Community involvement volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Kensington

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00

Location: 211 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6BD 

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in the community

Our Van Driver’s mates are out and about supporting drivers with delivering and collecting stock throughout the local area. They play a key part in getting donations to and from shops. This role does require the ability to lift heavy items. 

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

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

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the volunteering team

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our recruitment support volunteers help local volunteer groups and teams by promoting volunteer roles, matching passionate cat loving volunteers to roles and informing potential volunteers about the variety of volunteer roles available at Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement
• Planning volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Managing volunteer recruitment by advertising and promoting roles
• Overseeing the volunteer application process
• Meeting potential volunteers and providing information about roles
• Matching potential volunteers with suitable roles
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice

Time expectation 

Our recruitment support volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our recruitment support volunteers help local volunteer groups and teams by promoting volunteer roles, matching passionate cat loving volunteers to roles and informing potential volunteers about the variety of volunteer roles available at Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement
• Planning volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Managing volunteer recruitment by advertising and promoting roles
• Overseeing the volunteer application process
• Meeting potential volunteers and providing information about roles
• Matching potential volunteers with suitable roles
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice

Time expectation 

Our recruitment support volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

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

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

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

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

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available:

Support Session Volunteer 

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual.

As a support session volunteer, you might:

• help people have their say when it matters most
• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
• help people to make complaints and use local services

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

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

ED&I Statement

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

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

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Join Our Team as a Volunteer in our Helpline!

Service: Helpline
Service Opening Hours: 24/7
Location: Waterside House, Sunderland.

About us
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Devon, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.

Everything about MHM is people focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to our clients and service users.

At our Mental Health Helpline, we offer a crucial lifeline, providing compassionate listening and crisis de-escalation for numerous NHS Trusts. We're on the lookout for empathetic and dedicated individuals to join us in delivering this transformative support.

About the role
Our Volunteers are incredibly important in supporting the work we do, and we value individuals who dedicate their time to find the perfect fit within our organisation.

We are currently excited to welcome volunteers to the Helpline, to support with our emotional support provision.

The service operates 24/7 but we welcome applications to fit around your availability and capacity.

You will be part of a team that provides emotional support and signposting to our callers and will be supported by the Telephone Support Workers and Shift Supervisors at all times.

About you

Your involvement at the Helpline will make a meaningful difference to those we support.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on others’ lives?
Do you have empathy and understanding towards different perspectives?
Are you happy to work as part of a team?
Would you like to learn new skills and develop your abilities to listen and support people?

If these qualities resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you and explore how your unique skills and passions can enhance our service.

Requirements
No prior experience is required, and lived experience is always welcomed. We provide comprehensive training – all we ask is that you’re ready to take the next step in supporting others.

This is a great opportunity for someone with an interest in health and social care services and a drive to make a positive impact.

Please Note - Due to the nature of the role, our volunteers will need to be over the age of 18 and will be expected to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Our commitment to you
When you choose to volunteer with us, you’ll have a dedicated support system in place. Our Helpline management team will collaborate to craft a personalised development plan that aligns with your goals of volunteering.

Your aspirations and interests, whatever they may be, will be at the forefront of this plan. We’re here to ensure that your experience as a volunteer is both fulfilling and aligned with what you hope to achieve through your time with us.

We also commit to providing reasonable travel expenses (up to £5 a day).

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

This Is Not a Social Media Job. It’s a Movement-Building Role. Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. exists to confront and expose the realities of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), centre survivor truth and accountability, support young people into economic empowerment, and build community-owned, open-source systems that replace silence with structure, care, and collective power. We are values-led, anti-capitalist, and community-driven. We do not exist to chase trends, inflate egos, or extract attention for profit. We exist to tell the truth, build systems that protect people, and mobilise communities at scale. The Founding Volunteer Social Media Director is a critical leadership role at the heart of this work.
 
