Security volunteer volunteer roles

As a maintenance (handyman) volunteer at SeeAbility, you will support the facility in maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for people we support and our teams.

This position requires a reliable, skilled, and proactive individual who can carry out general maintenance tasks and assist with small repairs around the property. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well-being of the people we support and ensure that the home remains a comfortable and secure place for all.

Skills Required 

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to the building and facilities, including but not limited to:  carpentry, painting, decorating and repairing

• Assist with the installation of furniture, fixtures, or equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards.

• Ensure that all tools and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.

• Help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems.

• Report more complex repairs or safety concerns to the Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.

• Support the care home during renovation or redecoration projects.

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to ensure the upkeep of the home.

• Would not be asked to carry out and electrical or plumping works

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring all tasks are completed with care and in compliance with regulations

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours

Benefits

Being a maintenance (handyman) volunteer provides a key service by helping to keep our homes in good condition. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others.

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

As a maintenance (handyman) volunteer at SeeAbility, you will support the facility in maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for people we support and our teams.

This position requires a reliable, skilled, and proactive individual who can carry out general maintenance tasks and assist with small repairs around the property. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well-being of the people we support and ensure that the home remains a comfortable and secure place for all.

Skills Required 

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to the building and facilities, including but not limited to:  carpentry, painting, decorating and repairing

• Assist with the installation of furniture, fixtures, or equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards.

• Ensure that all tools and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.

• Help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems.

• Report more complex repairs or safety concerns to the Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.

• Support the care home during renovation or redecoration projects.

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to ensure the upkeep of the home.

• Would not be asked to carry out and electrical or plumping works

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring all tasks are completed with care and in compliance with regulations

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours

Benefits

Being a maintenance (handyman) volunteer provides a key service by helping to keep our homes in good condition. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others.

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 26 April 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 27 April and 8 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Are you passionate about creating transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and communities? 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a skilled Instructional Designer to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to designing, structuring and delivering educational programmes that support survivors, young people and marginalised communities to access knowledge, develop skills and achieve personal and collective growth.

Purpose of the role:

The Volunteer Instructional Designer supports our mission by designing engaging, effective and learner-centred educational materials. In this role, you will collaborate with subject matter experts, program staff and other volunteers to transform ideas and content into structured learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive and impactful.

About the Role:

As Instructional Designer, you will work closely with the Membership Director, Book Club Coordinator, and Social & Digital Media Education Lead to develop structured learning pathways, modules, and resources for our membership programmes. Your work will ensure that all learning experiences are engaging, accessible, and aligned with our anti-capitalist, community-driven, and survivor-centred mission. This is a hands-on, impactful role combining strategy, creativity, and operational delivery.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience in instructional design, curriculum development or educational programme creation in formal or informal learning environments.
• Proven experience designing and delivering community-based education, training or learning programmes.
• Experience using content creation tools (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Canva).
• Basic familiarity with e-learning tools, learning management systems or content creation software is a plus.
• Ability to develop structured learning pathways with clear outcomes and assessments.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible and inclusive learning materials.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design best practices.
• Hands-on experience contributing to open-source projects.
• Implementing security, accessibility or system optimisation practices in real-world projects.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Experience in instructional design, learning design or educational content creation.
• Developing skills in structuring learning objectives, activities and simple assessments.
• Willingness to collaborate with facilitators, subject matter experts and community members.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Experience in education, instructional design, learning and development or a related field is valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and develop educational programmes, courses and learning resources for members and volunteers.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, facilitators and leadership to ensure content is accurate, relevant and impactful.
• Structure learning experiences with clear objectives, assessments and progression pathways.
• Integrate digital platforms, multimedia resources and interactive tools to enhance accessibility and engagement.
• Evaluate learning outcomes and gather participant feedback to continuously improve programmes.
• Ensure all learning programmes comply with safeguarding, accessibility and data protection standards.
• Ensure all integrations follow best practices for security, data privacy and performance, maintaining
• compliance with GDPR and other relevant standards.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by providing clear resources for onboarding new volunteers, team members and technical contributors.
• Maintain documentation of course materials, learning pathways and instructional guides for internal use.
• Support capacity-building by training facilitators, volunteers and community members in programme delivery.
• Collaborate with leadership, technical teams and stakeholders to define the long-term vision and goals for digital platforms and systems.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, including new features, technologies, tools or workflows that improve platform functionality, user experience and operational efficiency.
• Continuously monitor the open-source platform to ensure optimal performance, uptime and reliability, using monitoring tools, analytics, and performance metrics.
• Identify and diagnose technical issues, bugs, or system errors promptly, assessing root causes and prioritising fixes based on impact and urgency.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in designing and delivering learning initiatives that directly impact communities.
• Personal and professional growth through hands-on instructional development and facilitation.
• The opportunity to shape transformative learning systems within a pioneering, values-led CIC.
• The satisfaction of empowering survivors, young people, and community members through education.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely administrative or content curation work without engagement.
• Those unwilling to adapt learning resources to diverse audiences and community needs.
• People expecting pre-packaged or rigid course structures—this role requires creativity, collaboration, and active problem-solving.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to design meaningful learning experiences that empower communities and foster personal transformation, we want to hear from you. 
• Apply now and help build education systems that create lasting social impact.

