Operations volunteer volunteer roles

Job Title: Operations Assistant (Volunteer Role)

Location: London - Hybrid / Remote]
Contract Type: Volunteer (with potential to become a paid salaried role)
Hours: Flexible / Approx. 20 hours per week

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Operations Assistant to support the CEO and Operations Manager in ensuring the smooth running of daily operations. This role will involve working at the heart of the organisation, contributing to both strategic projects and routine administrative tasks.

Initially offered as a voluntary position, this opportunity has the potential to evolve into a salaried role as the organisation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to the CEO and Operations Manager.

• Assist with coordinating projects, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables achieved.

• Maintain accurate records, systems, and documentation to support efficient workflows.

• Help track budgets, invoices, and expenses in coordination with the Operations Manager.

• Support meeting preparation, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.

• Coordinate logistics for internal and external meetings, events, and travel.

• Liaise with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners in a professional and timely manner.

• Contribute ideas to improve processes and enhance organisational efficiency.

• Provide general administrative support as required across the organisation.

Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• A proactive, can-do attitude with the confidence to work alongside senior leadership.

• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite and/or collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, project management platforms).

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on varied responsibilities.

• Previous experience in operations, administration, or project coordination is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

• Direct experience working with a CEO and Operations Manager.

• A unique insight into both the strategic and operational running of an organisation.

• Opportunities to develop skills in project coordination, administration, and process improvement.

• Flexibility to fit the role around other commitments.

• Clear potential for the role to develop into a permanent, paid position.

Additional Information

This is a volunteer role at the outset. We are committed to supporting your professional development, offering mentorship and opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience. As the organisation grows, there is strong potential for this position to transition into a paid salaried role.

CONTEXT

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in

Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children.

We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to

identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions. We

offer a baby bank, a charity shop & various community support services to help

women facing crises or challenging situations.

Wolverhampton Baby Bank is a flagship project run by The Women & Families

Resource Centre, a registered charity supporting families with children aged 0-3.

Through donated essentials and community engagement, we provide much-needed

items such as:

• Essential supplies for babies and toddlers, including nappies, wipes, clothing, toys,

and bedding.

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups and befriending for

pregnant women and new mothers.

• Referrals and resources to connect families with additional community services.

Scope and Span

The Baby Bank Manager leads the operational delivery and structured rebuild of WFRC’s flagship Baby Bank service. This role is critical as WFRC stabilises and restructures following recent operational disruptions. The postholder will oversee volunteer coordination, stock and inventory systems, client service delivery, corporate volunteer engagement, and compliance reporting.

This position requires a strong balance of operational leadership, administrative oversight, and compassionate service delivery, ensuring that the Baby Bank operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with funding and safeguarding requirements.

WFRC operates as a not-for-profit organisation but must function with business-level accountability and sustainability. The Baby Bank Manager plays a key role in embedding structured systems that ensure continuity beyond individuals.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily Baby Bank operations, manage referrals and appointments, ensure safe and dignified support for families, and gradually scale services in line with capacity.
• Volunteer & Corporate Coordination: Recruit, induct, supervise, and retain volunteers (including structured reviews and scheduling), prevent burnout, and coordinate corporate volunteer days effectively.
• Stock & Service Delivery Management: Manage inventory intake, sorting, storage, safety standards, stock monitoring, and ensure smooth distribution of baby items.
• Administration, Systems & Reporting: Maintain accurate digital records, update databases, support workflow systems, ensure data protection compliance, and track service data for funding and impact reporting.
• Leadership, Compliance & Governance: Attend meetings, communicate with leadership, escalate issues, uphold safeguarding and policy standards, and support overall organisational administration.

Qualifications

• Must be a female candidate living in Wolverhampton (due to the sensitive nature of the role and need for local community knowledge).
• Experience in service coordination, community services, or charity operations preferred
• Experience managing volunteers or small teams but not required
• Strong administrative and record-keeping background
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital systems
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality principles

Skills

• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• High attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Empathy and sensitivity when working with vulnerable families
• Ability to build structure in previously unstructured environments
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a rebuilding phase
• Accountability and reliability

WANTED: THE MISSION CONTROLLER.