The Purpose of This Role
The Social Media Director is responsible for shaping and leading the organisation’s entire social media vision, strategy, and execution during its foundational phase. This role exists to transform truth into reach, values into visibility, and community work into collective momentum — without diluting integrity.
You will lead the creation of a decentralised, high-volume, values-aligned content ecosystem that empowers ambassadors, volunteers, and community members to speak, share, and act with clarity and purpose.
This is about building infrastructure for voice — not chasing virality for its own sake.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience leading social media strategy, content creation or community engagement, ideally in start-up, non-profit or mission-driven contexts. 
• Set and own the CIC’s social media vision aligned to its mission, safeguarding principles and 2026 goals
• Collaborate with Fundraising, Membership, Safeguarding and Digital teams to ensure ethical, effective campaigns
• Track record of translating values, purpose or community work into compelling, authentic digital content.
• Design a scalable, decentralised content strategy across platforms
• Work with open-source digital systems to ensure efficiency and accessibility

Desirable:

• Experience building and managing multi-channel social media ecosystems or networks of contributors.
• Comfortable working in a volunteer capacity [until paid roles are introduced]
• Experience leading social media strategy, content creation, or community engagement, ideally in start-up, non-profit, or mission-driven contexts.
• Establish governance, standards, and culture from the ground up. 
• Act as a values carrier and leadership presence within the organisation
• Commitment to maintaining integrity, authenticity, and values-first communication.
• Oversee content workflows: creation → approval → storage → distribution → analysis

Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, analytics and tools. 
• Ability to balance creative experimentation with strategic planning.
• Passion for mission-driven work and amplifying authentic community voices. 
• Familiarity with decentralised or collaborative content strategies is a plus.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Experience in planning multi-channel campaigns, content calendars and engagement strategies.
• Deeply aligned with the mission, values and anti-capitalist stance of the CIC
• Able to lead with clarity, accountability and emotional maturity
• Willingness to work in a fast-moving, foundational environment and navigate ambiguity with initiative.
• Ability to maintain consistency and authenticity in every message, interaction and campaign.
• Translating our work into clear, engaging, and authentic content that resonates across audiences.
• Genuine commitment to amplifying community voices and advancing our values.
• Ability to work closely with volunteers, ambassadors and other stakeholders to co-create content and amplify voices.
• Collaborative and empowering leadership style; able to work with volunteers, ambassadors and community members.

What You Will Gain:

• A founding leadership role shaping a national CIC from the ground up
• Real influence over strategy, systems and culture
• Deep personal and professional transformation through meaningful work
• Experience leading at scale in a decentralised, open-source environment
• The opportunity to help design future paid roles, structures and sustainability
• We do not promise comfort or quick reward.
• We offer responsibility, growth and the chance to build something that matters.

This Role Is Not for You If:

• You are looking for quick money or passive involvement
• You want brand building without accountability
• You are uncomfortable with truth-telling or safeguarding boundaries
• You prefer rigid hierarchies over collective leadership
• You are not ready to commit consistently and responsibly

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about planning, coordination, and execution

A Final Word

The old systems are collapsing.

We are building what comes next.

If you know that storytelling can be a tool for liberation,

that community is stronger than algorithms,

and that leadership means showing up before you are rewarded —

This role may be for you

£Volunteer + travel expenses
Flexible hours
Districts within York and North Yorkshire (Scarborough/Ryedale, York/Selby, Harrogate/Craven, Hambleton/Richmondshire)

Ref: CYP-252

Closing date: Monday 2 February 2026 at 9:00am

Are you a personable, resilient and reliable individual with the commitment – and, above all, the understanding – to build trusted professional relationships with vulnerable children and young people?

If so, St Giles has opportunities to join us in the volunteer role of SOS+ North Yorkshire Peer Mentor – working on an award-winning project that educates children and young people around the risks and signs of exploitation, serious violence, and gangs, through group facilitated sessions and tailored one-to-one intervention sessions in schools and other community settings.

About St Giles Trust
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role
You’ll join us in mentoring children and young people who are victims of, or have been affected by exploitation, or who are frequently missing from home. Receiving full training, including a Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance qualification, you’ll provide support to SOS+ caseworkers developing and delivering educational sessions to children and young people between the ages of 10-25 years, on topics such as: weapons awareness; the reality of prison; gangs; county lines; and child sexual exploitation.