A Final Word
Design learning turns knowledge into action. Shapes the path from curiosity to competence.

If you know that: Education is the bridge between knowledge and action.A bridge between knowing and doing

About Us

Influential Stars is a purpose driven platform connecting creators, supporters, and causes through exclusive experiences and campaigns that raise funds for UK charitable organisations. We are a growing team committed to delivering meaningful impact through professionally managed experiences.

Our Story

Influential Stars was founded by Lisa Connell, who is living with an inoperable brain tumour and has spent many years raising awareness and support for UK causes. The platform was created from a deeply personal belief that influence, connection, and community can be powerful forces for good when brought together in the right way.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping turn that vision into real world impact, enabling experiences that raise funds, create joy for winners, and support charitable organisations across the UK.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised, and proactive Volunteer Events Coordinator to manage activity experiences awarded to campaign winners and support the development of new partnerships.

This is a key operational role ensuring experiences run smoothly from planning through to completion, while also helping to secure activity sponsors for monthly charitable campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage activity bookings for campaign winners through partner providers

• Liaise directly with creators and winners to arrange meet and greet experiences

• Collect availability from winners for experiences booked on their behalf

• Confirm bookings, manage logistics, and communicate details clearly to all parties

• Send reminders and follow ups to ensure experiences proceed as planned

• Support post event engagement, including encouraging appropriate social sharing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with activity providers

• Proactively identify, approach, and secure activity providers willing to sponsor experiences for monthly charitable prize draws (ideally one per month)

• Assist in developing long term partnerships with activity sponsors and collaborators

• Organise security arrangements when required through approved security partners

• Maintain accurate records of bookings, communications, and outcomes using our CRM management system. Experience using a CRM or similar database is required. We currently use HubSpot, which would be advantageous, although not essential as training will be provided.

Skills and Experience Required

Essential:

• Proven experience in event coordination, event management, or a similar role

• Excellent customer service skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

• Proactive, resourceful, and confident in outreach and relationship building

• Professional, reliable, and solution focused

Desirable:

• Experience securing sponsorships or partnerships

• Experience working remotely within a team

• Interest in charitable or social impact work

• Based in London or Hertfordshire for occasional in person meetings (not essential)

Working Arrangement

• Fully remote position

• Flexible working hours with a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week

• No travel required. However, if you choose to meet with potential or existing partners in person, reasonable travel costs will be covered where possible.

• Occasional (optional) in person team meetings

Why Volunteer With Us

• Play a key role in delivering meaningful experiences that support UK causes

• Gain valuable experience in events coordination and partnership development

• Join a mission driven organisation at an exciting stage of growth

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around other commitments

• Opportunity to build professional relationships across the charity, creator, and events sectors

Although this is currently a volunteer position, Influential Stars is actively working to grow the platform with the long term aim of creating paid roles. While we are unable to provide a timeframe and future opportunities will depend on the organisation’s growth and incoming work, this role offers the chance to be part of that journey from an early stage.

Are you passionate about sustainability and making a real difference in people’s lives?

Join Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars project, an award-winning environmental and social initiative that combines bike recycling, skills training, and rehabilitation.

What you’ll do

• Work alongside course participants in prison workshops, helping them to refurbish a wide range of donated bikes.
• Support learners to develop practical cycle maintenance skills and work towards an industry-recognised professional qualification.
• Provide hands-on assistance alongside experienced Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment that boosts confidence, employability, and community integration.

