Safeguarding team member volunteer roles

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

REQUIRED FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Penair is a large progressive and innovative single academy trust secondary school wishing to develop an outstanding culture and provision. We are seeking a Chair of Trustees, with the knowledge and skills to support and help drive sustained improvement, to join Penair School from September 2025.

Penair is looking to recruit a Board Chair to succeed the current post holder who is retiring from the role after 10 years. We are interested in applicants with a range of skills and leadership experience. Experience in the education sector is not essential. The role’s focus is to oversee the following key functions of the Board:

· strategic leadership of the academy trust - the Board defines the trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the trust’s culture and sets and champions the trust strategy

· accountability and assurance - the Board must demonstrate robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the school, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping its estate safe and well-maintained

· engagement - the Board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. As such, trustee governors must involve parents, schools and communities in a way that demonstrates decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement

· governance – trustees must apply the highest standards of conduct and ensure robust and effective governance arrangements are in place, critical for effective financial management

The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate a successful track record in delivering across these areas.

Penair is a ‘Good’ school, confirmed by Ofsted inspections in 2017 and again in March 2023 — with a steadily growing number of pupils on roll. Over the last five years it has grown from 915 to 1240 pupils. To accommodate demand for places, Cornwall Council has funded the building of a new £4 million teaching block and a dining hall expansion.

Penair is never complacent however, and the success of the school continues to grow and develop under the Headteacher’s accomplished leadership. The ongoing support and challenge provided by the Board of Trustees helps drive this continuous pursuit of quality, in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.

This is an exciting time to join the school and work with a strong group of trustee governor colleagues. The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate the drive, integrity, resilience and capacity to lead the Board in its endeavours to deliver for the children and families of Truro and beyond.

Interested applicants are invited to an informal meeting with the current Chair of Trustees and Headteacher in the first instance. If you are interested in discussing this exciting opportunity further, please contact Errin Allan, Headteacher’s PA.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Your background might be within a federated charity operating nationally or globally; you might work within a not-for-profit which delivers its impact through a network model or membership body; or you might operate in a corporate setting, perhaps operating franchises to reach your customers.

You will instinctively understand what it is to lead a like-minded movement of organisations, who together are far more than the sum of their parts.

You will be ready to get stuck into understanding what makes our local services tick and how best we can help them to have the voice, capacity and impact to change the world for unpaid carers.

More generally, we’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader, someone who can challenge and champion our direction and bring fresh ideas. Your insight could shape where we go next and help steer how we develop our network relationships and local delivery.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

CHIPS is looking for new trustees to support our peacemaking work internationally.

About CHIPS

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) aims to bring about peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict or tension. We have over 59 years’ experience helping communities in the UK, Cyprus, India, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Uganda; with our current projects being in Northern Ghana and Brixton, UK. We help communities build futures free from violent conflict through practical projects that both tackle the root causes of the division and bring the sides together to build trust and healthy relationships.

Our Vision: Our vision is for a world where conflict is met with peacemaking, division gives way to reconciliation, and communities work together to build sustainable peace.

Our Mission: Rooted in Jesus' example of peace and reconciliation, we accompany communities affected by violent conflict, fostering relationships, taking practical action, and building a foundation for lasting peace.

Our Philosophy:

• We go where we are invited
• We live in the heart of the conflict
• We take sides. Both sides.
• We are committed for the long term

About Being a Trustee

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) trustees play a crucial role in advancing peace in communities worldwide. Working collaboratively as part of the Board, they provide strategic oversight to the organisation, helping to strengthen its impact and sustainability by bringing their unique expertise and skills to the team. We're particularly looking for a trustee with a strong background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping in order to help support our Director and Board in there oversight of financial matters.

We hope that the experience of being a trustee for CHIPS will be rewarding. As well as making a difference to the communities that we support, we hope you will gain satisfaction from generously giving of your time. We want to have a Board of Trustees who are diverse in their experience and knowledge so that impact can be sustained. Whilst specific roles may vary, the overall duties are:

• Ensuring that CHIPS pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its constitution, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy in coordination with CHIPS staff and project teams
• Ensuring that CHIPS complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that CHIPS applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that CHIPS defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of CHIPS
• Ensuring the effective and efficient governance of CHIPS, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of CHIPS
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the senior leadership of CHIPS
• Communicating on behalf of the organisation, if necessary
• Facilitating any feedback or complaints so that any issues are addressed swiftly

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Finance Trustee specific role

• Reviewing quarterly management accounts and highlighting any variances or financial risks to the board.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process by advising on assumptions, cost control, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual accounts with CHIPS staff and working with the auditor or independent examiner as needed.
• Helping develop and monitor financial policies such as reserves, investments, and internal controls.
• Providing strategic financial insight to guide decision-making on fundraising, staffing, or new initiatives.

