Intern Volunteer Roles
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Huddersfield and Kirklees Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.
Time commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) welcomes volunteer interns from around the world. As a grassroots organization we foster a knowledge sharing environment that promotes an experience to learn about international development, Ghanaian culture and our projects that empowers women and children to create a better future for communities. AFAWI is not a placement agency, all the projects are owned and operated by our staff. Our organization was built to serve Ghanaian communities with a focus on women and children.
Volunteer Internship Tasks:
Implementation of on-going projects
Planning of new projects
Fundraising
Social Media
Marketing
NGO Management Assistance
Administrative Assistance
Data Collection and Evaluation
Partner Meetings
Internal Trainings
AFAWI has a number of ongoing projects for Volunteer Interns to choose from. These projects are located in rural communities no tour companies have access to.
Our projects have a set schedule and at different times of year some projects may be more of a priority. Volunteer Interns personal preference will be accommodated as much as possible, though depending on the time and length of your stay, the implementation activities and the level of results witnessed may vary. There is opportunity to learn about and contribute to multiple projects.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Body & Soul is a charity dedicated to transforming the life-threatening effects of adverse childhood experiences. Whether someone has been neglected or abused, trafficked, attempted suicide or stigmatised because of HIV – we have helped to liberate thousands of people from the trauma that controls them. Our community provides people of all ages with a wide range of innovative and creative programmes that support physical, mental and emotional health and well-being. We have developed a ‘whole person’ model of care rooted in a strengths-based approach that nurtures connection, healing and growth. Through building members’ protective factors, we promote and develop resiliency, interrupt latent vulnerability and transform lives.
The legal, casework & advocacy intern will work directly with our adult members providing support in areas such as immigration, housing and benefits. The internship provides the opportunity to gain high quality work experience relevant to those interested in law, advocacy and social work. The role is designed to provide active learning in areas of individual support work, legislative frameworks and diverse case management. The intern will work closely with our pro-bono solicitors and immigration advisors from high profile London firms.
Our intern will be:
- Providing advocacy and casework on behalf of adult members, including grant applications, liaising with other professionals supporting our members and writing letters of support
- Contacting councils, social services, the home office and other government agencies
- Booking and preparing members for appointments at Body & Soul’s legal clinics
- Working with the volunteer solicitors providing the pro-bono legal clinics and carrying out follow-up work from the appointments
- Giving 1:1 support to adult members over the phone and face to face, including on the Help Desk at our Tuesday service evenings
- Working closely with staff in other charity organisations and gaining a knowledge of other voluntary organisations to which we can sign post our members
We are looking for an intern who:
- Is passionate, committed and dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults
- Has relevant experience and qualifications
- Has experience supporting diverse populations
- Is looking to gain work experience in the field of law, advocacy or social work
- Is willing to take on responsibility
- Able to commit to a Monday, Tuesday (evening), and Wednesday for 3-months.
This is an unpaid internship; with expenses covered if needed.
We offer regular learning and development opportunities for interns; designed to give a deeper insight into Body & Soul’s unique approach.
This intern role is for our summer intake, running from June- Aug 2024. Interviews will be held on 20-24th May.
Body & Soul is a charity dedicated to transforming the life-threatening effects of adverse childhood experiences. Whether someone has been neglected or abused, trafficked, attempted suicide or stigmatised because of HIV – we have helped to liberate thousands of people from the trauma that controls them. Our community provides people of all ages with a wide range of innovative and creative programmes that support physical, mental and emotional health and well-being. We have developed a ‘whole person’ model of care rooted in a strengths-based approach that nurtures connection, healing and growth. Through building members’ protective factors, we promote and develop resiliency, interrupt latent vulnerability and transform lives.
