Social welfare volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.
What would you be doing?
- Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
- Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
- Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
- Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system
- Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
- Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
- Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
- Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
- Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
- Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
- Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
- Good communication skills both written and verbally.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
- Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)
*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent?
Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening.
About us
At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges. We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work.
We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way.
About the role
The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to:
• Contributing to existing projects.
• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.
• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers.
• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts.
• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector.
This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy.
Time commitment
The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home.
Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.
About you
Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;
• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level.
• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.
• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training.
If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO.
Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members.
How to apply
Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.
• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support.
• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.
• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.
Interviews
Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early.
If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.
Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack.
Application instructions are within the recruitment pack, or you can visit our website or contact us directly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role title: Trustee
Location: Flexible (travel to London will be required at least three times a year for in person board meetings)
Salary: N/A (Volunteer role)
Time commitment: Attend 3 in person board meetings annually and 3 online sub committees. Exceptional board or sub-committee meetings may be scheduled when necessary.
Contract: The Trustee is appointed for an initial 3-year term with the option of renewal for up to 3 terms. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is 9 years.
Purpose of the role:
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join an impact-focused and ambitious charity supporting refugees to access meaningful employment and build a new life.
The board’s role is to govern Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission. Trustees provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and are ambassadors for the charity.
Essential Duties of the Trustee Role:
- Ensure Breaking Barriers is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
- Comply with Breaking Barriers' governing document and other laws that apply
- Act in Breaking Barriers' best interests: prioritise Breaking Barriers' objectives, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow procedures to manage any conflicts
- Ensure Breaking Barriers is accountable: meeting legal, accounting and reporting requirements
- Manage Breaking Barriers' resources responsibly: managing risks, protecting assets and people, getting the resources we need, having appropriate controls and procedures
- Act with reasonable care and skill using your skills and experience, deciding when you need professional advice, ensure Breaking Barriers remains solvent
Other Responsibilities:
- Understanding the vision, mission, goals and values of Breaking Barriers together with a good grasp of the operational context and the expectations of partners
- Strategic leadership and vision: help to guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
- Facilitating discussions: Lead conversations when necessary, ensuring focus on key issues and decisions
- Leveraging opportunities: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work
- CEO and SLT support: Maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO and SLT, creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing related matters, issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary
- Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities
Person Specification:
We are seeking board members with a passion for the mission, vision and values of Breaking Barriers, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience which we define as people from a refugee background, with first hand experience of seeking sanctuary or migration to the UK.
In addition, we actively seek candidates who bring any of the following:
- Prior fundraising expertise: focusing on corporate and high-end individual funding to generate leads, ability to contribute to active fundraising efforts, introductions to relevant networks and relationships
- Leadership experience at a senior level within corporate organisations and a commitment to actively making introductions to relevant networks and contacts
- Refugee/forced migration sector experience: leading or developing initiatives/programmes in areas relevant to the mission, such as employability or recruitment
To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.
Other considerations
- As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
- Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.
How to apply
If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:
- Why you are interested in the role
- What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
- Any experience you would like to highlight
- Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Tuesday 09 September. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Breaking Barriers exists so that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!
999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.
We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.
We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:
· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.
· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.
· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings
What to expect:
As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.
Inclusion:
We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.
Thank you!
Position: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Location: Devon/Cornwall
Offices: Home Park, Outland Road, Plymouth PL2 3DQ
Manadon Sports Hub, 121 St Peter’s Road, PL5 3JG
The Hub at Foulston Park, Madden Road, PL1 4NE
Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Station Road, TR15 3QS
Salary: Voluntary
Contract: 3 years
Hours: 10 hours per month
Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees
We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!
What we are looking for:
An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of people within our local communities.
While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated, diverse and committed team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.
Why you should join us as our Chair:
Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of local people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.
We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director who will champion our vision and mission. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.
Time commitment:
Our Trustees are committed and provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 10 Trustees within the Charity who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held during business hours and are a mixture of in-person and online. Events (including strategy days, conference and AGM) usually take place at our offices in Plymouth.
How to Apply:
If If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with ACT, we would love to hear from you!
You will be given the opportunity to upload a covering letter and CV should you wish to do so however, for safer recruitment purposes, we do not accept application by CV only.
For more information about the work of Argyle Community Trust and our strategic aims visit
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.