Independent living service volunteer jobs in Milton keynes

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each person as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Buckinghamshire Service for you to join a dynamic team committed to supporting children and young people who have been affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use. The role of a Children and family Worker will support children and young people under the age of 18 on a one-to-one basis in a confidential space. The role will deliver a wide range of interventions/ education though activities, such as games, arts and crafts and emotional wellbeing resources. The role will utilise a young person-centred approach, empowering them to explore situations which they feel they have little control over to support them to lead a safe, happy, and healthy life.

The role will work in partnership and liaise with other young people services throughout Buckinghamshire, to provide holistic support to young people accessing the service. We need to record information about what we do, so enjoying a bit of admin work and attention to detail is important, but most of the time you’ll be enjoying working with young people from all backgrounds, making a difference to their lives. You will be required to work flexibly across operational sites as required so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car. Don’t worry, there is a wide array of training and development opportunities to help support you in your work.

Where: This role will be based across Buckinghamshire County

When: We're looking for the right person to join our team ASAP on a permanent contract

Hours: 37.5 per week

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the role: 

• To holistically support CYP affected by parental substance misuse, using a range of interventions including group work, 1:1 work, whole family interventions, safety planning and safeguarding working closely and proactively with the family unit to support positive and sustainable outcomes.
• Identify families in conjunction with other agencies, who will benefit from a Think Family / Whole family approach, negotiating participation and engagement with the programme of care.
• Identifying and responding effectively to potential safeguarding issues. 
• Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to young people and the wider community. 
• Working with young people to support positive, holistic outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing, enabling them to lead safe, healthy, and purposeful lives: reducing risk and increasing resilience 
• Working flexibly across sites where required

About you: 

• Experience of working with young people and knowledge of the issues they face 
• Knowledge of safeguarding concerns in relation to children and young people and the Fraser Competence framework 
• Have an excellent understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field 
• Knowledge of working with evidence-based practice around young people’s substance misuse treatment services and methods, including relevant best practice guidance 
• An accomplished communicator, both verbal and written with a high degree of personal IT competency 
• Be able to accurately update and maintain records and to work to deadlines for the submission of information, e.g., reports 
• Have excellent team working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a highly cooperative approach to supporting colleagues in delivering service objectives 

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.

A note about using AI in your application

AI can be a really helpful tool when putting together your application, and we're happy for you to use it. However, what we're most interested in is you.

We want to understand your experiences, achievements and strengths, so please make sure your application reflects your own story and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria and the impact you've made in previous roles.

There's no need to write in a particular style. The strongest applications are those that are authentic, specific and clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and potential. We look forward to learning more about you.

Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy. 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£28,557.79 - £32,802.41)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

24/8/2026

Closing Date

17/8/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Women's experiences of gambling harm are still poorly understood across the sector. GamCare's Women's Pathway is changing that, and we're looking for a Training Lead to help lead the way. You'll design and deliver engaging CPD-accredited training to professionals, volunteers, community organisations and women's groups, building strong partnerships that increase awareness, early identification and access to support.

Working closely with stakeholders across the sector, you'll combine training delivery, partnership development and content design to help ensure the Women's Pathway reaches the women who need it most. As an independent charity and the leading provider of support for anyone affected by gambling harms, the work you do will help GamCare improve outcomes for women across the UK.

About you

We're looking for an experienced and engaging trainer who is passionate about empowering women and supporting behaviour change through high-quality learning experiences. You'll have experience designing and delivering training to a range of audiences and be confident adapting your approach to meet different learning needs. Importantly, you'll bring experience of working directly with professionals and/or women's groups, ideally within community, support, recovery, health, social care or voluntary sector settings.

You'll understand how to create inclusive and trauma-informed learning environments and be skilled at building relationships with both professional stakeholders and community-based organisations. Strong facilitation, communication and organisational skills, along with a commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality, will enable you to deliver impactful training that increases awareness, builds confidence and improves pathways into support. 

Working at GamCare

Founded in 1997, GamCare is one of the leading providers of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. We operate the National Gambling Helpline, provide treatment for anyone who is harmed by gambling, create awareness about safer gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to safer gambling within the gambling industry. 

Staff Benefits we can offer you:

• 33 days basic annual leave entitlement per annum (pro-rated for part-time colleagues) including bank holidays, which increases with service
• A generous Pension Scheme – we contribute 6% and you contribute 2%
• Discretionary company sick pay after 6 months' service
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour support
• Premium access to the CALM app for you and up to 5 dependents

Closing date for applications: Sunday 23rd August 2026 (23:59)

Interviews will take place: In person at GamCare's London HQ (online interview available if required) – week commencing 31st August 2026.