By helping refurbish bikes that would otherwise go to waste. You’ll also make a meaningful impact on the participants’ journey toward rehabilitation, helping them gain training that can open doors to future employment.

"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the cell… I contacted Life Cycle when I was released because I wanted to give back something to the people that helped me. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed)

About you

• Someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work
• Good mechanical skills (if you’re unsure, get in touch!)
• Sympathetic to working with people in prison
• You believe in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system
• Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s charitable mission, vision, and values. 

Please note, applicants need to be aware that due to the nature of this role you will be required to be vetted up to Enhanced Level 1 security clearance.Having a criminal record will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering in this role.Give us a ring if you would like to talk about it first. 

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Can you help us provide high levels of care to our cats? We are looking for reliable volunteers to help the cats in our small cattery by keeping them fed, watered, and clean, and providing them with vital socialising and human contact while they are waiting to be rehomed. You will enhance your animal care skills and have the satisfaction of making our cats very happy whilst they wait for their forever home.

Overview of the role

As a volunteer Cattery Assistant, you will play a vital role by providing daily care and attention to cats who are waiting to be rehomed. As well as the essential tasks of feeding the cats and cleaning the cattery pens, you will also spend some quality time engaging in play and cuddling the cats. 

Many of the cats in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home, so this plays a vital role in bridging the gap until they find their forever home. 

This is a physically demanding role and requires someone who really cares about cat welfare. Full online and onsite training will be provided, and you will be supported by the Volunteer Cat Co-ordinator and other volunteers.

Volunteers need to commit on a set morning each week starting between 8am and 9am for a two hour session and be available for a minimum six month commitment.  The role is not suitable for people who can only attend occasionally.

What you will be doing 

• Preparing and providing food and water for the cats in the cattery, as per the instructions for each cat.

• Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining the cattery to a high standard of cleanliness, making our cats are as comfortable as possible.

• Following the health and safety procedures and ensuring that they are always observed.

• Complete observation forms, so that we can monitor the progress and welfare of each cat. 

• Inform the volunteer Cat Co-ordinator about any changes in behaviour or health concerns. 

• Adhere to any other guidelines and notices about the welfare of the cats in the cattery. 

• Groom and socialise the cats, being mindful that each will have their own temperament and character.

• Spend time with cats in the cattery pens - playing, grooming, encouraging mobility, and providing those essential cuddles. Always being mindful that each cat will have their own temperament and character.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• Experience of cats and caring for them. Able to understand and show sensitivity to their behaviour. You may have gained this as a cat owner or through a professional or volunteer cat-caring role. 

• Can carry out demanding, physical tasks. Cleaning the pens is hard work and you will need to bend and stretch to reach all areas. You must be able to lift containers of cat feed and litter.  

• Must be comfortable cleaning up cat faeces, urine, and vomit. Always following the bio-security procedures. 

• The site is outdoors in a garden. There is no toilet on-site but there is access to outdoor hot and cold taps for handwashing.

• Being highly committed and able to volunteer for a couple of hours on a set day each week is essential. The cats will be relying on you to care for them. 

• Able to complete the daily observation forms. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Has a level of resilience as you will see the result of neglect at first hand.

• A patient and understanding nature. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• Must be able to complete comprehensive online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer.  You will need to have access to a mobile phone and be willing to be part of the team’s Whatsapp group which is used for sharing information and updates about the cats.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• An extremely rewarding opportunity and a chance to make a direct impact on the welfare of cats.  You will have improved cat welfare and made them happy whilst they are waiting for their forever home.

• A way to meet new people in your local area.

• Enhance your existing cat care skills and learn new skills to add to your CV.

• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.

• Be part of a supportive team of volunteers in a similar role.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period.  

Our Side by Side care leavers programme aims to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for care leavers and to bridge the gap between leaving care and finding their own way in the world by embarking on their journey ‘side by side’ with them when they need it. 

Every child taken into care and every young person who leaves it should expect the very best care alongside the support and love they need to thrive. 

Sadly, far too many young care leavers are thrust into the adult world before they are ready, facing a life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.

Young people tell us they are missing the skills and trusted people they need to help them navigate this new chapter in their lives. While some lack a positive adult role model, others are struggling to access education, employment, health services and maintain financial security.

Most just need someone to talk to; someone they can trust.