ROLE: VOLUNTEER LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS MANAGER

THE MISSION: MOVE THE GEAR. MAPPING THE DROP.

URBAN YOUTH doesn't have a fixed address. Our "office" is a street corner, a park, or a car park. We are mobile, agile, and always on the move.

But moving a high-impact youth intervention across the city takes more than just a van. It takes a Logistics and Operations Manager who can see the chess board. We need the person who ensures the kit is prepped, the transport is locked, and the "Drop Zone" is ready for action.

Without you, we’re just a van in traffic. With you, we’re a movement.

THE MISSION DEBRIEF

Your objective is to ensure every "Drop" is executed with 100% precision:

• THE DEPLOYMENT: Planning the routes and the "Landing" for every pop-up. You own the schedule.

• THE GEAR ADMISTOR: Managing our high-vis flight cases, tech, and sports kits. If it’s broken, you fix it. If it’s missing, you find it.

• THE SITE SPECS: Assessing the "Drop Zones." You handle the risk assessments, the permits, and the "A-Frame" setups so the Crew can focus on the youth.

• THE FLEET: Overseeing our mobile units (the vans/transport) and making sure we are loaded and ready to hit the pavement in record time.

THE SPECS

Who you are:

• Systems Minded: You love a process. You see a mess and immediately turn it into a streamlined workflow.

• Problem Solver: Traffic jam? Double-booked site? You don't panic; you pivot.

• Tech-Savvy: You can manage a digital "Inventory" and a "Drop Calendar" with ease.

• The "Safety First" Hustler: You understand that "Urban" doesn't mean "Unsafe." You keep the operations tight and the risks low.

THE REWARDS

• The Architect of Movement: You are the reason URBAN YOUTH is the most agile charity in the sector.

• The Operations Lead: A "Head of Ops" role for a fast-scaling brand is a massive power-move for your CV.

• The Crew: Full URBAN YOUTH "Crew" kit and a senior seat at the "Mission Briefings."

• The Impact: You are the one who makes sure the "Safe Space" actually arrives for the young people who need it.

HOW TO SECURE THE DEPLOYMENT

WE DON'T WANT A COVER LETTER. WE WANT A PLAN.

TO APPLY:

Send us a 60-second "Op-Check." Tell us: What are the 3 most important things you’d check before the van leaves the depot for a drop?

• Bonus: Tell us about a time you managed a complex project with zero room for error.

STATUS: READY TO ROLL

DEADLINE: Monday 30th March 2026, before 6pm

URBAN YOUTH // PRECISION ON THE PAVEMENT.

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Operations Lead of North Yorkshire & Teesside, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks, aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.

We are seeking individuals who are innovative in their approach, willing to explore new ideas, and able to adapt to a changing environment. You will be confident in driving technology-led solutions, while recognising the diverse needs and experiences of our volunteer community. We value those who can challenge existing ways of working respectfully and constructively, bringing forward creative approaches that enhance collaboration and impact, and minimise over-complication and disruptive processes. This is an opportunity to shape how we deliver outcomes across the county, ensuring our services remain relevant, inclusive, and effective for all the communities we serve.

The closing date for this vacancy is 17/03/2026

About this role

You may be doing lots of interesting support service actions:

• Answering calls from our shops, helping to resolve concerns
• Answering contacts from our customers, learning how to deliver great customer service
• Working on our retail operations online support system, dealing with suppliers and shops online and by phone
• Creating marketing assets to send to shops
• Joining teams working on specific projects like training packs, cost evaluation or shop merchandising
• Creating social media posts for our shop colleagues to share
• Learning how to use word, powerpoint and excel.

Every day is different, we manage lots of different projects whilst working on our annual plan. We can find a project to suit everyone.

Volunteering in the office could enable you to gain the skills needed to support searches for employment.

You must be over 18 for this role.

When and where

This role can be remote so can be worked from anywhere in UK or you can come into the Here East office one or two days per week.

Depending on your availability we are suggesting 4 hours per week during office hours, but would welcome any suggested volunteering patterns.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality!