GamCare is committed to offering the best support to people affected by gambling harms, as such we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.

GamCare is an equal opportunities employer and doesn’t discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability. We are only able to facilitate visa sponsorship in very limited circumstances, so candidates outside of the UK or who don’t have the right to work in the UK need not apply.

About the role:

Ready to lead a service that changes young lives? Youth Concern is looking for an experienced manager to lead our busy Drop-in Centre and support a dedicated team committed to helping young people across Aylesbury Vale. Help us shape our charity’ next chapter as we prepare to move to new premises in 2027. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Drop-in Centre, ensuring that young people receive high-quality, accessible support in a safe and welcoming environment. Working closely with staff, volunteers and partner agencies, you will oversee service delivery, support organisational development and play a key role in our exciting plans to relocate to new premises in 2027. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and shaping the future of an essential community service.

Place of work is flexible (to suit us and the successful candidate, approx 2 days a week from home, 3 days a week working from the Drop-in Centre). Our Drop-in Centre in open to young people Tuesday-Saturday including two evenings. This role can be flexible and can be worked Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend work.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays per annum plus 1 day's leave on your birthday

• Mobile phone and laptop

• Pension

• 24/7 employee support from Health Assured

• TOIL policy

• Monthly supervision and training

Interviews will take place on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th September 2026.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach, Wheelchair Skills and Wider Engagement

· Engage the widest possible range of people with spinal cord injury to sign up for further contact with Back Up, through organising and/or delivering wheelchair skills training sessions and talks for patients and families at the spinal cord injury centre in the region, general hospitals and with other key partners or locations as identified.

· Coordinate, support and manage volunteer trainers who are helping to deliver sessions and talking to patients and families.

· Lead, sustain and develop strong and effective working relationships with a wide range of health professionals and other charity representatives e.g. through presentations, calls and meetings, to ensure that people access seamless support.

Proactive Contact with People Affected by Spinal Cord Injury

· Maintain and support relationships with a large number of people affected by SCI (adults, children and young people and their parents) through regular proactive contact. This could be in person in the spinal cord injury centre, other settings or through events, telephone contact or other interactions.

· Explore their feelings, wishes and needs and provide tailored peer support to help them feel supported, access relevant services from Back Up and elsewhere through proactive referrals, and become more aware of the possibilities of life after SCI.

Networking, Partnerships and Sustainability

· Develop and maintain a map of touchpoints in the region, where people with an SCI will come into contact.

· Develop partnerships, referral routes and signposting processes to develop reach beyond the spinal cord injury centre.

· Develop and manage a network of community ambassador volunteers to support the wider work and sustainability of Back Up through fundraising and other related activities.

· Take a lead on encouraging localised fundraising activity; working towards wider income targets that support ongoing sustainability.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

· Maintaining accurate records on the database.

· Work as a team, consulting with others to ensure you give and receive high quality support.

· Keep Back Up informed of the issues affecting the people you are supporting and of developments at the spinal cord injury centre, general hospitals and other settings.

· Input into team planning and activities.

· Manage the budget relating to activities in your region.

· Help recruit new volunteers as needed to ensure a diverse team representing Back Up.

· Other duties as required by the Regional Outreach & Engagement Team Leader.

 

 

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope of this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

• Experience of working to support vulnerable people to achieve goals/move forward in life
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High standard of IT including experience of using databases and MS Office
• Self-starter; highly organised, able to drive own workload
• A creative and proactive approach to all areas of work with a 'can do' attitude, in line with the charity's values
• Commitment to delivering a high-quality service
• Respect for confidentiality
• Suitable to work safely and appropriately with children and vulnerable people
• Strong team working orientation with a flexible and adaptable approach to work demands across the whole organisation, a real people person
• Respect for others; able to work in a way that respects diversity and values equality
• Great listener, warmth, empathy, respect for everybody. Able to be non-judgmental and focus on the individual and their needs
• Willing and able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends including overnight stays
• GCSE Maths and English A-C or equivalent

Desirable:

• Spinal cord injured person or family member
• Experience of working with and supporting volunteers
• Experience of working with people in trauma
• Presentation skills and the ability to manage a group
• Proactive approach to own support needs, health & wellbeing
• An understanding of the needs of people adjusting to life with spinal cord injury

For over 50 years, SIA has supported people affected by spinal cord injury to live full and independent lives.

We are looking for a detail-focused and reliable Finance Officer to join us at an exciting point in our journey. As we are now halfway through delivering our 2030 strategy, this role offers the chance to play a hands-on part in keeping the association's finances accurate, compliant, and running smoothly.