We positively encourage applications if you’ve previously worked on a client-led support project, and/or have had personal adverse experiences such as homelessness, substance misuse, debt, involvement with gangs, etc. This includes having had experience of the criminal justice system and serving a prison sentence. (You will need to demonstrate how your lived experience supports your ability to benefit our clients).

What we are looking for

• Relevant knowledge/understanding, preferably with lived/personal experience of the Criminal Justice System, and/or having been affected by criminal or sexual exploitation.
• Experience with socially excluded children, young people and/or adults.
• Experience of providing advice and guidance and/or mentoring (not essential).
•  Award in Education & Training and/or Mentoring Level 3 qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Ability to communicate and understand different experiences and perspectives without judgement.

Please note: this role requires that successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Closing date: Monday 2 February 2026 9:00am

The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community-led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Officer to support SSI’s financial sustainability and growth. This role will focus on securing funding through grant writing, donor engagement, and community fundraising initiatives, ensuring SSI can continue delivering its mission and expanding its social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and pursue grant opportunities, donor funding, and community fundraising streams.

• Develop high-quality, persuasive, and compliant funding proposals and applications.

• Maintain SSI’s funding tracker, calendar, and reporting systems.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, local partners, and community stakeholders.

• Support outcome and impact reporting to funders and the board.

• Contribute to SSI’s fundraising strategy and advise on opportunities for growth.

Core Duties

• Ensure fundraising and grant activities align with SSI’s mission and compliance standards.

• Exercise professionalism, diligence, and integrity in all fundraising matters.

• Safeguard financial accuracy and transparency in proposals and reports.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather data, stories, and supporting evidence for applications.

• Create compelling marketing materials to promote fundraising initiatives across various channels.

• Join working groups or project committees related to fundraising and development.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and planning sessions.

• Stay informed about trends in funding, social enterprise, and community development.

• Participate in project groups or campaigns where relevant to fundraising objectives.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold SSI’s ethical standards, including diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and community impact.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor management.

• Solutions-driven mindset, with attention to detail and accuracy in proposals and budgets.
   

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.

• Understanding of finance, governance, or nonprofit operations.

• Lived experience of food insecurity or involvement in community-led initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor management.

• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.

• Training and professional development to support growth and impact on SSI’s mission.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Glasgow South West Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking new trustees to become members of our board. Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Clear commitment to supporting the delivery of the best possible compassionate and non-judgmental service to some of the most disadvantaged people in Glasgow.
• Some understanding of issues around poverty, even if not in depth, and willingness to extend that.
• Experience at a management, senior or professional level within the third, public or private sectors.

• (Ideally, but not essentially) experience of involvement in non-executive boards in the third, public or private sector.

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Glasgow South West Foodbank.

Community engagement charity Sobus is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for a new Trustee Treasurer to help guide the charity through a time of exciting opportunity and development.

It's an exciting time for Sobus, as we look to refresh our service offer, and maximise the investment opportunity following the disposal of a property in 2024.

Our overarching aim is to “strengthen local communities”, through the provision of infrastructure support to the local voluntary sector in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and supporting business communities around our North Kensington hub. 

Our work is focussed on five main areas:

• Voice & Representation
• Information & Intelligence
• Brokerage & Partnerships
• Capacity Building & Business Support
• Affordable Premises (through the provision of our business hubs in Fulham and North Kensington)

Trustee Treasurer: We are seeking a committed individual with a proven, professional track record of financial management and leadership at the highest level, and a sound understanding and experience of the voluntary sector.  We need someone with significant experience of leading long-term strategic development and driving financial sustainability.

You will share our vision and want to take a leading role in our journey to be recognised as an outstanding organisation. It would be a significant advantage if you have an understanding or experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, and even more so if you are a current or former resident of Hammersmith & Fulham or have a tangible, established and current connection with the area.

Sobus was formed in 2014 following a merger between the Community & Voluntary Sector Association and Fulham Community Partnership Trust. However, we were first established as the local CVS in Hammersmith & Fulham in 1998. 