Knowledge of Microsoft Office such as Teams, Word, Excel and Outlook would be useful, but our team would be happy to coach and train new volunteers.

We particularly welcome volunteering applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain

• Administrative skills
• Microsoft Office experience
• Being part of a team
• Learning about how retail works at Scope
• Time management skills
• Valuable experience for your CV
• Experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you

• IT equipment and software to carry out the role
• Introduction to Scope
• Demonstration of your tasks
• Training courses, in person and online
• Personal development opportunities
• Support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• Agreed travel expenses to the Here East office, if required
• Adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• Work experience for your CV
• A work reference
• 20% discount in your Scope charity shop and at our online shop.

Dates

We welcome any suggestions as to when you would like to start.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Volunteering at Scope

Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society.

As a volunteer you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families.

About Circular Kitchens

Circular Kitchens is a social enterprise and membership platform designed to help restaurants, cafés, pubs, food stalls, and other catering businesses become fully circular: Plastic Free, Ecological, Local, and Zero Waste.

By working with the hospitality sector, we are helping regenerate local communities, strengthen regional food systems, and increase demand for ecological and regenerative agriculture in the UK. Our current focus is launching Circular Kitchens in Whitstable and supporting our first mover restaurants to achieve 3 Star Circular Kitchens certification. Based on learnings from this pilot, we are preparing to scale across the UK, growing our environmental and social impact.

Role Description

We are seeking a volunteer to support our operations and early-stage platform development, with a focus on how we manage restaurant tools, pledges, and audits using Coda.

Initially, the volunteer will have the opportunity to support updates to our existing Coda database to reflect new language, helping ensure outdated wording is replaced in line with our latest templates and that language is consistent across the platform.

As they become familiar with the structure, the volunteer may also contribute to the design of a Master Coda Document to help centralise data currently spread across multiple sections. This work supports the early foundations of a scalable platform designed to support hundreds of Circular Kitchens members over time. The role may also include light “vibe programming,” using AI tools to assist with formulas and logic within Coda tables.

An Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• A student or recent graduate with an interest in computer science, sustainability, business, data analytics, or a related field

• Technically confident (e.g. comfortable working with digital tools, spreadsheets, or information management platforms like Coda)

• Comfortable working with evolving, early-stage systems

• Well organised with strong attention to detail

• Interested in digital systems, platforms, or operational design

• Curious about startups, social enterprise, and/or sustainability

• Interested in learning and using AI tools to support “vibe programming” and contribute to more complex platform development over time

This is a voluntary role with a flexible time commitment, offering the opportunity to contribute to the operational backbone of a growing social enterprise and work closely with the founding team on systems designed to have real-world impact.

To apply, please share your CV along with a short note outlining your interest, any relevant experience, and your desired time commitment.

Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations.  We have a variety of ways you can get involved:

• Responding to client requests and enquiries
• Fundrasing and partnership management
• Managing and updating company databases
• Keeping track of partnership enquiries
• Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
• Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
• Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
• Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
• Performing other duties as agreed in advance

We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you.  All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team.  You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer.  Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £22.60.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.  You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Training

We provide accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role.  After, you’ll have access to over 90 accredited courses should you want to study further.

GHRI is seeking a Remote Volunteer Administrative Assistant to support daily operations and coordinate other volunteers. This role is key to keeping communication smooth, tasks organized, and volunteers aligned across projects.

✨ Important part: You’ll help manage and support volunteers remotely, not just handle admin tasks.

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��️ Key Responsibilities

Handle remote administrative tasks (scheduling, documentation, follow-ups)

Coordinate and oversee other volunteers remotely

Assist with internal communication and task tracking

Maintain accurate digital records and reports

Support GHRI programs and ongoing initiatives

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✅ Requirements

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Basic knowledge of Google Workspace / Microsoft Office

Experience managing or coordinating people is a plus

Passion for humanitarian and health-focused work

(No commuting. No traffic. Just responsibility.)

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�� What You’ll Gain

Remote work experience in a global humanitarian organization

Leadership and administrative skill development

Exposure to digital health and nonprofit operations

Volunteer certificate and recommendation (where applicable)

A meaningful experience you’ll actually be proud of

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

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

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