Programmes support volunteer volunteer roles in covent garden, greater london

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents

Joining our amazing team of volunteers is a fantastic way to give back to the community by providing company and support to an older person in your area.

About the role 

You will be volunteering alongside our Community Engagement team, where activities will change and adapt based on client feedback and their evolving needs. Volunteers will help to facilitate activities and events across the borough, including but not limited to our digital inclusion drop-in sessions, coffee mornings, LGBTQ+ group and future activities which will include a gardening club and walking group. Most of our activities run for an hour or two, and we require volunteers to commit to attending at least one session a month. 

About the service 

Various opportunities are available based on our event schedule, which runs weekdays between the hours of 9am-4pm for 1–2 hours..

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Friendly
• Patient
• Great listening skills

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening  or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.

As a Volunteer Driver, you will help to give additional support to the families we work with by  providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport, enabling them to travel safely to healthcare appointments, school and to other activities.

Your role may include:

• Providing transport for families to and from home or hospital appointments, according to their specific needs
• Providing transport to enable families to attend Rainbow Trust support groups
• Transporting siblings to and from trips or activities at school orwith other providers, as and when required

What we’re looking for:

• A confident, calm and patient driver
• Experience of interacting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Experience of interacting with children and young people
• An ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental, warm, friendly and with a sense of humour
• A commitment to following our policies regarding safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality
• A full driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years, and use of your own vehicle is required for this role
• All ages from 21 onwards are welcome

Your commitment:

• We ask that you are available to volunteer regularly. Most of our drivers support us flexibly on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on family need
• Times can vary between 8am - 6pm, Monday – Friday, depending on appointment times, but there is flexibility depending on the needs of the family and your availability
• To enable you to get the most out of your volunteer role, we are looking for volunteers who are available for the next 12 months

Training and Support

• A dedicated member of Rainbow Trust staff will guide and support you in your work 
• You will receive a full induction to the charity and a programme of training relevant to your role, to help you get the most from your time with us
• Training will cover areas such as safeguarding, active listening skills, bereavement, health and safety, confidentiality and GDPR
• Further modules will be available for you if you would like to develop your knowledge
• All care volunteers will receive regular one to one support and more formal supervision sessions

Why choose Rainbow Trust?

• We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Not-for-Profit organisation and a leading charity for children and young people
• Professional training and opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge
• The enjoyment of becoming part of our friendly and welcoming team, knowing you are making a valuable contribution to the lives of the families we support
• A calendar of social events for volunteers, including Christmas events and celebrations for Volunteers’ Week
• We will reimburse your out-of-pocket travel expenses

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Service

Our ESOL provision is part of the Centre’s Employment and Learning Service, which also includes digital inclusion and employment support.

We have qualified volunteer ESOL teachers providing 1:1 support to clients who want to improve their English.  We also have a couple of volunteers running small conversation classes at the Centre, within our Family Services.

We now want to expand our ESOL offer to include learning opportunities offsite in a group setting to adults and young people in temporary accommodation, mainly asylum-seeking families.

What will you be doing?

• Conversational English with a small group
• Find out from your students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop
• Encourage a positive atmosphere where students feel they can make mistakes
• The aim of the groups is to help our clients to become more independent and to pursue their social and professional goals. 
• Be aware of the variety of levels within the class, providing support for weaker students and challenge for stronger ones
• Give students encouragement and constructive feedback
• To liaise with the manager of Family Services and communicate any issues that arise with the class 

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English or interact with an English speaking person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as welfare rights and Immigration advice services, digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need support with their English.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in teaching English as a second language to adults in a group setting and to mixed abilities and a range of languages.
• A recognised ESOL/EFL teaching qualification such as CELTA.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
•  An awareness of some of the issues that affect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
• A commitment to upholding the Centre’s values of valuing each person, welcoming, encouraging potential, working together, reflecting and improving.

Time Commitment:

The class will run on Wednesdays from June 2025, from 10.30am – 12/12.30pm. We ask for a commitment to run this 90 – 120-minute class for at least two terms ideally. 

How will you be supported?

•  You will be supported by our Volunteer Coordinator, the Manager of Family Services and the wider team
•  You will receive a Centre induction.
•  You will have access to e-learning modules on a range of topics.
• You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
• You will be invited to social and other events

Job description

Duration: Short-term project (with potential for ongoing involvement)

About the Role

Children With Voices is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to help update our Impact Report (Deck) from 2021. This report highlights the charity’s achievements, including the number of people we have fed, the services we have provided, and our overall community impact.

