.  

Main tasks and activities  

• Assisting the research team with ad-hoc administrative research tasks, including data management and research project tracking

• Making research recruitment calls and speaking to clients about research opportunities 

• Translating research papers into accessible summaries and creative content

• Contributing to data extraction and analysis across a number of research projects

• Editing and reviewing research papers to prepare them to be submitted for publication

Skills and experience needed 

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation; 

• A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking; 

• Some knowledge of the challenges facing vulnerable clients including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture, trafficking; 

• Strong interest in research and its potential to contribute to positive change for our client group

• Ability to think critically about research, and to be mindful of the ethical dilemmas and complexities surrounding doing research with survivors

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; 

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage own time and workload, and to prioritise a range of competing demands; 

• Ability to translate complex and technical academic writing into accessible content

Desirable

• Experience analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data

• Strong writing and editing skills, and previous experience of writing academic papers or non-academic reports

• An interest in participatory research methods and co-production and in centering lived-experience within research 

ption - Volunteer Car Driver

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Volunteer Car Drivers to join our team based in Guildford. 

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as a Patient Transport Volunteer Driver and become a vital part of our Patient Transport Service in your local area. Your commitment will ensure that vulnerable patients can access essential medical appointments on time with ease and comfort.

Our volunteer team is a diverse blend of individuals united by a shared desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

As a volunteer, you'll be the friendly face that patients rely on during their journey to appointments. Your role is simple yet profoundly impactful: providing safe and reliable transportation, while offering reassurance and support during a challenging time in their lives.

No prior experience is necessary - just bring your caring attitude, a 4-5 door car, and some spare time. Whether you're available from the crack of dawn or prefer flexible hours that fit around your schedule, every contribution counts.

By volunteering, you will experience the fulfilment of giving back to your community and supporting the NHS. Join our growing team of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing patient care and making a real difference in people's lives.

What benefits can you expect?

·50p per mile with reimbursement for approved expenses

·The chance to make a tangible difference in your local community

·Be a part of our excellent EMED Volunteer Team

·Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support

·Opportunities to connect with new people

Other duties include:

·Drive patients to non-emergency appointments

·Assist individuals in accessing vital hospital services

·Coordinate with our dispatch teams for seamless operations

·Foster positive relationships within the community

·Enjoy the autonomy of volunteering independently while knowing you have the backing of a supportive team

What we're looking for:

·A valid driving licence with (no more than 6 penalty points)

·A friendly and empathetic demeanour

·Access to a 4 door (minimum) car

·Alignment with our organization's values

·Basic IT skills (like the use of smartphone)

Please note that this role will be subject to several regulatory pre-employment checks, and you will be asked to provide details of your full employment history should you be invited to an interview. Your HMRC record, available to download from the Government Gateway may help you in preparing this information when required.

Our Values 

Collaborative – we work as one team with a shared purpose to meet the needs of our patients, passengers, colleagues, customers, communities, and the planet.

Agile – We listen, learn and adapt to improve the business, each other, and ourselves.

Reliable – We do what we say we will do, we take responsibility and we behave with integrity.

Empowered – We are confident and committed to taking responsibility to deliver the highest quality service.

About Us

The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group. We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with circa 4,000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing patient care transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.

EMED Group are committed to providing services for our patients, service users, clients, and community and is supported by employees with an increasing variety of backgrounds. To do this effectively it is essential that we promote equality and embrace diversity and inclusion and treat all of our employees, patients, service users and clients with dignity and respect.

EMED Group is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, with our aim being to be truly representative of all sections of society and our clients, and for each employee to feel respected, valued and able to give their best.

EMED Group are committed to providing equal opportunities and we endeavour to provide an inclusive and safe working culture for all.

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.

The role in a nutshell: 

Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life. 

What will you be doing? 

As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required. 
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly. 
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required. 
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise.  Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy. 

How would you be supported in this role? 

When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role? 

Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open. 

Additional information: 

We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role? 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you.