The impact of care experience does not end at 18, 21 or even 25.  It is a continuous lifetime experience that can have lasting effects. Young people are at risk of falling into debt, becoming mentally or physically ill, vulnerable to exploitation and discriminated against as they leave care.

What they need is a bit of extra support to help.

How can you help?

Come and join us in volunteering to support a care leaver.

You do not need any specific skills or experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to support a care leaver with their practical and emotional needs.

We just ask that you commit to the programme for a minimum of 12 months.

You will receive all the support and training you need to make the most of your role, including:

• Support from your line manager

• Access to a range of training opportunities

• Reimbursement of all reasonable expenses

• An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role.

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.

Are you a technically skilled problem-solver ready to contribute to transformative social impact? 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a pioneering Open-Source Platform Engineer to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to building and maintaining the digital infrastructure that will power our survivor-led, community-owned membership ecosystem for 2026 and beyond. You will be directly shaping the systems that enable vulnerable and marginalised communities to access resources, engage safely and participate in transformative personal development.

Purpose of the role:

The Volunteer Open-Source Platform Engineer contributes to the development, maintenance and improvement of open-source software platforms that support the organisation’s mission. This role involves collaborating with developers, contributors and stakeholders to build scalable, reliable and efficient solutions while ensuring code quality, security and accessibility.

About the Role:

As our Open-Source Platform Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain the core technology stack for our membership platform, ensuring it is secure, scalable, and aligned with open-source principles. You will work closely with the Membership Director, Technical Systems Liaison, and other team members to integrate community-facing tools, data systems, and collaborative features that support our anti-capitalist, values-led mission. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role where your technical expertise directly enables social change.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience designing, integrating and maintaining APIs, as well as managing secure authentication and data practices.
• Familiarity with cloud-hosted and on-premises system environments, including deployment and maintenance.
• Proven experience in open-source development, software engineering or systems architecture.
• Ability to clearly document technical processes, system workflows and platform architecture.
• Skilled at communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Contributing to open-source projects or collaborative software development initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to debug code, optimise performance and implement improvements.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Basic understanding of open-source software principles and collaborative development practices. 
• Familiarity with at least one programming or scripting language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Bash or similar).
• Developing knowledge of system reliability, security best practices and performance monitoring.
• A problem-solving mindset, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new tools and technologies.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Practical experience through open-source contributions, personal projects, study or volunteering is valued.
• Willingness to learn and complete required induction or training.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement and maintain the open-source membership platform and associated tools to support community engagement and organisational objectives.
• Build scalable, secure and accessible systems that facilitate user registration, content management and interactive community features.
• Build robust content management systems (CMS) to enable efficient creation, organisation, publishing and retrieval of digital content for community members and volunteers.
• Integrate third-party tools, APIs and plug-ins to extend platform functionality in alignment with organisational goals and requirements.
• Collaborate with technical and non-technical team members to understand community and organisational needs, translating them into functional and user-friendly systems.
• Provide technical guidance and insights to inform strategic decisions around system architecture, integrations, platform design and development priorities.
• Monitor platform performance and troubleshoot issues, proactively identifying and resolving technical problems to ensure smooth operation.
• Ensure documentation supports compliance and best practices, including data protection, accessibility standards and organisational policies.
• Use documentation as a tool for continuous improvement, identifying gaps, optimising workflows and refining platform usability based on feedback.
• Document technical processes, system architecture and user guides to maintain organisational knowledge, support future development and assist team onboarding.
• Contribute to the ongoing strategy for digital systems development and platform innovation, suggesting improvements, new features and best practices for long-term sustainability.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by providing documentation that supports onboarding of new volunteers, technical contributors and staff members.

What This Role Offers You:

• The opportunity to shape the digital foundation of a pioneering C.I.C. and directly impact survivor-led and community-driven initiatives.
• Hands-on leadership experience in open-source systems design and platform development.
• Personal growth through working in an innovative, mission-driven environment tackling real-world social challenges.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a platform that empowers marginalised communities, amplifies survivor voices and builds collective culture.​

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional corporate structures, hierarchies or purely financial reward.
• Those unwilling to work within an anti-capitalist, collaborative, values-led framework.
• People expecting pre-built systems or rigid processes—this role requires creativity, problem-solving and adaptability.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a high-impact, community-driven initiative and help build systems that empower survivors and marginalised communities, we want to hear from you. 
• Apply now and be part of creating something truly transformative.

