Recruitment support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Brentford, greater london

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre, is looking for new volunteers with flexible availability to help us set up and run out stall at a variety of fun community fundraising & enagement events, mainly in West London - Hounslow, Richmond & Ealing area. Come and sell rafle tickets, inspire donations, hold a collection bucket, give out leaflets and engage with the public at our own events and at fetes, fairs and stadium days.

In this role you will play a vital role in supporting our fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives aimed at providing essential services to individuals affected by cancer. You will work closely with our Marketing & Communications Lead to assist with marketing tasks on agreed campaigns as part of our fundraising and communications strategies.

Time Commitment – A regular commitment of up to 2 days a week (a mix of office and remote based).

Main Duties

To work within an agreed brief with the support of the Marketing & Communications Lead on the following:

· Utilising skills in marketing and advertising to support projects to promoting our fundraising campaigns and events, both online and offline, to maximize reach and participation.

· Utilising skills, enthusiasm and experience in social media marketing – Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok – to create relevant content to an agreed brief.

· Utilising the design platform Canva to create marketing materials to an agreed brief.

· Tasks include campaign creation, creating e shots, social media assistance, contacting suppliers and paid advertising.

· Designing and producing fundraising signage to create an impact and inspire donations and fundraising from individuals, businesses and organisations.

· Related administration.

· Any other duties appropriate for the role and adhering to The Mulberry Centre’s policies.

VOLUNTEER BRANCH CHAIR/COORDINATOR

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As your local Chair or Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

•  Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of  referrals in your area

• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings

• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals

• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers

• Working with your Treasurer or Finance Officer to approve branch accounts

• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe

• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and reference check, and you may need a DBS check if you also have another client facing role.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual who can devote their time to volunteering with us as a Volunteer Coordinator, helping specifically to recruit, train and retain volunteers across the branch.

This role focuses on building and strengthening the branch’s volunteer base, enabling us to deliver vital local animal welfare services while ensuring our charity shops operate efficiently and effectively.

Current Volunteer Roles

• Cat Fosterer
• Charity Shop Assistant

Roles We Are Looking to Develop

• Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) Volunteer
• Volunteer Driver
• Social Media Volunteer
• Online Sales (eBay/Vinted) Volunteer
• Fundraising & Events Volunteer

Key Responsibilities

• Writing and reviewing clear volunteer role descriptions in collaboration with managers and coordinators
• Advertising and publishing volunteer opportunities across appropriate platforms
• Processing and responding to incoming volunteer applications
• Matching volunteers to roles that suit their interests, availability and strengths
• Ensuring role-specific training is completed
• Supporting managers and coordinators with the induction of new volunteers
• Creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for all volunteers
• Monitoring volunteer engagement and identifying ways to improve retention
• Acting as a key point of contact for volunteer-related queries & assist with management of the volunteer inbox

Skills & Experience Needed

• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work collaboratively with managers, coordinators and volunteers
• Good administrative skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle personal information appropriately
• Comfortable using email, basic IT systems and social media platforms
• Friendly, approachable and supportive manner
• Able to motivate and engage people from diverse backgrounds
• A passion for animal welfare and commitment to the values of the organisation

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic and proactive
• Reliable and self-motivated
• Empathetic and patient
• Solution-focused with a positive attitude

Commitment

Flexible, approximately 4 hours per week. Some occasional evening or weekend involvement may be required to support recruitment events or volunteer inductions.

How to Apply:

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!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon 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 depending 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. 

 In htis role you will play a vital role in supporting our fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives aimed at providing essential services to individuals affected by cancer. You will work closely with our Community & Individual Giving Fundraiser to assist with our in-house fundraising efforts and provide support to individuals undertaking challenges and events on behalf of The Mulberry Centre, seeing defined projects through from start to finish.

Time Commitment – A regular commitment of at least 2 days a week (Majority of which would be office based) for a minimum of 6 months or preferably longer term.

Main Duties

To work within an agreed brief with the support of the Supporter Engagement Lead on the following:

· Fundraising Campaign Support: Assisting with the planning, execution and evaluation of fundraising campaigns, including online and offline initiatives.

· Event Support: Helping to organise and facilitate fundraising events, ensuring smooth execution and maximum engagement from participants and supporters.

· Individual Support: Helping your Lead provide guidance and encouragement to individuals undertaking challenges and events in support of The Mulberry Centre, offering assistance in fundraising strategies and goal setting using the fundraising pack.

