Volunteer Advocates Volunteer Roles
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mobilise voluntary action and foster a vibrant volunteer network as Barawak’s Volunteer Engagement Vertical Lead. Develop and implement strategies that attract and retain passionate volunteers, aligning their efforts with our mission.
Understanding the Verticals at Barawak
Imagine Barawak as a living, thriving tree. Our verticals are like the main branches—each one strong and important, reaching out in its own direction but all connected to the same trunk, our community's mission. These four powerhouse teams each have a special job:
• The Fundraising and Financial Management vertical covers fundraising and money matters: This team is all about finding resources—like getting donations and grants—to keep our programmes strong and healthy.They will spend their time writing fantastic letters, sponsorship proposals and funding requests on behalf of Barawak as a whole, but also (supporting programme leads) to specific organisations for Barawak service lines.
• The Partnership Development and Collaboration vertical covers building bridges: They're the connectors, making friends with other groups, businesses, and everyone who can help us grow.
• The Volunteer Engagement vertical covers welcoming our helpers: This bunch is in charge of gathering our most valuable resource—people like you who want to volunteer and make a difference.
• The Marketing Outreach and Advocacy vertical covers spreading the word: They tell our story far and wide, making sure everyone knows what we're up to and how they can join in.
Each vertical team works in two distinct ways: the first way is for Barawak as a whole, and the second way is in support of each Barawak service, feeding our programmes, like roots bringing water and nutrients to the branches. Whether it's Poverty Relief, Education, Employment Support, Community Engagement or Sports and Wellness, these verticals give the support each programme needs to blossom and bear fruit. Working together, they make sure we're all pushing in the same direction—towards a future where our community stands tall and proud.
Introduction to the Volunteer Engagement vertical Lead role:
See all these Barawak Job Descriptions aimed at calling our community members and other dedicated individuals to voluntary action? This will be part of your role going forward! The Volunteer Engagement Lead at Barawak is central to harnessing the passion and skills of our community members, facilitating their contributions to our mission. This role entails strategising volunteer recruitment, ensuring effective onboarding, training and management of volunteers, and aligning volunteer efforts with the goals of Barawak's various service lines.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Volunteer Strategy and Recruitment:
• Develop a robust volunteer recruitment strategy that aligns with Barawak’s overall mission and the specific needs of its service lines.
• Actively promote volunteer opportunities, reaching out to community members and using various platforms to attract a diverse volunteer base.
2. Onboarding, Training and Development:
• Implement a comprehensive training programme for volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the initiatives of Barawak.
• Create materials and conduct training sessions that equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills for their respective roles.
3. Support to Trustees:
• Work with trustees to understand volunteer requirements at the strategic level, and report on volunteer engagement activities and their impact.
• Provide trustees with insights into volunteer contributions towards Barawak’s objectives.
4. Programme-Specific Support:
• Collaborate with each programme lead to customise volunteer support according to the distinct demands and activities of their service lines.
• Ensure a smooth integration of volunteers into programme operations, matching volunteer skills with the tasks at hand.
5. Volunteer Management:
• Oversee the day-to-day management of volunteers, including scheduling, task assignment, and support.
• Foster a positive volunteer culture that encourages retention and recognises the valuable contributions of volunteers.
6. Evaluation and Feedback:
• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the volunteer engagement strategy and the satisfaction of volunteers.
• Gather feedback from volunteers and programme leads to continuously improve the volunteer experience and the impact of their work.
7. Community Liaison:
• Act as the primary liaison between Barawak and its volunteers, cultivating a strong community connection.
• Organise community events and recognition programs to honor and thank volunteers for their dedication.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Proven experience in volunteer coordination or community engagement.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with a talent for motivating and inspiring others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A passion for community service and a deep understanding of the Afro-Hebrew community's culture and values.
As the Volunteer Engagement Lead, you will play a crucial role in powering Barawak’s initiatives, turning the goodwill of our community into action and impact.
Important: This advert is for a voluntary role, which is unpaid and not subject to reimbursement of expenses. Any agreement with the successful candidate is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. By applying for the role, candidates agree that neither of us intend any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.
To relieve the poverty of persons and families of African and Caribbean decent.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
One25 is a Bristol-based charity, specialising in supporting women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent lives. We provide night outreach (7 sessions weekly), a Health Hub and casework, giving person-centred support and advocacy to around 240 women each year.
One25’s outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van. Three volunteers, one an experienced team leader, go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.
We are looking for volunteers to join our accelerated pathway to becoming a Van Team Leader. This pilot project will be for people who have professional experience in the following areas:
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual violence
- Drug and alcohol
- Homelessness
- Social care
- Physical Health
- Mental health
- Prison service
The project will aim to train volunteers up into Team Leaders within 6 months. This will consist of fortnightly van shifts and monthly training forums, and frequent mentorship from the Volunteer Manager.
Upon completion of the programme Team Leaders will be able to reduce their commitment to monthly van outreach shifts and quarterly training/meetings, with the expectation that Team Leaders will continue as a volunteering for more than 2 – 3 years (24/36 shifts).
It is an Occupational Requirement that applications for this post are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.
Application: April
Interview: May
Van induction: Thursday 30th May at 5pm-8:30pm
Safeguarding and Boundary training: June date tbc
Shift 1 and 2: June
Shift 3 and 4: July
Material sent to view beforehand
Training forum: Monday 22nd July 6-7:30pm
Shift 5 and 6: August
Material sent to view beforehand
Training forum:Monday 2nd September 6-7:30pm
Shifts 7 and 8: September
Material sent to view beforehand
Training forum: Monday 7th October 6 -7:30pm
Shifts 9 and 10: October
Probation review: November
Job Description
Volunteer monitoring work with the IMB gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. You will listen to prisoners and people in immigration detention, talk to staff and see for yourself what is actually happening behind the walls.