A Final Word
Platforms enable communities to connect.

If you know that: Turn organisational needs into practical. User-friendly digital solutions support communities to connect.

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking a WordPress / PHP Developer to help build and maintain the core web systems that power our public platform and membership services. This is not a commercial web development role. This is about creating digital infrastructure that belongs to the community and serves long-term social impact.

About the role:

As WordPress / PHP Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the CIC’s main website and connected digital services using open-source technologies. You will help ensure our platforms are stable, secure, accessible, and capable of supporting growth in membership, education, and fundraising. Your work will directly affect how people access information, join the community, and engage with the organisation.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Formal qualifications is desirable but STRONG experience and passion beats and tops this always.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

· Develop, maintain, and improve WordPress-based websites and systems that support organisational operations, services, and growth.

· Build, customise, and extend WordPress themes and plugins using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies.

· Ensure code is clean, secure, maintainable, and aligned with WordPress and open-source best practices.

· Integrate open-source tools and third-party platforms, including membership systems, learning platforms, data tools, and APIs.

· Support the development and maintenance of secure member portals and restricted service areas with role-based access and permissions.

· Ensure websites are responsive across devices and browsers and optimised for performance, speed, and reliability.

· Apply accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access and usability for all users.

· Implement security best practices, including updates, patching, backups, access controls, and vulnerability prevention.

· Monitor platforms and assist with regular maintenance, upgrades, and issue prevention.

· Work closely with designers, content teams, and systems leads to translate functional needs into technical solutions.

· Advise on technical feasibility and recommend improvements where systems or tools create limitations.

· Assist with troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving technical issues across WordPress environments.

· Document code, integrations, system architecture, and technical processes clearly for technical and non-technical users.

· Ensure all systems comply with data protection, GDPR principles, safeguarding requirements, and ethical data handling standards.

· Collaborate with safeguarding and digital leads to minimise risk when handling sensitive or survivor-related data.

Essential Skills and Experience

· Strong practical experience with WordPress and PHP development.

· Experience building or customising WordPress themes and plugins.

· Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

· Experience integrating third-party tools, plugins, or APIs.

· Knowledge of WordPress security, performance optimisation, and update management.

· Ability to document technical work clearly and work collaboratively across teams.

· Understanding of GDPR principles and secure data handling.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

· Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable Skills and Experience

· Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.

· Familiarity with open-source or low-cost digital platforms.

· Experience building membership portals or learning platform integrations.

· Basic understanding of hosting environments or server configuration.

· Experience supporting volunteer-led or safeguarding-focused digital environments.

What This Role Offers You:

Founding role in a community-owned digital infrastructure project.

Leadership-level experience in open-source platform development.

Opportunity to build systems that directly support social change.

Experience working across digital, education and membership teams.

Direct contribution to a public-facing platform for justice and empowerment.

Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. becomes financially sustainable.

What This Role Is Not For:

People who want to work only with proprietary or closed systems.

Anyone uncomfortable working with serious or sensitive subject matter.

Those seeking guaranteed or immediate income.

Individuals unwilling to document their work or follow shared standards.

People who prefer not to collaborate with non-technical teams.

If you believe technology should belong to the people who use it and that open-source systems can support truth, protection and collective power, this role gives you the chance to build the digital foundations of a movement.

Join the Digital Infrastructure Team and help create platforms that serve community, not corporations.

Become a Cadet Unit Leader – Inspire. Support. Lead.
Opportunity in Basingstoke: Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leader

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real and lasting difference to young people in your community? We are currently recruiting Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leaders for our Basingstoke unit.

This is a unique opportunity to guide and inspire young people while developing your own leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Why Become a Unit Leader?

As a Unit Leader, you will play a vital part in supporting young people during some of the most important years of their development.

You will help cadets to:
• Build confidence and resilience
• Develop transferable life skills
• Feel supported by consistent, positive adult role models
• Understand and contribute to their community
• Explore future opportunities, including potential careers in policing

The role also makes a meaningful contribution to community safety by supporting engagement events, crime‑prevention activities and early‑intervention opportunities.