· Marketing and Advertising: Utilising transferable skills in marketing and advertising to promote fundraising campaigns and events, both online and offline, to maximize reach and participation.

· Community Engagement: Researching and engaging with the local community, small businesses, and organisations to foster partnerships and support and prizes for fundraising efforts.

· Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of fundraising activities, donations, and participant information, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

· Correspondence: Drafting accurate, well-structured emails, letters and reports with agreed key messages and information.

· Any other duties appropriate for the role and adhering to The Mulberry Centre’s policies.

Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer Paid Ads & Media Buyer to plan and manage ethical paid digital campaigns that support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and public awareness.

You will work with the Digital Marketing Director and Digital Marketing team to create ads that reach the right audiences while upholding trauma-informed, safeguarding, and ethical standards.

This role focuses on campaign planning, optimisation, and impact measurement rather than commercial metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage paid digital campaigns across social media, search, and display platforms
• Create and optimise campaigns to support fundraising, volunteering, and public education
• Collaborate with designers and copywriters to produce ethical and compelling ad creatives
• Test and analyse audiences, messaging, and creatives to improve performance
• Track campaign metrics such as reach, conversions, and cost per action
• Ensure campaigns comply with safeguarding, data protection, and platform policies
• Document processes for transparency and learning
• Work with analysts and campaign teams to report on results and insights

What We’re Looking For

• Experience or interest in paid digital advertising and campaign management
• Familiarity with platforms such as Meta Ads, Google Ads, or similar
• Ability to manage budgets and optimise campaigns responsibly
• Understanding of performance metrics, testing, and reporting
• Comfort working with sensitive subject matter
• Experience in nonprofit or social impact campaigns is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Founding experience managing paid campaigns for a social impact organisation
• Leadership exposure in ethical advertising and campaign strategy
• Opportunity to influence how resources are used for outreach and engagement
• Hands-on experience working across creative, analytics, and campaign teams
• Priority consideration for future paid roles when funding becomes available

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

Volunteer Placement Counsellor 

Location: Remote - online & telephone

Hours: 3 x clients per week - Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays

Supervision provided:3.30pm Tuesdays, fortnightly

Wimbledon Guild are recruiting up to three Volunteer Placement Counsellors to help deliver our online and telephone counselling service.  

We offer up to 16 sessions of individual online or telephone counselling to people who might find it hard to leave their homes, or their carers.

You will be on or have completed a Level 4 or above counselling course and have completed 50 hours of clinical experience or the equivalent.

You will be available to attend online supervision at 3.30pm Tuesday afternoons.  You will see a caseload of up to 3 clients online or over the telephone on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. As this position is for online / telephone counselling, you will need access to a private and confidential working space, Wi-Fi, a private laptop and telephone. 

Wimbledon Guild Talking Therapies is accredited with BACP.

In return for your volunteering, you will receive free, online supervision, a full induction, and experience in a well-established counselling department in a London-based charity.

If you are interested, please read the Job Description/Person Specification attached.

To Apply:  Please complete the Application Form, addressing the specific criteria in the Person Specification in your Supporting Statement and return the form to us.

Closing Date:  There is currently no closing date, although we reserve the right to close applications when placements are full. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and applicants notified if they are invited to interview.

We are looking for a volunteer with fundraising experience to lead and shape Act4Africa's fundraising activity,

In this role you will work remotely with our small team of interns and volunteers, and in conjunction with the Ugandan fundraising and communications team.

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to

• Gain experience of working with an international NGO partnership
• Build skills in fundraising strategy, volunteer leadership and charity governance
• Make a direct impact on programmes supporting young people and communities in Uganda
• Obtain references and recognition for your contribution

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Fundraising strategy & income generation
• Supporter care and communications
• Volunteer and intern coordination
• Administration and compliance

· Experience

• Experience coordinating volunteers and/or interns, ideally within a charity or community setting.
• Experience of digital fundraising and supporter engagement
• Experience using databases or CRM systems

Skills and abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build rapport with a wide range of people
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise sound judgement.
• Confident in using IT systems (Office 365, MailChimp, Justgiving, CRM and online meeting tools).

Knowledge

• Understanding of best practice in volunteer management, including safeguarding and safer recruitment.
• Awareness of UK charity fundraising standards and regulations (e.g. Code of Fundraising Practice).

