Learning volunteer roles in north west london, greater london
General Trustee Ad
The Bike Project’s mission is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.
“I’m really grateful because life is not only about surviving. It’s about joyfulness. I feel more freedom and independent in my life, and independent from government now.” Bike Recipient
Most people seeking asylum are banned from working and forced to many live off an allowance of £8.86 per day and those lucky enough to get refugee status still face high unemployment and isolation. Having a bike links people to essential services, including foodbanks and legal advice, as well as the local community.
The Bike Project has proved that a bike can make a difference. Not only is a bike a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result.
Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.
As a number of trustees are coming to the end of their terms later this year, we are looking for new trustees to join this dynamic group, including a new Treasurer (see separate advert and application).
You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive. You will work together with your fellow trustees and the wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and instant impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.
Priority Experience Areas
We are particularly seeking those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
1. Lived experience of the UK asylum process
2. Digital and marketing
3. Fundraising
4. Charity operations including specifically within the refugee sector
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we're especially keen to hear from individuals who bring diverse perspectives, including those with lived experience of the asylum process, women, people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.
For an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch.
No agencies please.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.
What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):
- Writing letters to clients
- Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
- Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
- Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Enjoy writing and receiving letters
- Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
- Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
- Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect
What support and training will be provided?
- Feedback from clients and colleagues
- Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
- Answering questions
- Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
- Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
- Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards
What are the benefits for you?
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
- Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Location of the role:
- Mainly your home
When are you needed?
- At a time to suit you
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Role: Charity Shop & Arts Space Assistant
Location: NICOLA Arts, Wandsworth Rd, Lambeth, London
Organisation: NICOLA Arts
About Us:
NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity shop in the heart of Lambeth. We’re more than just a shop — we’re a creative hub where local artists can display, sell, and create their work. Through our in-store exhibitions and collaborative projects, we aim to build a supportive, accessible space for creatives and the wider community.
Role Overview:
We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help support the day-to-day running of our charity shop and creative space. This is a varied role that combines retail tasks with hands-on support for artists and exhibitions. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the arts, community work, or gaining experience in a creative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sort, price, and label donated clothes and items
- Assist customers with queries and purchases
- Operate the till and handle payments (training provided)
- Keep the shop tidy, welcoming, and well-organised
- Support artists working in the on-site studio
- Assist with setting up and manage in-store art exhibitions and events
- Post flyers locally for promoting our new shop
What We’re Looking For:
- Friendly, reliable, and proactive individuals
- An interest in the arts, creativity, or community engagement
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Willingness to learn and get stuck in
- Previous retail or creative experience is a bonus, but not required
What You’ll Gain:
- Experience working in a unique arts and retail environment
- Opportunities to connect with local artists and creative projects
- Training in retail and event support
- A chance to make a real difference in the Lambeth community
- References for future roles or education
Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts available – we’re happy to work around your schedule. Whether you can offer a few hours a week or more, your time and support will make a big difference.
How to Apply:
To express your interest, pop into the shop or apply online
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. 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 Co-Group Coordinator for our London Borough of Sutton group. As our local Co-Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead, alongside our existing Group Coordinator, in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 London Borough of Sutton area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. 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 Group Coordinator for our Medway and Swale group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 Medway and Swale area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. 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 Group Coordinator for our East Berkshire group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 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 East Berkshire area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Amersham and Chesham 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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including
Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead
Crest Rd, High Wycombe
Detailed description
Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.
The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:
·Weeding
·Sweeping
·Pruning
·Clearing leaves and large twigs
·Watering plants
·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds
We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future.
You will need:
- Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
- An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
- Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
- To work under your own initiative.
- Good communication skills
- Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills
A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!
Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .
What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees
What we will provide to volunteers:
- Reimbursement of costs
- Full training and induction
- Access to events and celebrations throughout the year
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Landmark Arts Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to continue their journey. The independent charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London.
Who they are
The Landmark is an independent Arts Charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London. For 30 years, they have been a vital cultural and creative hub for all. Housed in a stunning Grade II* listed building in Teddington, they welcome over 50,000 people annually to a rich programme of performances, classes, workshops, art fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment.
The role
They are seeking a Chairperson able to:
Be an enthusiastic advocate and ambassador of the Landmark Arts Centre and the arts in general.
Shape the future next steps to build on what they have already achieved and ensure they are able to deliver on the potential that their magnificent space offers to audiences and artists.