We have multiple internal documents holding updated information, and we need a dedicated volunteer to extract key data, organise it, and integrate it into the updated version of the report. This role is crucial in highlighting the charity’s progress to funders, partners, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

•Review & audit the 2021 Impact Report – Identify outdated sections and areas requiring updates.

•Data Collection & Analysis – Extract key metrics from internal documents, including food distribution numbers, volunteering efforts, and service impact.

•Update & Refine Content – Ensure the report is accurate, well-structured, and engaging.

•Create Visual Data Representations – Develop simple charts or infographics to illustrate key findings (if applicable).

•Ensure Consistency in Branding & Messaging – Maintain a professional and cohesive tone aligned with Children With Voices’ mission.

•Collaborate with Team Members – Work with staff to verify data and gather additional insights.

•Finalise & Format the Updated Report – Prepare the document for internal review and external presentation.

Skills & Experience Required

•Strong Research & Data Analysis Skills – Ability to extract, interpret, and organise numerical and qualitative data.

•Excellent Writing & Editing Skills – Strong attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

•Project Management & Organisation – Ability to manage multiple documents and keep track of key updates.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) & Google Docs – Experience with Canva or other design tools is a plus.

•Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify gaps in information and seek solutions.

•Graphic Design & Infographics (Preferred but not required) – Familiarity with data visualisation to enhance report presentation.

•Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively – Self-motivated but comfortable seeking guidance when needed.

•Experience with Impact Reporting (Preferred but not needed) – Any previous experience with grant reports, annual reports, or case studies is a bonus.

What We Offer

•Mentorship and support from the Children With Voices team.

•Opportunity to develop skills in research, data analysis, and report writing.

•A chance to contribute to a meaningful cause and help secure future funding for vital community programs.

•Volunteer reference upon successful completion of the role.

How to Apply

Interested volunteers can apply by submitting resume or CV witha short cover letter outlining their relevant skills and experience.

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this). 

The Night Stars is a volunteer night-safety initiative run by Westminster City Council. The program aims to provide a welcoming place for all and collaborate to ensure that Westminster’s nightlife remains a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. Volunteers are there to help anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation, whether they need water, someone to talk to, or a safe place to sober up.  It is delivered across the West End, and focuses on areas such as Soho, Piccadilly, Leicester Square, and Embankment, and operates on Fridays from 19:00 pm to 04.00am. 

This is great opportunity for students to gain volunteer experience and key skills necessary for future success. We have many volunteers, and it is a wonderful way for them to make friends and new connections, as well as learn more about London's night-time economy.

The role is highly flexible, but your aim will be to:

• Act as an ambassador for the night-time economy and interact with visitors and local businesses to create a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Provide information, advice and practical support to visitors and vulnerable people
• Signpost people to support services if required.
• Be part of the wider strategic partnership in the area which is supporting and protecting visitors. In other words, interacting with emergency services such as the police, ambulance services, BIDS, and council enforcement staff, to ensure that Westminster remains safe.
• Look after those who are unable to keep themselves safe, and support them to get home without coming to harm

During patrols, volunteers may engage with:

• Intoxicated or Lost Individuals in need of assistance 
• Victims of Crime, such as theft and assault
• Individuals in Need of Emotional or Mental Health Support
• Venue Security and Emergency Services
• Council Enforcement Staff, such as City Inspectors or Anti-Social Behaviour Officers

Skills Required

• Empathy for the needs of vulnerable people.
• Excellent team player.
• Outgoing, friendly, and positive character.
• Good communication skills.
• Able to use your own initiative but able to ask for help when needed.
• Willing to work unsociable hours.

Training and support

• Alcohol and Drugs Awareness: Handling intoxication situations.
• Conflict Resolution: Managing aggression.
• Adult and Child Safeguarding: Ensuring safety and protection.
• Women’s Vulnerability Awareness: Intervening in vulnerable situations.
• Anti-Sexual Harassment: Preventing and addressing harassment.
• Communication: Effective interaction techniques.
• Emotional Support: Assisting distressed individuals.
• First Aid: Basic emergency medical skills.
• Equipment Use: Proper handling and operation.
• Counter Terrorism: Guidance on safety procedures.
• Employee Assistance: Access to the council's support services.

These trainings ensure that volunteers are well-prepared to handle various situations effectively and safely.

Benefits to volunteers

• The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference to vulnerable people.
• Building self-confidence and the ability to work flexibly.
• Ability to undertake specific training and gain experience of supporting the vulnerable and conflict resolution.
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn more about London’s night-time economy.
• Working as part of the team and wider strategic partnership for the night-time economy.
• Offers great experience to anyone considering a career in the social sciences, health or social care, medicine, public engagement, crime prevention or a career that requires effective communication, dynamic problem solving, and teamwork.