This internship will focus on supporting our You Are Not Alone (YANA) programme which is unique in addressing the those aged 16 - 35 who have attempted suicide or engaged in serious self-harm. We know how difficult the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be, and this programme is designed to provide vital continuity of support for people who are struggling with suicidality during this particularly sensitive period. The programme offers therapeutic and practical interventions for the young person and their family members to support them during this time e.g. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, community events, casework, and advocacy etc.
The successful intern will work alongside the YANA team, to further improve our connections with stakeholders, funders, and referral partners and boost the profile of our suicide prevention services and continue with our work to develop a successful marketing plan.
Our intern will be…
- Establishing and maintaining new external partnerships with relevant bodies such as, A&E departments, universities and other charities
- Assisting in strengthening relationships with existing partners.
- Work alongside our MindSET team to increase profile and establish partnerships.
- Assisting with research, outreach and planning of outreach events.
We are looking for an intern who…
- Is confident in building long-lasting professional relationships and partnerships.
- Is proactive and confident in connecting with new people, and establishing new relationships, especially in-person.
- Has outreach/comms and/or social media experience
- Has experience or skills needed for planning and coordinating events.
- Can commit to a minimum 3 days a week (ideally Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) for 3 months.
This is an unpaid internship; with expenses covered if needed.
We offer regular learning and development opportunities for interns; designed to give a deeper insight into Body & Soul’s unique approach.
This intern role is for our summer intake, running from June- Aug 2024. Interviews will be held on 20-24th May.
Action Village India
Action Village India (AVI) is a small, UK-based charity that fundraises for Indian NGO partners to deliver programmes that will best assist the poorest and most marginalised sections of communities in rural India. AVI supports campaigns for social justice and equality on Gandhian principles of nonviolence.
You will be working hand-in-hand with a small and very agile team in the London office and as such the internship will be a fantastic opportunity to ground yourself in the basics of charity day-to-day administration, communication and event fundraising.
Working Information:
Location: London – Dalston Junction
Hours: 2 days per week plus attendance at WOMAD Festival 24-29th July 2024
Duration: 8-10 weeks. Internship to start early June (negotiable) and ending in the first week of August.
Starting date: 5th June 2024
Job Purpose:
This internship will focus on developing an exhibition for WOMAD festival that highlights the work on Action Village India, and support the team during the weekend of WOMAD festival.
The biggest fundraising event we hold every year is Madras Café, held at Womad Festival at the end of July. Madras Café began its life as a Chai and leaflet stall over 30 years ago to help educate people about Action Village India and the difficulties people in rural India faced; today it is an established festival institution serving delicious Indian food to over 4000 people over three days. The Action Village India team holds a stall in the Madras Café tent selling ethical products made in India, showcasing our exhibition, and informing people about Action Village India. In the run up to the festival you will work on the development of the exhibition. During the festival you will be working with the Events Intern and staff to ensure a successful running of the stall and the exhibition. You will need to be available in the set up and weekend of the festival – 24-29th July 2024.
Main duties and responsibilities:
1. WOMAD Exhibition Support
§ Attend meetings on the planning of the exhibition
§ Research into the theme of the exhibition
§ Support with preparing, designing, creating and installing the exhibition
2. Event Management
§ Support with event management as and when required
§ Work with AVI staff, trustees and volunteers at Womad Festival 24-29th July 2024
3. Office Support
- Helping with the day to day running of the office, including communication with enquirers and supporters and the online gift shop
- Assisting with the production and printing of leaflets, appeals and fundraising materials
- Assisting with the distribution of mailings; appeals, newsletter and membership
- Creating content for various social media platforms
4. General Responsibilities
§ Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices
- Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
- Keep confidential any personal, private, or sensitive information
- Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities of the post
- Get involved and pitch in where help is needed
Person Specification
§ Excellent communication skills face to face, on the phone and by email.