Finance Officer
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 16 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: SIA House, Milton Keynes, MK6. We offer hybrid working, with the expectation of three days per week in the office (pro-rated for part-time employees).
Salary: £30,900 per annum FTE (pro rata for 16 hours: approximately £14,126)

Thank you for your interest in joining our special charity

About Us

The Spinal Injuries Association is committed to a singular vision: a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

Everyone has a right to live a fulfilled life and that means the life they choose, a life that has the same opportunities as everyone else. We are the expert guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury.

About the role

As Finance Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the financial operations of the charity, ensuring the organisation can continue delivering life-changing support for individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will keep our day-to-day finances accurate and up to date, processing invoices, income, journals and payments, and supporting bank reconciliations, credit control, and year-end preparation. It is a role for someone who takes real pride in getting the detail right, and who wants their work to make a tangible difference.

What you will be doing

• Processing purchase and sales invoices, company credit cards and expenses.
• Processing income received through various channels, and investigating variances and queries.
• Processing journals and supporting payments to suppliers and petty cash transactions.
• Supporting the preparation of monthly bank reconciliations.
• Assisting with year-end accounts preparation and supporting the auditors.
• Supporting the production of the aged debtors list and helping with credit control.
• Processing transactions accurately using Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Resolving a range of day-to-day finance queries.
• Supporting senior finance staff with other projects and tasks as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is accurate, organised, and comfortable working with numbers:

• Proven experience in a finance or bookkeeping role, with strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise a varied and busy workload.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Able to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Integrity to maintain the highest of ethical standards and confidentiality of sensitive financial information.
• An analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience of Dynamics 365 Business Central, and a good understanding of VAT and charity finance, are desirable but not essential.

Why join us?

• A genuinely supportive and values-led culture
• The chance to build your finance career within a well-regarded national charity
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• 28 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, rising to 30 (pro rata) after two years
• Group pension scheme with 6% employer contribution
• Group life assurance and healthcare cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme and discounted gym membership
• Employee volunteer days
• Free car parking at SIA House
• Genuine investment in your development, with a dedicated budget for training and growth

This is a hybrid role, so you will be spending at least half your hours in the office at SIA House, Milton Keynes.

Please ensure your application reflects your own experience and clearly demonstrates your personal contribution. If shortlisted, you will be asked to discuss your application in detail during the selection process.

Closing date: 27 August 2026, 9am
Interview dates: 3 and 4 September 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

At SIA, we value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, and caring culture.

We are striving to create a culture that fully represents all the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.

No agencies please.

We have a newly created opportunity for a Portfolio Assurance Manager and Reporting to join our fantastic Change and Transformation team at RBL.

Here at the Royal British Legion, we are currently embarking on an exciting new phase with our Customer, Technology and Change directorate. Together this team, covering Technology, Data Protection, Business Planning and Change & Transformation, takes great pride in supporting across RBL with all things technology, security, digital, data, business planning, portfolio and project management, and change. It’s a great time to join as our organisation begins to drive our new 10-year strategy and ensures we are best able to continue to make a difference to our Armed Forces community now and for the future.

Based in our Change & Transformation team, the new Portfolio Assurance Manager will provide independent, risk based assurance across our portfolio, helping ensure projects are set up for success and that key decisions are informed, evidence based and grounded in delivery reality.

This role will see you work closely with project teams, sponsors and change leaders to strengthen confidence in the delivery of strategic initiatives. Through early engagement, practical advice and constructive challenge, you'll help ensure projects progress through key decision points with the right evidence, controls and understanding of risks.

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in improving decision-making, enabling successful project delivery and driving continuous improvement across a diverse portfolio of change.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our new Head of Portfolio Assurance and Reporting, some key responsibilities will include:

- Providing independent assurance on projects, business cases and key decision making
- Working with project teams from an early stage to clarify assurance requirements
- Reviewing project governance, controls, risks, dependencies and delivery plans to assess overall delivery confidence
- Providing clear findings, recommendations and insights
- Assessing the credibility of benefits, delivery assumptions, resource plans and financial information
- Supporting the continuous development of assurance practices, standards and ways of working across the organisation.

You will bring experience from a project, portfolio, PMO, assurance, governance or risk environment, along with the confidence to provide constructive challenge while building positive working relationships. You will be comfortable reviewing evidence, assessing risk and helping stakeholders make well informed decisions in a complex change environment.
You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there, with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings).

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%, depending on length of service
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates: Week commencing 7th Sep

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.