Live volunteer volunteer roles

Inspire. Lead. Welcome the next generation of lifesavers.

Do you have a talent for bringing people together? Are you organised, confident, and passionate about making your community stronger? If so, this could be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take on.

St John Ambulance Cymru is looking for to recruit 3 County Recruitment and Onboarding Managers – 1 in Powys, 1 in Gwent and 1 in Dyfed, to lead the way in welcoming new volunteers into our organisation.

This is not about paperwork - it’s about people. As a County Recruitment Manager, you’ll be the face of St John Ambulance Cymru for every new recruit. You’ll inspire confidence, create a warm welcome, and make sure every volunteer begins their journey ready and excited to make a difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead monthly onboarding days - welcoming new volunteers, checking ID documents, organise and support engaging first aid awareness sessions, and helping recruits take their first steps.
• Champion volunteering - representing St John at local events, community fairs, and through online promotion.
• Work with local leaders - ensuring new volunteers get the right training, support, and opportunities.
• Shape the future - this is a newly designed role, so you’ll help develop how we recruit and onboard for years to come.

What you’ll get

• The chance to directly shape the volunteer team that saves lives in your community.
• Leadership, training, and communication experience you can take anywhere.
• A network of passionate people working together to build safer, healthier communities.
• Eligibility for the Blue Light Card and access to St John Ambulance Cymru training and support.

What we’re looking for

• A friendly, approachable communicator who can put people at ease.
• Someone organised, reliable, and confident leading a group.
• Passion for volunteering and community service.
• Experience in recruitment, HR, training, or events is welcome - but not essential. We’ll support you every step of the way.

Why it matters

Every St John Ambulance Cymru volunteer goes on to save lives, support people in need, and strengthen communities. You’ll be the one who makes that possible. Without you, their journey may never begin.

This is your chance to step into a leadership role that truly changes lives.

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Thanet area.

We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering activities, tasks will include:

•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation, which could include walking groups, craft and wellbeing activities as well as attending trips out of service.

•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.

•Helping service users to engage within a group setting, helping with any activity sessions that take place on or off the premises.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users varying physical and mental wellbeing needs.

•Providing feedback to the Senior Service Manager and reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be able to get to the venues which is in Thanet

•This role requires a regular commitment

•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role and ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

Could you speak up for hungry children?

What is the role of a Speaker Volunteer?

Help us share the story of Mary’s Meals and our life-changing work feeding hungry children at school in some of the world’s poorest communities by giving Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds.

What difference will i make?

• You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
• You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
• You will promote Mary’s Meals’ in your community 
• You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
• You will help us provide a good service to supporters

What support and resources will i receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• Resources to fulfil your role, including presentation slides, notes and talk scripts
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Public speaking training
• A regular volunteer update e-mail
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

· Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc

· Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.

· Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups

· Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Support people in your community with a military background

· Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

· Local induction

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude

· Good spoken English

· Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.

· Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.

· Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.

Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.

Inspire. Lead. Welcome the next generation of lifesavers.

Do you have a talent for bringing people together? Are you organised, confident, and passionate about making your community stronger? If so, this could be the most rewarding role you’ll ever take on.

St John Ambulance Cymru is looking for to recruit 3 County Recruitment and Onboarding Managers – 1 in Powys, 1 in Gwent and 1 in Dyfed, to lead the way in welcoming new volunteers into our organisation.

This is not about paperwork - it’s about people. As a County Recruitment Manager, you’ll be the face of St John Ambulance Cymru for every new recruit. You’ll inspire confidence, create a warm welcome, and make sure every volunteer begins their journey ready and excited to make a difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead monthly onboarding days - welcoming new volunteers, checking ID documents, organise and support engaging first aid awareness sessions, and helping recruits take their first steps.
• Champion volunteering - representing St John at local events, community fairs, and through online promotion.
• Work with local leaders - ensuring new volunteers get the right training, support, and opportunities.
• Shape the future - this is a newly designed role, so you’ll help develop how we recruit and onboard for years to come.

What you’ll get

• The chance to directly shape the volunteer team that saves lives in your community.
• Leadership, training, and communication experience you can take anywhere.
• A network of passionate people working together to build safer, healthier communities.
• Eligibility for the Blue Light Card and access to St John Ambulance Cymru training and support.

What we’re looking for

• A friendly, approachable communicator who can put people at ease.
• Someone organised, reliable, and confident leading a group.
• Passion for volunteering and community service.
• (Experience in recruitment, HR, training, or events is welcome — but not essential. We’ll support you every step of the way.)

Why it matters

Every St John Ambulance Cymru volunteer goes on to save lives, support people in need, and strengthen communities. You’ll be the one who makes that possible. Without you, their journey may never begin.

This is your chance to step into a leadership role that truly changes lives.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

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

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. Training for our next intake will be held at the Hospice on the following dates:
Saturdays 8 and 15  November 2025, 9.30am – 3.30pm

If you are unable to attend those, we have scheduled training later on in the New Year:
Wednesday 21 January & Friday 23 January 2026, 9.30am – 3.30pm

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Our RSPCA charity shop in Ruislip is looking for friendly volunteers to join the team.

About Our Shop

RSPCA, 66 High Street, Ruislip, HA4 7AA

The shop is part of the RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch. It plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as raising much needed funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It’s always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About the Role

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team of other volunteers helping to make the shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

Our volunteers assist us in many ways, such as accepting and sorting items donated by the public, preparing items ready for sale, processing sales through the till, assisting customers with queries, and helping to merchandise the shop floor.

Who are we looking for?

We’re currently looking for people aged 18 or over who are friendly, team players, are comfortable communicating with colleagues, customers and donors, and who can make a regular commitment of at least one 3-hour per shift per week for a minimum of six months. Retail experience is not essential.

In return, we can offer the chance to develop or learn new skills, a way to meet new people in your local area, and the satisfaction of making a huge difference to the lives of animals in your local community!

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Administrator/Secretary role

Being an excellent timekeeper and an organised individual, your administration skills will be vital to support the smooth running of the local Management Team. By recording actions agreed at meetings, and supporting the Team Leader, Management Team and Coordinator with administrative support, this role ensures that the group functions at its best and works in the most efficient and effective way to help adults learn to read in your community.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing

● Arranging Team meetings with the Team Leader and distributing agendas

● Recording actions agreed at the team meeting and distributing notes on required actions

● Submitting Coach and Reader Finisher questions responses to REUK

● When required, supporting the Coordinator with printing and copying

● Supporting with general administration for your group

● Attending regular Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks

The skills you will need

● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining© Read Easy UK 1 June 2023confidentiality.

● Reasonable confidence in using IT.

● The ability to use initiative and work independently.

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of one to two hours a week to commit to the

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.