§ Ability to work alone and use own initiative to develop systems, deal with practical situations as they arise
§ IT skills and experience at a level that support email, database, social media and use of spreadsheets and graphic design skills such as for our newsletters (desirable)
§ Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face of changing priorities, and to deliver work in a timely manner
§ Commitment to the values and ethos of AVI
§ Ability to work well in a team with a flexible approach
§ An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
§ Keen interest in international development, events and fundraising
§ Proactive, creative and enthusiastic
§ Desire to learn, develop and advance personal career prospects
§ Knowledge of rural development in India (desirable)
Terms of Internship:
This is a voluntary position. Action Village India will cover travel expenses (from within London) to the office in Dalston and lunch costs for days worked in the office (up to £10 a day – if travel costs are higher, this can be discussed). All expenses must be itemised, and receipts provided. The cost of your Womad ticket and travel will be covered.
Accessibility:
We would like to offer our sincere regrets that due to the location of our office this position isn’t suitable for anyone with additional accessibility needs. The Action Village India is on the second floor with a narrow staircase and no lift. If this situation changes in the future, we will update the information to our vacancies.
If you have accessibility requirements and are still interested in an internship with Action Village India please get in touch for a chat. We are open to discussing a full Work From Home internship if at all possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
The National Institute for African Studies (NIAS) is a London-based think tank that provides objective information on African affairs, looking to appoint a Research & Publishing Intern within its office in Central London. Our main publication, The Saharan is an interdisciplinary journal published by NIAS aimed at exploring the dynamic relationship between culture and development in Africa.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Support the editors in the sourcing & production of blog and journal publications
- Checking material for completeness, copy-edit and check appropriate non-technical material such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updates
- Generate, check and correct files with names, contact information, number of articles, review assessments, and consent forms.
- Serve as a custodian of approved originals of all documentation produced for The Saharan journal
- Use NIAS LinkedIn account to connect to academics and groups to promote the journal, acquire papers, and attract skilled scholars to become reviewers
- Coordinate the publication flow of the journal and all stages of the editorial processes upon the release of each issue
- Review and adjust publications according to the style of the journal, ensuring the correct usage of references and plagiarism checking
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST:
- Have a minimum of undergraduate degree
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications
- Demonstrate excellent editorial and administrative skills together with high attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure to tight schedules and deadlines
TO APPLY:
- CV
- Covering Letter
- Official transcript(s) of universities attended
- Contact information for two referees (email and telephone preferably from both universities and workplaces)
The position is based in London, UK. Only candidates who already possess the right to work in the UK should apply. The contract is for three months with a probation period of four weeks, extendable upon agreement and contingent on a continued volunteer/paid position.
Candidates should send a covering letter explaining the skills they would offer to NIAS, attaching a CV and a list of referees. The deadline for this round of application is 10 April. Due to the high number of applicants, only those selected will be contacted.
Flexible Working Options Available:
- Flexitime
- Work from home/university
- Part-time
Job Types: Volunteer, Internship
Benefits:
- Travel Expenses, Flexitime
Education:
- BSc. and equivalent or higher (required)
Experience:
- Publishing: 1 year (preferred)
- Research 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position Overview
Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin in the southeast of Madagascar, this post will provide support to the WASH and Schools projects implemented by the NGO. The successful candidate will work within a combined national and international team to assist in the development of projects, from initial planning stages to final evaluations.
Primary responsibilities include the writing of donor reports and proposals, providing additional support to the project team surrounding project management and monitoring and evaluation. The role is predominantly office-based with some bush travel. The diversity of activities undertaken will provide a wide-ranging experience for an early career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development.