Sobus is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people that we support. We therefore warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Selection process:

Candidates are requested to complete an application and a equalities monitoring form., and if shortlisted, an interview with our outgoing Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO.  t

For an informal discussion about the position, of for the Job Description and application form, contact the Sobus CEO, Sue Spiller

Based at Camberwell Office with occasional travel

Closing date - Monday, 16th February 2025 at 9:00am

Are you a proactive, dynamic and collaborative individual with a proven record of providing efficient, high-quality administrative support to a range of stakeholders?  If so, St Giles is looking for a Volunteer Education Project Coordinator to provide first-class administrative support to our pioneering SOS+ Service.
About St Giles Trust 

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About SOS+ Education -VEX team

Working with young people in a variety of educational settings, St. Giles’ SOS+ Service delivers early intervention work, through one-to-one mentoring and preventative sessions on violence, vulnerability and exploitation. The mission of SOS+ is to prevent children and young people becoming involved in gangs and youth violence by equipping them with tools, knowledge and support delivered by experts with lived experience.

About this key role

As Volunteer Education Project Coordinator, you’ll take the lead on coordinating project bookings, managing communication with schools and partners, and ensuring smooth delivery of the SOS+ service through first-class administrative, data, and logistical support. Your work will directly contribute to St Giles Trust’s mission to create safer communities and empower young people to thrive.

What you’ll be doing:

· Coordinating bookings for SOS+ education projects and managing the team’s delivery calendar.

· Supporting income generation by bringing in new Spot Purchase bookings.

· Recording accurate project data, monitoring deliverables, and flagging barriers to success.

· Organising travel, accommodation, and logistics for virtual and face-to-face delivery.

· Assisting with data collection, evaluation, and performance reporting.

· Following up on business development leads and supporting project growth.

What we are looking for

· A proven track record of providing efficient, high-quality administrative support

· Experience of coordinating bookings, managing calendars, booking travel and accommodation, and providing high-quality customer service via phone calls, emails, and in meetings

· Experience of project coordination, ideally including partnership work with schools and external organisations to achieve agreed outcomes

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

· A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work.

Please note:  as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.
Closing date: Monday, 16th February 2025 at 9:00am

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.

We are seeking someone with understanding or experience of community and grant fundraising to join our board. The role involves leading our fundraising sub committee and providing a sounding board for our fundraising manager to deliver our fundraising strategy. 

What will you be doing?

Specific to the fundraising lead trustee role, your responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the fundraising sub committee.
• Work alongside the board to plan what level of funds must be raised to ensure the effective running of the charity.
• Be a sounding board for, and provide oversight of our fundraising manager.
• Lead on the board’s direct engagement with local fund-raising opportunities.
• Provide feedback to the fundraising manager. 

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate would demonstrate: 

• An understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Glasgow South West Foodbank.
• Understanding of, and passion for, fundraising.
• An ability to use that understanding to lead the fundraising sub committee and engage with the fundraising manager in a supportive and confident manner.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team which provides a vital service in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience for people in financial crisis and facing hunger.

Our challenge

Our community is at the centre of everything we do. We’re committed to working with people affected by a brain tumour, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do. We can create real, positive change together. From diagnosis to support to treatment, we’re pushing toward one big vision: for everyone diagnosed with a brain tumour to live longer, better lives.

Our Young Ambassadors programme, for 18 – 25 year olds, is built on diversity. We welcome people living with low and high grade tumours, carers supporting loved ones, and those who have cared for someone who has sadly passed away. Partners and siblings are also welcome. Every voice counts, and every experience helps us create meaningful change.

How can you help?

As a Young Ambassador, you’ll play a big role in representing The Charity and standing up for young people affected by brain tumours. This two-year programme is open to 18-25 year olds, and gives you the chance to influence real decisions, be a critical friend, and make sure the voices of our community are heard loud and clear.

You’ll help shape the future of brain tumour care and research — all while meeting new friends, growing your confidence, and gaining skills that look great on a CV and feel good in your heart.

Across your time as a Young Ambassador, you’ll get stuck into exciting projects both inside the Charity and across the wider brain tumour community. You might work with researchers, healthcare teams, partner organisations, and other passionate young people, sometimes in person, sometimes online, all united by one mission: keeping those affected at the centre of every decision we make.