Work with the community and its leaders, the trustees, and the staff team in promoting well-considered strategic decision-making, effective oversight, and a culture of inclusion.
Refettorio Felix is a community kitchen with an open-door policy in the Earl's Court area. We provide a safe haven and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those facing homelessness and financial crises.
Using surplus food ingredients, our kitchen freshly prepares a three-course lunch for up to 140 people per weekday. We are looking for friendly and dedicated volunteers to support us in our mission to provide fresh and nutritious meals to our guests.
Your support will have a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable members of the community. From trained and experienced Chefs to keen home cooks, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary of the role of Trustee
Trustees are individually, and as part of the Board, the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Board Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.
But this specific role requires the Trustee to Chair the crucial Board’s Income Generation Committee (IGC).
Like other hospices, in the context of Government decisions about tax and minimum wages and in the generally challenging environment for most donors, we are not able to purely fund our work from current donations, meaning we have been drawing from our reserves.
This has to change if we are to survive and satisfy the ever -increasing demands for palliative care.
Main duties and responsibilities:
• Chair the Income Generation Committee, which has the following key priorities:
• Review and constructively challenge the annual fundraising (FR) plans and budget
• Maintain an overview of current fundraising initiatives and their return on investments, working in partnership with the FR team
• Evaluate the risks to achieving projected income streams and advise the FR team and Board accordingly
• In conjunction with the FR team, creatively develop new and potentially high return initiatives that are intended to deliver significant additional income, in excess of current FR budgets
• As part of the Board of Trustees:
• set and maintain vision, mission and values
• ensure plans are in place to deliver income/cost levels that can at least fund current expenditure
• Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation ofthe charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.
• Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises
• Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)
• Assure employment procedures and policy and proceduresfor volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives
• Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers
• To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements
• Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives
• To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.
• Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.
• Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.
We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.
Organisational purpose:
To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.
Our Vision
is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.
Our Mission
is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.
Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.
Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.
We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.
We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers. However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster
As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team! You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service. You can obtain a reference for future employers.
How does this role make a difference?
You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.
What will you be doing?
Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:
· Customer service on the till
· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team
· Greeting and helping customers
· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor
· Sorting donations
· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop
· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public
Want to increase your skills in retail?
If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you. There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers. Let us know if this interests you. We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support. Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.
What are we looking for?
No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:
· Over 16+
· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3
· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere
· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers
· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect
· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room. Manual handling training will be given.
What is the time commitment?
The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday. A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.
How will you be supported?
· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.
· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator
· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.
· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
TACT is the UK’s largest dedicated fostering charity, with over 500 foster carers currently providing loving homes for over 600 children and young people across England, Scotland and Wales. We have annual income of £25million and 200 staff.
Since we were founded in 1993, we have strived to offer excellent care for all our children entrusted to us and to instil positive change in the wider care system. We have also sought to innovate so we can improve the experiences of children and young people in the care system to transform outcomes for the better.
More than 30 years on, TACT continues to undertake a wide range of innovative work across the UK, ensuring we remain at the leading edge of improving the UK care system. Our education service is proving to be a great success in improving educational outcomes for our children, while our health service enables young people and carers to access high quality health (particularly mental health) treatment in a timely manner. TACT Connect, a wholly unique service in the sector, continues to provide support for our care experienced adults, while offering them a platform to keep in touch with TACT and also with other adults who share similar experiences to their own. Looking ahead, we are continuing to explore opportunities to further expand our reach and impact, and recently successfully completed the acquisition of an independent fostering service in North Wales.
Underpinning all of this vital work are our excellent staff and, of course, our amazing and inspirational foster carers. They are caring for children and young people who are vulnerable, but also full of hopes, dreams, potential and joy. Good foster families provide safe and stable homes and help children fulfil their potential and enable them to lead happy and successful lives.
We are looking to appoint up to three trustees to join our Board, bringing a range of diverse skills and experiences and providing critical challenge and oversight to our work. We are particularly keen to appoint trustees with knowledge of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), as well as young trustees who bring lived experience of the care system. Prior trustee experience is not required - you will receive all of the necessary training and support. Our trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds and are based across the UK. We also have both care experienced adults and foster careers on our Board currently, and we are keen to build on this further.
We are all excited about the opportunity these appointments present to help guide our charity into the next phase of its journey, with our foster carers and children at the heart. We hope that you want to be part of it.
To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and covering letter. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tall Roots.