Title: ’Programme Intern’ for initial three months, change of title and responsibilities to ‘Programme Officer’ subject to passing probationary review
Location: Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar
Timeframe: 1 year, extendable
Terms and conditions: Voluntary, with stipend of 800,000 Ar per month towards accommodation and contribution to insurance of £650
Reporting to: Senior Programme Officer
Duties and responsibilities:
- Write project reports, to a high standard of English, that clearly demonstrate the successes and challenges of the WASH and Education infrastructure projects, learning from the project and providing clear budgetary information
- Compile funding proposals based on past evaluation, team discussion and International best practice in an engaging and professional manner
- Conduct internet searches and searches through SEED’s funder database for potential donors to fund projects
- Take a leading role in gathering statistics and ensure that all existing statistics relating to the projects are accurate
- Work alongside the Communications and Media Officer writing regular Facebook, blog posts and website copy
- Support the development of projects that fulfill local need and sit within the aims of SEED taking into account research findings, local needs and constraints, government objectives and SEED’s previous experience
- Conduct research into international best practice with regard to Community Health, WASH and Education infrastructure programmes and take the lead in discussing these with the team
- Monitor and update project trackers according to project activities, ensuring the project is on track to meet project indicators and objectives
- Take an active role in project management meetings, leading these where appropriate
- Take an active part in international team meetings and support to other members of the team
- Work with national staff in increasing their skills and capacity, providing mentoring or training
where appropriate - Assist in data collection and basic analysis where required and where there is an Monitoring,
Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist in post assist them in developing monitoring and
evaluation tools and completing MEL reports for projects - Work alongside the Head of Project Development and Head of Finance in developing and
managing the budgets relating to projects - Maintain a database of projects and funders alongside the UK team in London
- Form part of the team representing projects or SEED when required
- Liaise with the UK team in London ensuring clear communication at all times
- Ensure all of SEED’s policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department,
including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption, and undertake continual
training to ensure these are promoted at all times - Complete other ad-hoc tasks as required by the WASH and Schools Programme Coordinators,
Head of Project Development or Director of Operations and Heads of Departments to further the aims and work of the organisation.
Person specification - Hold an undergraduate in or relating to community health, WASH, general development or have transferable skills or equivalent experience
- Demonstrate strong writing skills. Previous experience in grant-writing is an asset
- Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods,
Community Health, WASH and Education infrastructure and its interface with international development; previous experience of WASH, education or community-based work would be an asset - Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED at all times
- Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others
- Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural
backgrounds and across multiple language barriers - Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures and work with teams
from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers - Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations
- Demonstrate an awareness of and comfort with increased social and professional responsibility,
working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect - Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO
- Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately
- Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
- Have a flexible and patient attitude
- Have excellent problem-solving skills
- Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (executive position)
Minimum: 2 days per week
The current Secretary is stepping down after twenty years of service to ICOMOS-UK. We are looking for someone to fill the position starting in July 2024. This is currently a part-time un-paid executive (equivalent to a CEO) role with reasonable expenses for out of the office work. It is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wishes to work as part of an international organisation and bring international heritage conservation ideas and knowledge and practice to the UK. It could suit someone who has part-time availability or has recently retired and wishes to retain an active involvement in the heritage sector within an international dimension. Experience of working in sectors relating to the historic/built environment and/or culture and heritage would be desirable. Experience in managing the development and delivery of governance, policy and operations for a small or medium sized organisation or as part of a larger organisation would be essential. We envisage that an increase in membership which ICOMOS-UK is working towards may generate funding to make the role paid in the future.
The Secretary reports to the President and manages a member of staff (part-time paid staff member) and volunteers who undertake work intermittently.
We are expecting to fill this post by the beginning of July 2024 and would be happy to arrange an informal chat with ICOMOS-UK’s President about the role, on request.
Application process: closing date for the application is 17th May 2024. Candidates should send a CV, no longer than 2/3 pages, setting out why they wish to apply for the post and all relevant skills, knowledge and experience that support the application. Interviews are scheduled during first week in June 2024. The successful candidate will be notified soon after the interview date.
Job Description
The role of the General Secretary
The role of the General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (equivalent to a CEO of a small organisation) is to take responsibility for the day-to-day function of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), to manage the secretariat (including the Operations Manager and volunteer staff), to support the work of the President and Executive Committee, and to oversee the national and international activities of ICOMOS-UK. The General Secretary will report to the President.