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Manager (PM)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya
Duration: Approximately 1st July – 13th September 2025, with limited flexibility on start and finish dates.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya for final pre-summer preparation in late June.

Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

• Flights: Round-trip flights to Nairobi, and internal travel from Nairobi to Kakamega, covered.

• Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer. No contribution required towards rent or utilities.

• Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery paid for by the charity.

• Additional Costs: Limited personal subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week). 

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-run charity that works in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. We focus on sustainable improvements in education by investing in infrastructure, resources, and people. Our volunteers play a crucial role in delivering meaningful, long-term impact through grassroots engagement and collaborative problem-solving.

Role Overview

As a Project Manager (PM), you'll be part of EPAfrica’s Summer Team, which is our in-country leadership group responsible for overseeing and supporting Project Workers (PWs) to deliver meaningful programmes of investment in Kenyan schools. You’ll take on a leadership role that blends operational oversight, pastoral care, and high-level decision-making to ensure the success and safety of our summer projects. This is a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, contribute meaningfully to international development, and support passionate volunteers in-country.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct managerial responsibility for our volunteers in-country, including our Project Workers (PWs) and a “Summer Team” of coordinators. 

• Lead and support a cohort of PWs throughout their placements in partner schools, including:

  • With the support of coordinators, deliver trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cultural awareness

  • Provide pastoral support and act as the first point of contact for volunteers in-country

  • Oversee project progress, support PWs in addressing challenges, and ensure investment projects stay aligned with EPAfrica’s mission and theory of change

• Implement our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:

  • Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work

  • Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools

  • Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work

  • Maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.

• Managing risk and implementing an emergency response to crises.

• Maintain clear and proactive communication with the central UK-based charity team. 

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• A keen demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in this setting (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) preferred.

• Experience managing teams to deliver project-based work, and leading with empathy. 

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure, with good  judgement, and decision-making skills.

• Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment, taking accountability for team decisions.

• Experience as a Project Worker or previous Summer Team involvement preferred.

What You’ll Gain

• Real, hands-on leadership and project management experience. 

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.

• A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya. 

• Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country (previous volunteers have travelled to Mombasa, Nairobi and the Maasai Mara). 

• Opportunity to lead a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.

• A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies. 

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re enthusiastic about education, development, and making a difference, this is a unique opportunity to get involved and get hands-on, meaningful experience delivering grassroots international development projects in Kenya. You’re also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them; just let us know in your application.

Do you have a coaching qualification, or are you working towards one? Would you like to help managers across our organisation develop their skills and confidence? As a coach, you will support managers to improve their leadership abilities, build confidence, and enhance their effectiveness in their roles. Your coaching will help them tackle challenges such as personal effectiveness, leadership credibility, career development, and conflict resolution. By providing guidance and encouragement, you will play a key role in helping managers grow, develop new skills, and lead their teams more effectively.

What you will be doing

• Deliver coaching sessions for managers at various levels, from team leads to department heads.
• Provide a safe, open, and confidential space for coaching conversations focused on leadership, communication, conflict resolution, managing change, and interpersonal skills.
• Use clear and effective coaching methods and models.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow Hestia’s coaching programme guidelines.
• Define clear roles for both the coach and coachee, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest.

The skills you need

• A recognised coaching qualification (or currently studying towards one), such as ICF or EMCC, or significant coaching experience at a management level.
• Experience in the social care sector (desirable but not essential).
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Willingness to participate in supervision and continuous learning.
• A friendly, approachable, and supportive manner.
• Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

About the role: Advocacy Placement Volunteering You will be providing remote (office based/virtual) advocacy support for people impacted by hoarding behaviour (PwHB) who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse/neglect. You will be working with trained colleagues to alleviate housing, benefits, mental health and other problems experienced by HUK's participants. HoardingUK (HUK) works to bring services together to improve person-centred, cost effective and time managed support.

The role: • Volunteer at HUK a minimum of one half-day (4 hours) each week. • Provide timely support to those using the service . • Maintain a caseload of up to three clients at each advice session. • Comply with HUK's case-management procedures, training programme and other relevant policies and procedures. • Work collaboratively to create an action plan with participants and professionals. • Assist in facilitating phone, correspondence, emails to statutory services and others. • Signpost to relevant external services based on participant need. • Keep accurate records. • Promote choice and control.