Person specification
CHIPS is particularly looking for new trustees who have strong backgrounds in finance to support the Director and team members. However, CHIPS is also looking to more generally increase the number of trustees so if you feel you have expertise which could benefit CHIPS, please still get in touch.

• A commitment to and passion for CHIPS and its objects and vision
• A commitment to CHIPS’ statement of faith
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to think creatively
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• A committed Christian willing to contribute to the spiritual life and development of CHIPS
• Experience or knowledge specific to the area in which they will oversee

If you're interested to join as a trustee, but want to find out more first - do get in contact with us.

Opportunity to join The Restart Project’s board of trustees

As we embark on implementing our newly formed strategy, we are looking for a finance trustee who can support us by connecting our ambitious goals with financial realities.

Our vision is by 2035, we’ve helped to end the throwaway production and consumption of electrical products. With systemic support, repair and reuse is easier, cheaper and more rewarding for all.

In 2025 we are winning the argument and are now entering a new phase of doing the ‘hard yards’ of getting our ideas implemented. This requires an evolution of our funding model. At the same time, working with companies – who are both part of the problem and part of the solution – poses special challenges for us to get right.

So we are now seeking a committed individual who shares our excitement and can help us realise the opportunities by serving as our finance trustee.

Who are we looking for?

The role would suit an individual looking to support the growth of a small charity, moving us beyond our 10 employees and further strengthening our finance and strategic approaches.

Having trustees with a mix of backgrounds, approaches and perspectives leads to better decision-making. We believe that a governance and accountability structure enriched by multiple voices and intersectional expertise, leads to more thoughtful, informed, just and liberatory strategies, decisions, and practices.

The finance trustee will take the lead at board level on:

• Advise on developing our business model and diversify earned and granted funding sources

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity

• Working with staff to develop a three year business plan, our annual budgets and preparing for the yearly reporting to the Charity Commission

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 

Responsibilities as a board member

As well as the finance trustee specific responsibilities above, board members collectively:

• Contribute in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity

• Safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee

• Are responsible for the actions of the charity 

• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time when possible, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising etc.

• Attend quarterly meetings and read papers in preparation for the meeting

• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work

• Be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis 

Person specification 

We are seeking a finance trustee who has the following:

• Experience in business growth and financial management, ideally with a recognised accountancy or management qualification

• Understanding of charity finance

• A commitment to Restart’s vision, mission and values

• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to contributing to a positive working culture

Further information is available about both the treasurer and trustee role in the job specifications available on our website.

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

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

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we passionately believe that neutering cats before they can breed is an essential part of cat ownership, and without neutering the UK’s cat population would quickly get out of control. Our neutering volunteers help spread positive neutering messages and make it easier for owners on low incomes to get their cats neutered. They help raise awareness of the benefits of neutering, promote our neutering schemes and respond to enquiries from members of the public.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the benefits of neutering and our neutering schemes
• Responding to enquiries about neutering
• Completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
• Following up with cat owners to make sure that vouchers are used
• Ensuring all cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures  

A bit more information about this role and the team

Neutering issuer to support with the administration and issuing of neutering vouchers.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by promoting our neutering scheme. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our neutering volunteers usually spend between two to four hours a week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

We are working with the Board of the 31-school River Learning Trust to recruit an individual possessing legal qualifications to bring insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The Trust supports around 16,000 young people in the Oxfordshire and Swindon areas and has an annual budget of £100m.

River Learning Trust is a well-established Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) operating for over 12 years, currently comprising 30 schools – 20 primary and 10 secondary academies, primarily located in Oxfordshire and Swindon. The majority of these schools are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

In addition to mainstream provision, RLT operates a multi-site Alternative Provision unit, is a Department for Education (DfE) Teaching School Hub, and manages an Ofsted-approved SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) – Oxfordshire Teacher Training – training up to 150 teachers annually.

RLT is considered a ‘mixed MAT’, including both maintained and Church of England schools. A quarter of Trustees and Members are appointed by the Oxford Anglican Diocese. The Trust serves a broad demographic, spanning both urban and rural communities, and educates approximately 16,000 pupils, with around 3,000 staff.

Socioeconomic diversity is significant, with areas of high deprivation particularly in East Oxford and Swindon.
The Trust serves a diverse student population with 22.9% eligible for Free School Meals and 20.8% identified with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), reflecting a strong focus on inclusive and supportive education.

