Training volunteer roles

About Trans Celebration

Trans Celebration is a trans-led, grassroots organisation working to uplift trans and gender-diverse individuals across the UK. Through inclusive campaigns, community engagement, and creative platforms such as fashion, arts, and beauty, we advocate for visibility, equality, and empowerment.

We’re looking for a motivated and creative Marketing Volunteer to support our campaigns and help spread our message of celebration and inclusion to a wider audience.

Job Summary

As a Marketing Volunteer, you will support the planning and execution of marketing strategies that promote Trans Celebration’s work, values, and campaigns. This role involves content creation, social media support, SEO assistance, and analytics tracking. It's an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on marketing experience in a mission-driven organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and rollout of marketing campaigns across digital platforms.

• Write engaging copy for social media, emails, and promotional materials.

• Assist in creating visual and video content for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to help shape campaign direction and creative ideas.

• Help optimise website content using SEO best practices.

• Monitor and measure the impact of marketing efforts and provide reports on performance.

• Stay current with marketing trends and attend relevant training when available.

What We’re Looking For

Skills & Competencies:

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and digital strategy.

• Familiarity with major social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Creative thinking and strong problem-solving abilities.

• Experience or interest in SEO, content writing, and analytics.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines independently.

• Bonus: Basic skills in photography, video editing, and graphic design.

Personal Attributes:

• Organised, detail-oriented, and self-driven.

• Enthusiastic about inclusive representation and advocacy.

• Comfortable collaborating in a remote or hybrid team setting.

• Open to feedback and excited to grow professionally.

Work Environment

• On-Site role with flexible scheduling.

• Collaborative and inclusive team culture that values creativity and initiative.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and any relevant experience.

• A current CV or resume.

• 1–2 examples of content you’ve created (social media posts, marketing copy, graphics, etc. — optional but preferred).

Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?

We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.

Last year, we:

✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges

✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need

✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach

However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.

What’s Involved?

As a Trustee, you will:

�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)

��Participate in one annual trustee development day

��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.

If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! 

Outstanding in every area, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) are looking for new members to join their Board and support them as they navigate their strategic development and delivery on their journey for even greater success.

Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford

Time commitment: Approx. 10 hours per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 25th June

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is Staffordshire’s leading General Further Education College, with pass rates and student achievement rates amongst the very best in the country.

We provide a wide range of academic, vocational and apprenticeship qualifications from entry to degree level, along with support services to help our students achieve their goals. The College has grown significantly over the past 10 years and is currently home to a population of over 8,000 students studying full-time, part-time, higher education and apprenticeship programmes with us.

Who we are

In 2019, NSCG became the first further education provider in England to achieve the top grade of Outstanding in every area of Ofsted’s reformed Education Inspection Framework.

When we were inspected again in October 2024, we were able to demonstrate the continued consistency of our provision by once again achieving the same result – Outstanding in every area!

The latest inspection report praised all areas of our provision, acknowledging the pace at which our students make progress in their learning as well as the high aspirations that our leaders have by commenting that “with clarity and passion, leaders set high expectations for staff and learners” whilst also highlighting the extensive investment we have made in state-of-the-art facilities across the college.

The philosophy underpinning everything we do, whether you are a student, a lecturer, a member of our support staff, a manager or a Governor, is to be ‘committed to excellence’.

Our continued aim is to be recognised nationally as an outstanding organisation where students and staff thrive, achieve and make a positive contribution to the cultural and economic prosperity of Staffordshire and beyond.

About the role

The NSCG Corporation is the College’s governing body and currently comprises 16 members. Our board members provide representation from local businesses, local councils and community groups as well from our staff team and our student body.

Through their role on our Corporation Board, our members represent the particular interests of the local community and public interest in general. They oversee the way the College is run, ensuring it meets the needs of the local community, school leavers and employers.

It ensures the highest professional and ethical standards as well as the effective use of resources. Governors are responsible for the financial solvency of the institution, the proper use of public funds, sound management and the quality of education, training and business service provided. Perhaps even more importantly, our Governors set the tone of our organisation, shape our culture and help define the values through which we work.

Who we are looking for

Successful candidates will be those who can offer their commitment to supporting the College’s ambition to build on our successes and drive forward our aspirations to be an even more effective and impactful organisation.

These roles offer a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and committed Corporation and become a member of one of the College’s committees allowing you to genuinely have an impact on the success of our College, the achievements of our students and the future prosperity of our local communities.

This passion and commitment should be underpinned by a track record of significant expertise and impactful leadership that would be relevant in relation to the following committees.

Audit Committee

Firstly, we will welcome candidates with expertise and experience gained in the areas highlighted below. Candidates will not only be motivated to join our Board but will also be able to commit the time to joining our Audit Committee.