Who should apply

: • Trainees/professionals with interest/experience in mental health, housing, social care, legal frameworks, etc. • Passionate people committed to standing for rights. • People with lived experience of mental health and/or hoarding behaviour. • The ability to work sensitively and professionally with people who may be facing a variety of situations including discriminatory abuse and systemic neglect. • A commitment to values of HoardingUK Training on hoarding behaviour, advocacy and other relevant areas will be provided.

The role: Our scholars are eager to meet graduates and professionals who can support them in achieving their ambitions. Mentors are mainly responsible for providing support and career advice to pupils. Mentors must also be committed to supporting us at our events, which take place in the evenings and on Saturdays throughout the term. These events include our scholar enrichment days, our parent and pupil information sessions and our volunteer social events which are held in London. 

Availability: Mentors must be available for approximately 2-3 hours a month to meet with their mentee, and discuss via phone, email or in person. There is a minimum commitment of one year (three terms).

In addition to this, you will need to support a minimum of 2 events throughout the year. Enrichment and skill-building events for our scholars usually take place in the evenings and at weekends, with events ranging from 2-8 hours in length.

Location: Mentoring sessions and events can take place online or in person.

Responsibilities: 

• Working collaboratively with parents to give students guidance and advice on how to achieve their aspirations

• Informing pupils of opportunities to them so that they can achieve their aspirations

• Meeting with pupils for one to one mentoring sessions

• Supporting pupils with university, sixth form or job applications

• Monitoring and reporting on each pupils progress

• Giving feedback to parents and programme coordinators

• Working collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Supporting at events including:

  • Collaborate effectively with other volunteers within the events team

  • Assist with setting up and clearing up at events

  • Support workshop facilitators with managing groups of young people or parents

  • Assist with the coordination of lunch or refreshments for attendees

  • Assist the event coordinator with ensuring the health and safety of attendees and overall risk management at events

  • Give feedback to the event coordinators and programme managers at the end of each event.

Person specification:

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Enjoy working with children and young people

• Be educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent

• Possess strong communication skills both written and verbal

• Be punctual and organised

• Be able to remain calm under pressure

• Have excellent time management skills

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 Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• 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. 

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

THE ROLE

The role of the Independent Member is to provide the Finance Committee with knowledge and experience to making key decisions in respect to the organisation’s affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained in accordance with the Association’s Bye-laws and in compliance of legal requirements.

Main Responsibilities

· To assist the Finance Committee with the review and monitoring of The Scout Association (TSA)’s financial policies and making recommendations to the Board where appropriate.

· To assist the Finance Committee with recommending the annual budget and financial plan to the Board for TSA and its trading subsidiaries; reviewing performance against this and contributing to the development of the Association’s long term financial plan and strategy.

· To assist the Finance Committee with TSA’s investment policy and asset allocation; the review and recommendation of a rolling strategy for all property and land owned by TSA and to contribute to the development, operation and performance monitoring of all National Centres.

· To contribute to the development of TSA’s Fundraising strategy and monitor performance against this.

· To support the Finance Committee in monitoring financial and deliverable performance against TSA’s Digital and Digital Technology strategies.

· To assist the Finance Committee in recommending to the Board the appointment of external auditors and meeting with auditors to discuss audit plans, fees, and key findings from the audit.

· To contribute to the detailed review and approval of TSA’s statutory accounts.

· To consider decisions and recommendations that involve substantial expenditure outside of budget.

· To assist the Finance Committee in the monitoring of TSA’s insurance arrangements and the financial impacts of TSA’s Pension Schemes, Development Grants Board and other TSA funds and making recommendations to the Board where necessary.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences including, senior staff, volunteers, other Committee members, and others.

· Effectively contribute in meetings.

· Quickly assimilate a broad knowledge of Scouting’s purpose, policies, activities and structures.

Experience

· All round management experience with some element of either pensions/ investments/ insurance expertise.

· Experience of working in Finance, Financial qualifications (or working towards a qualification).

· An interest in charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes.

· Experience or knowledge of working or volunteering with charitable youth organisations.

· Looking ahead, there is the potential for the Finance Committee to evolve into a broader Audit and Risk Committee. While this role is currently focused on financial oversight, we would welcome applicants who bring additional experience or understanding of internal controls, risk management, and audit practices.

 Characteristics

· Commitment to The Scout Association’s Purpose and values.

· Sufficient time available for the role.

Other essential criteria

The Finance Committee will meet at least four times a year (generally two meetings online and two face to face in Central London), with the requirement to read papers and contribute to occasional discussions and specific issues between meetings. The appointed candidate should expect to spend around two days per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase.

Appointment term

These appointments would normally be for three years (subject to a 6-month review), extendable by mutual consent for a further three years.

Remuneration and expenses

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties in accordance with the Association’s Expenses Policy.