Students from minority ethnic backgrounds make up 60% of the cohort, contributing to a culturally rich learning environment. Additionally, 18.7% speak English as an Additional Language (EAL), highlighting the importance of language support across schools.

These demographics shape the Trust’s commitment to equity, tailored support, and high expectations for all learners.

The Trust Board consists of 10 Trustees and five members – the latter akin to the shareholder role – with an ongoing process to strengthen Board expertise. RLT is currently seeking a new Trustee with legal expertise to enhance governance, policy scrutiny, and risk management.

The Trust maintains several Schemes of Delegation to govern its operations effectively, including tailored schemes for Church schools and its teaching/training arms. Governance is supported by a Lead Governance Professional, a Director of Finance, and a team of Directors of School Improvement. Safeguarding is a key priority, with regular audits and a dedicated Trustee lead.

RLT manages an annual income of approximately £100 million. The 2023/24 financial outturn was in line with expectations. Schools remained within their budgets, and the external audit confirmed sound financial management and compliance. Reserves meet DfE guidelines. Like many Trusts, RLT faces ongoing challenges, particularly regarding SEND funding and staff recruitment and retention.

The Trust’s Requirements

The Trust is seeking a legally trained individual to bring legal insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The goal is to enhance the Trust’s decision-making processes and ensure that legal considerations are embedded at all levels of governance.

While the geographic location of the candidate is flexible, a connection to the Swindon area would be particularly welcomed. The appointment will play a critical role in supporting the Trust’s ongoing governance review and will contribute to strengthening Board capacity as the organisation maintains its current size and strategic direction.

Trustees are expected to commit to five Board meetings per year, along with termly sub-committee meetings. These meetings are held in the evenings and are a mix of in-person and remote formats. In addition, each Trustee is linked to two or three academies within the Trust, fostering meaningful relationships with school leadership teams. A structured induction programme is in place for new Trustees, which includes formal training, school visits, and engagement with senior Trust leaders.

The work of the Board is supported by several key committees, including:

• Impact Committee
• Resources Committee (covering Finance and Audit)
• Safeguarding Committee

Additionally, there is an Annual Trustee Strategy Day focusing on long-term planning and reflection.

River Learning Trust operates according to core principles that shape its strategy and culture: a commitment to Excellence, a belief in Everyone Learning, and a foundation of Respectful Relationships. These values guide the Trust’s ambition to deliver academic success and personal development for every pupil, ensure no school stands still in its improvement journey, foster high-quality collaboration that raises standards and reduces workload, and build a culture of joint accountability across all its schools.

 Volunteer Opportunity: Writer / Journalist / Storyteller

Help Us Tell Stories That Matter – Join SayAphasia

Do you believe stories can change lives?
Can you listen with empathy, write with heart, and give voice to those often unheard?
SayAphasia is looking for a volunteer writer / journalist / storyteller to help shine a light on the lived experiences of people with aphasia — a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to use language.

What You'll Do:

• Interview people with aphasia and their families

• Craft meaningful articles and blog posts

• Collaborate with our team to research and gather stories

• Help raise awareness of aphasia

• Support our mission to create a more inclusive, understanding world

 What We’re Looking For:

• A personable, empathetic and patient communicator

• Strong writing, interviewing, or journalism skills

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about aphasia

• A flexible, open mind and an inclusive approach

• Commitment to completing a short induction course on communicating with people who have aphasia

This is perfect for you if:

• You're a journalist, blogger or writer looking to make an impact

• You’re passionate about people, inclusion, and human stories

• You want to build your portfolio while doing good

Additional Creative Skills Welcome:

Are you skilled in videography, photography, or audio recording?

We’d love to harness your talents to bring stories to life in multimedia formats — short films, audio clips, photo essays and more. Visual and sound storytelling can be especially powerful when working with individuals who communicate in different ways.

Why Volunteer?

• Build your portfolio with real-world impact

• Learn from a caring community and support network

• Be part of a mission-driven charity, led by people with aphasia

• Spread empathy and amplify voices that are often overlooked

We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards. 

The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.

Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.

The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.

At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.

We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:

▪ Leadership experience within a school

▪ Experience of Independent School Standards  

Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.

The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.      

Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.

The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Sussex RH15, RH16, RH17, BN6, BN45.
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

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 Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

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

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 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;

• 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 

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: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

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. 

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our drop in group in Crawley that take place on the 1st and 3rd  Monday of the month between 10:30-12:30 . This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Language training provided