Personal qualities

• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Strong communication skills
• Empathetic, approachable and supportive, with a collaborative working style.
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Flexible and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Welcome & Reception Volunteer [London] 

Do you want to help people experiencing the housing emergency? 

Information about the role 

You’ll be an essential part of the team, welcoming clients and visitors to the hub. You’ll be providing information and key admin support that enables people to get the help they need with their housing. As well as gathering feedback from clients on their experience of our service.

Location: London Hub, 88 Old Street, London

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments)

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Deadline to apply: If you are interested, please apply at your earliest opportunity as this role will close once a sufficient number of applications is received. We are aiming to respond to all applicants on Monday 20th April

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Covering reception duties and being the first point of contact for the hub. 

• Booking in clients for appointments with our advisors. 

• Responding to general enquiries both in person and over the phone. 

• Triaging clients both in person and over the phone

• Signposting people to other appropriate services. 

• General administrative tasks (such as photocopying, scanning, data entry, filing) 

• Phoning clients around 8-10 weeks after they accessed our services. 

• Asking clients set questions to gather information on their experiences with Shelter and the difference it has made to them.

• Recording the phone calls and the responses given onto our client database (CRM). 

This role fights the housing emergency by enabling people who are struggling with housing or homelessness to get the advice and support they need.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

There are no specific skills or experience you need to have for this role though we do welcome the following skills

• Understanding of the housing system

• Speak more than one language we particularly welcome speakers of Arabic, Bengali, French, Urdu. But any additional language can be useful please specify on your application form if you speak more than one language and which language you speak.

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available. 

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information. 

End of document

Do you have experence of fundraising reserach and/or writing grants applications? Want to put those skills to use and make  a difference for those whose lives are affected by cancer?

This role would suit those with experience or interest in research, bid writing, charity fundraising, marketing, creative writing, commissioning, public sector tenders or grant assessment who is looking for a meaningful, regular volunteering commitment. Anyone with expertise or transferable skills in the area of research and/or writing compelling proposals/marketing who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to have a chat with us as we can be flexible.

The Mulberry Centre is looking for opportunities to identify and apply for relevant grants, trust and foundations funding in a competitive market. Grant requests will be on average £500-£10,000 for specific services as well as core Centre costs. This Fundraising Volunteer (the role can be undertaken by one volunteer or split into two parts and shared) will work closely with the Fundraising and Engagement Team to help streamline the research and application process. The first part of the role is to research and check grants and trust funding lists and databases for current opportunities and deadlines for applications to determine which are relevant, where we meet the necessary criteria, and how quickly we need to apply. The second part of the role is to draft and adapt application information to inspire and appeal positively to specific funders. 

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 volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

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 ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

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

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• 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;

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

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

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

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

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

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• 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 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

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

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; 

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

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

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Make A Smile is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Safeguarding Officer to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, families, and volunteers we support across the UK. If you have safeguarding experience and want to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, this role offers the chance to help shape safe, joyful experiences for vulnerable children.

About the Role

The Safeguarding Officer plays a central role in maintaining high safeguarding standards across all Make A Smile Chapters. You will work closely with the Recruitment Manager to deliver high‑quality safeguarding training to volunteers, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and feel confident when working with children.

You will also lead on maintaining and updating our safeguarding policies, liaising with relevant organisations to ensure they remain comprehensive, compliant, and aligned with current legislation. A key part of the role involves supporting local officers to ensure all volunteers have an up‑to‑date DBS check before attending events.

As the charity’s central point of safeguarding expertise, you will provide guidance on concerns, advise on escalation routes, and help embed a strong safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.

What We Need You to Do

- Deliver safeguarding training to volunteers
- Maintain and update safeguarding policies
- Ensure DBS compliance across all Chapters
- Provide guidance on safeguarding concerns
- Promote best practice and support volunteers
- Liaise with external organisations and stay up‑to‑date with legislation

Qualities and Experience

We are looking for someone with:

- Proven safeguarding experience (charity, education, healthcare, or social care preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A calm, supportive, and approachable manner
- The ability to coordinate processes across multiple teams
- Good judgement, discretion, and attention to detail
- A commitment to Make A Smile’s mission and values

How This Role Helps Make A Smile

The Safeguarding Officer ensures Make A Smile can operate safely, responsibly, and confidently. Your leadership protects children, supports volunteers, and strengthens trust with families and partners. By maintaining robust safeguarding processes, you enable us to continue delivering magical, meaningful experiences to vulnerable children across the UK.