What the Role Involves

You will be responsible for:
• Planning and coordinating weekly cadet sessions
• Delivering an engaging, inclusive curriculum
• Organising and supporting community safety and engagement events
• Acting as the main point of contact for parents and guardians
• Promoting the cadet unit within the local area
• Managing records, budgets, and risk assessments
• Ensuring the welfare, safety, and development of all cadets and volunteers

This is a varied and rewarding role where you can genuinely shape the experiences of young people and fellow volunteers.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, prior cadet or youth‑work experience is not required. What matters most is your ability to:
• Communicate effectively
• Motivate and support young people
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and commitment
• Uphold the constabulary’s values of respect, empathy, courage, and public service

Training and Support

All volunteers receive:
• Safeguarding training
• A full induction
• Ongoing CPD and skills development (e.g., first aid, conflict management)
• Support from the wider Cadet Team and fellow leaders

Help us support young people as they grow, learn, and contribute to their communities.

Purpose of the role:

Are you passionate about using technology to empower communities and drive social change?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a dedicated Technical Systems & Platform Liaison to join our founding volunteer team. This role is pivotal in connecting our technical infrastructure with the operational and community-facing needs of the organisation, ensuring our open-source membership platform and systems function seamlessly to support survivors, marginalised communities and emerging leaders.

About the role:

As the Technical Systems & Platform Liaison, you will act as the bridge between the CIC’s technical teams, leadership, and community members. You will ensure that digital systems are effectively implemented, maintained, and optimised to serve our mission. This is a hands-on, multi-faceted role combining strategic coordination, operational oversight, and community engagement, providing you with unique experience in systems management and collaborative leadership.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience in digital platform management, IT operations, systems administration or similar roles where platform functionality and user support were key responsibilities.
• Ability to monitor system performance, identify issues and implement improvements to ensure reliability, scalability and security.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and end-users to communicate requirements, issues and solutions effectively. 
• Ensure that technical systems and platforms operate efficiently, securely and meet organisational needs.
• Maintain the integrity, reliability and performance of organisational platforms and systems. 
• Provide guidance, training and documentation to staff, volunteers and community members to improve platform adoption and utilisation.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose technical issues and propose practical solutions.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple tasks, projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Work closely with developers, IT staff and platform users to ensure system requirements and issues are clearly communicated.
• Degrees, diplomas, or certifications in IT, systems management, computer science or related fields are desirable but not essential.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Experience or interest in working with technical systems, digital platforms or IT support environments. 
• Ability to act as a bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Awareness of system integration, data flow or platform coordination concepts, with willingness to learn.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Relevant study, training or experience in IT, digital systems, computer science or a related field is valued.
• Willingness to complete required induction, safeguarding or data protection training.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Coordinate communication and workflow between technical teams (e.g., platform engineers, digital design specialists) and leadership or membership teams.
• Act as a liaison to ensure both technical and non-technical teams understand project goals, priorities and deliverables.
• Work with leadership, staff and membership teams to identify platform needs or improvements.
• Ensure implementation aligns with CIC’s objectives, standards and strategic priorities.
• Monitor system performance, user experience and platform functionality.
• Track platform usage, functionality and user feedback to identify potential issues or areas for improvement.
• Ensure system operations comply with data protection, safeguarding and security policies.
• Provide hands-on guidance on using digital platforms, tools and systems effectively.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date records of technical processes, configuration settings, workflows and platform updates.
• Implement safeguards to protect vulnerable users and sensitive organisational information.
• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers on safe data handling, secure system use and adherence to organisational policies.
• Collaborate with leadership, technical teams and stakeholders to define long-term goals and priorities for digital platforms and systems.
• Ensure that proposed developments align with organisational strategy, community needs and compliance requirements.
• Provide advice and practical support to users to minimise downtime and optimise platform use.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in managing and coordinating complex digital systems within a mission-driven organisation.
• Personal growth through hands-on problem-solving, strategic thinking and collaborative team leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to building systems that empower survivors and marginalised communities.
• The satisfaction of shaping the infrastructure and processes of a pioneering, values-led CIC.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional corporate hierarchy, purely financial reward or rigid structures.
• Those unwilling to work within a collaborative, anti-capitalist and community-driven environment.
• People expecting pre-built systems or hands-off technical roles—this position requires active.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to use your technical coordination skills to make a real-world impact and support the creation of innovative community systems, we want to hear from you.
•  Apply now and be part of building a platform that transforms truth into action.

A Final Word
Technology is a tool to empower people. Bridge the gap between technology and people

If you know that: Keeps people connected.