Ready to create change, learn loads, and be part of something meaningful? This is your chance.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking passionate, collaborative young adults who want to create change and improve outcomes for everyone affected by a brain tumour.

You’ll get to choose the projects you’re most passionate about and take part in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re someone who likes speaking up in groups, prefers sharing ideas one to one, or enjoys contributing behind the scenes.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from anyone affected by a brain tumour (carers and patients), but it’s important this feels like the right time for you. By sharing your insight, you’ll help strengthen and amplify the voice of our community. 

We’re looking for young adults who are:

• Aged 18- 25 years old and based in the UK

• Open to meeting new people, learning new skills, and being part of something meaningful.

• Care about making things better for everyone affected by brain tumours

• Open to sharing your story (only if and when you feel comfortable) and you respect that everyone’s experience is different.

• Kind, collaborative, and supportive, and you enjoy being part of a team.

As a Young Ambassador, you will:

• Use your lived experience to represent others in the brain tumour community and help shape the work we do — both inside the Charity and out in the wider world.

• Be open to making friends, learning new skills, and making a real difference alongside other young people who care as much as you do.

• Listen to and respect different perspectives, knowing that everyone’s journey is unique and people may face challenges that look different from your own.

• Make sure real experiences, especially youth voice, guide research, campaigns, policy, and services, so the things we create truly reflect what young people need.

Some of the ways you can get involved include:

• Explore and develop fundraising ideas – Get creative and help us dream up fresh, exciting ways to raise the vital funds that keep our work moving forward.

• Create social media content – Use your creativity to help us tell powerful stories, spread awareness, and reach more young people online. Whether it’s Insta posts, videos, or LinkedIn your ideas can make a real impact.

• Contribute to campaigns and events – Use your story and your voice to support reports, raise awareness, and even help us engage MPs and decision-makers.

• Feed into research projects and focus groups - Help make sure research is easy to understand, accessible, and benefits the community it aims to support

• Speak up on bigger platforms – From press interviews to conferences, media pieces, or blog posts, you’ll have opportunities to share your experiences publicly and help shine a light on brain tumours and the work of the Charity. 

• Shape services that work for young people – Be part of developing and improving the support we offer, including our Young Adult service, making sure our services are practical, inclusive, and focused on real needs. 

In addition to all of this, we are very open to hearing your ideas about how you would like to contribute and get involved.

Practical considerations

This is a voluntary role with a term of up to two years, though we understand circumstances may change and you may need to step away earlier. 

• Induction: You’ll start with a 2-day induction on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April  at our office in Fleet, Hampshire

• In-person meetings: Two further in person events will take place during the two-year programme. These have previously included training days and residential.  

• Online meetings: We’ll meet monthly on Microsoft Teams during a weekday evening 

• Other opportunities: You can choose activities that fit your interests, availability, and preferences. These will be shared via Volunteero, our volunteer app, which all Involvement Champions use. Opportunities may take place on both weekdays and weekends.

Please note, for in-person meetings, all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are covered by The Charity.  Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. We suggest a time commitment of around 1–2 hours per week, but this is flexible. You’ll receive training, regular updates, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Wellbeing and connection   

Many past Young Ambassadors say one of the absolute best parts of the programme is the friendships they build and the sense of connection they feel.

Because this role involves hearing and talking about a wide range of lived experiences, it’s worth taking a moment to think about whether this feels like the right time for you. The work is incredibly rewarding but it can also be emotional. 

Application process

Complete our application below! The application form will ask for information about your personal connection to brain tumours and any skills/qualities you would bring to the role.

Additionally, you will be asked to record a 2-minute video or provide a written statement (200-300 words) answering the following questions:

Motivation:

“Why do you want to be a Young Ambassador, and what does this opportunity mean to you personally?”

Representation and voice:

“In what ways do you hope to use your voice, whether online, in discussions, or in person — to help shape the future of brain tumour support and research?”

Key Dates

Applications close: Monday 9 February at 9am

Online Informal interviews*: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 March

Feedback and offers: Week commencing Monday 23 March

Induction date (in person event): Wednesday 29 April and Thursday 30 April

*Depending on the volume of applications we receive, we may shortlist applicants for these interviews. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.