• Qualified senior audit professionals
• Senior risk and compliance professionals
• Senior professionals with expertise in data protection and/or cyber security
• Qualified finance professionals

Education & Standards Committee

We also seek applications from strategic leaders from across the wider education sector. This experience could come from those working within the higher education sector, in local secondary schools, multi-academy trusts, independent training providers, specialist SEND providers, or the further education sector itself.

We will also welcome applications from candidates who are based within large employers but who have an understanding and appreciation of the impacts that our provision has on their workforce. We believe such candidates will offer valuable insights into the future development of our curriculum.

Successful candidates with this particular experience will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Education & Standards Committee, which currently has eight other members.

Finance & General Purposes Committee

Finally, we also seek to appoint a new member to our board who is an experienced, senior and strategically focused, qualified, finance professional. Whilst candidates may have professional expertise as a senior financial leader, they may also have additional experience of working in more board operational roles which encompass responsibilities linked to estates and resource functions.

The successful candidate will be appointed to our full Board as well as our Finance & General Purposes Committee, on which there are currently six other members.

Expectations and commitment

Successful candidates will be appointed on the basis of a four-year term of office.

Whilst previous governance experience is not essential, candidates will need to be able demonstrate an understanding of the principles of good governance and how these should be implemented to discharge fiduciary responsibilities in the context of a non-executive board.

You will be able to apply your specialist knowledge and expertise to contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making by working constructively as part of a non-executive team whilst demonstrating an understanding that Governors must act fairly and impartially, with a commitment to the principles of safeguarding, equality and diversity.

The appointed candidates will be expected to attend five meetings of the Board each year, and the frequency of our Committee meetings varies as below:

• Education & Standards Committee: four meetings per year
• Audit Committee: three meetings per year
• Finance & General Purposes Committee: three meetings per year

We try to always ensure that meetings are held in person as this allows governors to experience the vibrant College atmosphere whilst on site.

Governors usually dedicate an average of around 10 hours per month to their role, which includes meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up. However, we are privileged that our Governors also dedicate additional time to the College. They each spend time each term, visiting our sites, engaging with our staff and students, and use this as a chance to see our impacts first-hand. We hope to receive applications from individuals who would be open to offering a similar level of commitment to our organisation.

All of our Governors are supported throughout their terms of office. Induction, training and development opportunities are all available, as well as the invitation to attend a range of exciting events and ceremonies throughout the year. This type of engagement by the governing body with the wider College community is both encouraged and supported, and allows our governors to fully appreciate the vibrancy, inclusivity and success of the organisation.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to join our Board, to better reflect our communities and welcome different thinking to ensure we include all voices of our society.

Peridot Partners and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 6 Warwickshire Shopping Park, Kynner Way, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 2TA, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Position Summary:
Leads the Talent Acquisition team to deliver efficient, compliant, and inclusive recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with workforce planning forecasts and organisational goals. Manages sourcing, selection, and candidate experience while collaborating with the Workforce Planning team to anticipate future talent needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment Strategy Execution

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment processes for assigned business units, from job briefings to offer management.

• Partner with the Workforce Planning team to align sourcing strategies with long-term talent demands and skills gap analysis.

• Implement proactive talent pipelines (e.g., LinkedIn, diversity networks) for critical and future-focused roles.

Team Management

• Manage and mentor Talent Acquisition Specialists/Coordinators, setting KPIs for time-to-fill, candidate quality, and diversity hiring.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training needs to upskill the team.

Employer Branding & Candidate Experience

• Promote the organisation’s EVP through job postings, social media campaigns (in partnership with the Talent Communications Team), and candidate interactions.

• Ensure a positive candidate journey by resolving escalations and maintaining clear communication.

Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure adherence to UK employment law (e.g., right-to-work checks, GDPR) and internal policies.

• Audit recruitment processes to mitigate bias and align with DE&I goals.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with hiring managers and the Workforce Planning team to define role requirements and refine selection criteria.

• Share talent market insights (e.g., competitor hiring trends, salary benchmarks) to inform workforce planning strategies.

• Collaborate with the Team Leader: Onboarding to ensure a smooth handover post-offer acceptance.

Requirements:

• Education & Certification: CIPD Level 3 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HR apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3 in HR).

• Experience: 3+ years in recruitment, including 2+ years in a supervisory role.

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in relevant systems and programmes.

• Legal Knowledge: Working understanding of UK employment law and recruitment compliance.

• Collaboration: Proven experience engaging with workforce planning or HR analytics teams to align recruitment with business strategy.

• DE&I Focus: Experience designing inclusive hiring practices (e.g., blind CV screening, diverse interview panels).

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Hackney Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Hackney by helping them grow in confidence. Get crafty, have fun, and make a lasting impact on their future.

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Tower Hamlets Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Tower Hamlets by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Tower hamlets, get creative, have fun, and make a lasting impact in your local community!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role What will you do?

● Complete an introduction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.

● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.

● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.

● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.

● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.

● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:

● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.

● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on our website.

Location:

Unit 2, Anglia Way, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 4TB, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Penrith Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.