The organisation has been through a review and has been implementing its revised vision to increase ICOMOS-UK’s membership, (which currently stands at 470-500), and raise the organisation’s profile. We are a broad church and our members come from a variety of background and includes architects, archaeologists, geographers, engineers, project managers, curators, planners, carpenters, specialists in intangible cultural customs and traditions etc. Unlike many heritage organisations which were forced to close down during the pandemic, we were fortunate to retain our members throughout the lockdown and since which demonstrates the loyalty and support we already garner from our members. The General Secretary would work with the membership committee in sustaining this trend and identify new ideas to retain existing members and recruit new ones.
Main Duties / Key Responsibilities
- To support the President and Executive Committee in the delivery of the work of ICOMOS-UK.
- To develop, co-ordinate and present policy, as agreed with the Executive Committee.
- To co-ordinate and manage the secretariat function of ICOMOS-UK including the Office Manager. To oversee the governance arrangements for ICOMOS-UK.
- To work with the Treasurer on the budget, income generation and expenditure for ICOMOS-UK, including support for fund-raising activities and applications.
- To help drive the recruitment and support of members of ICOMOS-UK.
- To help coordinate and promote events supporting and disseminating the work of ICOMOS-UK.
- To coordinate, promote and report on the activities of ICOMOS-UK committees to the membership, stakeholders and potential interest groups; to work with the committees on the implementation of their recommendations.
- The post holder will be the secretary of the International Monuments Trust (IMT), convene meetings, take minutes and organise the transfer of payments.
Person Specification
You will have or develop:
- strong drive and initiative
- strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all tasks
- experience in using your own judgement
- familiarity in reporting to and taking direction from the President and Executive Committee.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Required knowledge, skills and experience for the suitable candidate can be found on the attached Job Description.
Competency Framework
The competency Framework for the role can be found on the attached Job Description.
Dimensions
- Understanding of the work of ICOMOS, using knowledge and experience to proactively engage with Executive Committee and stakeholders.
- Supporting and undertaking work and providing reports to President and Executive Committee.
- Acting as a champion for ICOMOS’s work.
Background
What is ICOMOS?
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was set up in 1965 and is a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites. With around 11,000 individual members active in over 150 countries and a network of 130 National committees (similar to the one in the UK) spread across the world, ICOMOS is one of the most highly regarded conservation organisations in the world. Its 31 International Scientific Committees made up of heritage conservation specialists from across the globe are responsible for developing charters, principles and guidelines on conservation and management of cultural sites. It is one the three advisers to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on cultural World Heritage properties (the other two being IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)).
What is ICOMOS-UK?
ICOMOS-UK is one of the 130 national committees of ICOMOS. It is an independent charity, set up in 1965. We have an active membership of individuals and institutions who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and worldwide. As a national committee based in the UK, ICOMOS-UK promotes appreciation and understanding of our built environment and landscape associated with it and UK’s diverse intangible cultural heritage. It mirrors the structure of the international body. We have a UK board, a small Secretariat comprising an Operations Manager (OM) and a General Secretary. There are eight scientific committees which report to the Board. Our focus is on providing advice on good practice through the dissemination of ICOMOS’s international Charters, Principles and Guidelines and regular national and international events (conferences, lectures, panel discussions etc). We are also the only independent adviser on the implementation of 1972 World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines to the UK Government and the 33 World Heritage sites situated across the UK. The Board and the eight scientific committees collaborate with the heritage, arts and education sectors in the UK and internationally in developing new thinking and making ICOMOS’s international standards relevant to the national context.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We hope to provide our placement students with an insight into the daily internal workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The student will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement. There also may be ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of work where appropriate. You will be responsible for achieving specific work objectives, agreed with you, in a set length of time within one of the various departments across the UK. As you are recruited to support or complete particular objectives, you will have a real responsibility and place in the department, bringing some of your skills and experience to the role; you will also have the chance to develop workplace skills.
Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? You could help them to draw on their own strengths to cope with crisis and to rebuild their lives.
The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities and when the crisis is over, we help people recover and move on with their lives.
Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The successful candidate will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement. There may be some ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity.
Your role as a placement volunteer will help make a great contribution to the work of the British Red Cross. You will take responsibility for achieving specific objectives that are agreed with you within one of the various departments across the UK. You will have a real responsibility and place in the department, bringing some of your skills and experience to the role; you will also have the chance to develop workplace skills.
While we don’t offer voluntary internships, we are happy for you to describe yourself as an intern on your CV, if you feel that would be helpful.
PLEASE STATE YOUR EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE IN YOUR APPLICATION.
HOURS: This placement will be over 21 hours per week; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday and Thursday will be in the Sheffield office. The role will involve outreach support in Sheffield City Centre on alternate Wednesdays with some remote working. The volunteering hours are negotiable to balance your needs and what can be achieved in the role.
Bursary Scheme The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses.
For this scheme we are defining low-income households as:
- Inside London: Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under
- Outside London: Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under
Young People and this role Our placement volunteer opportunities are open to people at different stages of their career, aged 15 or above. Whether you’re student, a recent graduate or someone with more experience looking for a career change, we would be happy to hear from you.
Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross from the age of 15. An individual risk assessment, parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required for those aged 15 – 17. Due to the nature of the activities specific to this placement opportunity you need to be 18 years or older.
**Diversity **We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. We seek to ensure that our organisation and our services are relevant and accessible to all, with equality, diversity and fairness at the core of what we do. We invite applications from individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or political belief and are committed to promoting fair participation and equality of opportunity for all of our applicants.
The British Red Cross is committed to being inclusive, with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. We value fresh perspectives and insights gained by involving and welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience. This is to contribute to the breadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.
Our Casework volunteers work one-to-one with refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants at a time which many will find difficult and distressing. We help to make sure people have choices and opportunities available to them to move forward with their lives in a new country. Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness.
Why we want you
The casework placement volunteer will work one-to-one with vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees to help them access suitable services. It will include but not limited to, undertaking sensitive and comprehensive interviews with service users to assess their needs and agreeing a plan of action with the beneficiary.
What you will be doing
- Support the beneficiary to access other services, for example from the NHS, legal representatives, and Social Services
- Maintaining effective client records using our data capture system including communicating effectively with the Home Office case owner
- Working effectively with interpreters
- Offering onward referral to relevant bodies as appropriate
- Providing one to one support to beneficiaries
- Undertaking sensitive and comprehensive interviews with service users to assess their needs
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding and protection issues with vulnerable clients, including children and vulnerable adults.
The skills you need
- A good communicator and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees
- Able to use emotional support skills in a calm and responsible manner
- Aware of conflict and migration issues and sensitive to cultural issues, including those relating to gender
- Personally resilient as you may need to deal with difficult or challenging situations
- Understanding of face-to-face client work and/or casework, demonstrating excellent communication and proven listening skills
- Able to speak good English; plus knowledge of a foreign language would be useful (particularly one used in the current local refugee population)
- Able to use emotional support skills in a calm and responsible manner
- Able to keep the beneficiary at the heart of what you do, supporting the Red Cross to understand service user needs and the difference our role makes
- Willing to adhere to BRC Casework Good Practice Standards
- Able to work alone with minimum supervision as well as part of a team
- Willing to uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and adhere to the Society’s Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willing to complete a criminal record check
What's in it for you
- A full induction, with ongoing support and supervision throughout your placement
- Access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities, including British Red Cross intranet site, e-learning facility and one-to-one career sessions or career development workshops
- Valuable exposure to the work of the Red Cross in the UK and around the world
- A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and to gain new ones
- Reasonable travel and lunch expenses paid
- Being a volunteer for the British Red Cross means that you can proudly say you are part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, and one of our 13 million volunteers across the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.