The IMB is recruiting for new members at numerous prisons and at immigration detention centres across England and Wales, and at short term holding facilities across the UK. We are looking for people who live within approximately 30 miles (or one hour) of their closest establishment and can commit the time to make 2 to 3 visits per month, although this may be slightly higher during the first year of training and this can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Please visit the IMB website for a full list of all locations we are recruiting to.
Who are the IMB?
We’re a group of ordinary members of the public, doing an extraordinary job. As a passionate, personable individual, you could join us in making a difference. In this unpaid role, you’ll volunteer your talent and time towards securing a decent day-to-day life for every prisoner and detainee. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors and an extensive training programme, you’ll commit to a flexible schedule of visits to a local establishment each month. Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare or carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings. Your observations will have an impact as your Board reports its findings to Ministers in His Majesty’s Government.
About the role
With unrestricted access to these unique environments, you’ll gain a rare insight into all aspects of life in custody. Impartial and highly influential, you can decide what shape your visits should take. As an independent monitor, you may spend time in a specific part of the establishment and choose to have your conversations with prisoners or detainees out of sight or hearing of a member of staff. As well as keeping a close eye on daily operations, you’ll play a crucial role in dealing with problems that arise. This could be in response to a confidential request to see a member of the IMB, or to observe the management of the more serious incidents that occur.
Why join us?
More than anything else, this is a rewarding opportunity that makes a real and meaningful difference to the lives of prisoners, detainees and our wider society. Ministers are obliged to respond to the issues raised in your Board’s report. The environment may seem intimidating at first, but you will be fully supported through your training and accompanied during your visits until you feel ready to manage independently. This highly recognised and respected role could provide the experience that opens doors into other careers within the justice system.
Who are we looking for?
There is no one type of person who could be right for the IMB because it’s not about background or skillset. It’s about having the dedication and passion to ensure all people are being treated fairly. For that reason, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who will approach the role with no preconceptions. You will need to be willing to work within a challenging environment and have the confidence to report your findings to senior figures. Most importantly, you will be able to talk to people in a way that makes each prisoner or detainee feel respected and reassured.
Closing date for completed applications is 29 April 2024.
Visit our website for more information and to complete the online application form.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Vocal Advocacy
Vocal is a small independent advocacy organisation operating in South and West Devon including Torbay, that helps adults with communication difficulties to understand and exercise their rights, make informed choices and speak up for themselves. Our main activity is one-to-one advocacy, however we also offer services including training, person centred planning and independent quality monitoring or care packages.
We have a reputation locally for the high quality of its services. We hold the national advocacy quality mark. We may be small, but we are effective, enthusiastic and innovative.
What will you be doing?
We are all dedicated to ensuring that the aims of the organisation are achieved and that people's rights are upheld. One of the trustees has been on the management committee, in various roles, since the organisation was founded 29 years ago. Their hard work was recognised when DeVA selected them for ‘trustee of the year winners’ at the Devon Community Foundation volunteer of the year awards ceremony. Our Board needs to encompass a wider range of skills, especially around strategic planning and marketing in order to drive the success of our development project. If you are interested in becoming a trustee of Vocal, we would love to hear from you!
What are we looking for?
We are looking for passionate people to join our Board. You don't need to have a background in health and social care or in supporting people who have a learning disability, but you must share our passion for ensuring people's rights!
We particularly wish to broaden our skill base of the Board to support our Chief Officer through the development of the organisation.
Key areas are skills in income generation, strategic and business planning, marketing and communications. We would welcome a Trustee with finance/ accountancy background to take on the Treasurer role in due course.
In terms of planning for the future, our Chair would like to have a succession plan in place, should she decide to step down in a few years time, and it would be good to recruit trustees who might be interested in and be suitable future leaders for the charity.
What difference will you make?
As part of our Board, you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose to ensure wide ranging and easily accessible advocacy is available to people with a learning disability in South Devon and Torbay. As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.
You will become part of a warm friendly and inclusive organisation where staff trustees and our ‘experts by experience’ (people who’ve used our services) work supportively and enthusiastically together to a common end. Everyone contributes in their own way, and is valued for what they bring. Vocal is a great network to belong to, and our in person or virtual meetings involving all the different groups are stimulating but also fun!
Commitment:
Trustees meeting every six weeks, plus other organisation meetings every three months for two to three hours. Email and other communication between.
How to apply:
Reach TrusteeWorks are supporting Vocal Advocacy with their Board recruitment.
Please send a CV/ LinkedIn profile or similar and a brief expression of interest.
Potential Trustees are invited to attend our quarterly Network meetings with staff, members (people with a learning disability who have used our services) volunteers and other trustees.
Please ask the TrusteeWorks team for further details or to arrange an informal chat with the charity, by contacting them on the email address provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Independent visitor/mentor needed in the Luton area. Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
Retirees & Senior Citizens Ad to use in posts for Retirement centers and city-level Senior Centers in all neighborhoods.
International Humanity Foundation ( IHF) is seeking Retirees and Senior Citizens. Volunteer whatever hours are best for you, from the comfort of your home, while meeting wonderful, caring people around the world. The position doesn't require technical knowledge, just a positive personality encouraging children, teens, or adults depending on which team you join. Volunteer an hour a month or an hour a day, whether experienced or new; your help is needed.
International Humanity Foundation ( IHF) is an award-winning, non-religious, non-political, non-profit ( 501C3) organization founded in 2001.
Ihf believes in an equal opportunity for all and in preserving the cultures, traditions, and beliefs of tribes and other marginalized communities. International Humanity Foundation’s mission is two-fold:
(A) to educate impoverished and challenged children and their communities while learning from them.
(B) To educate adults from all socio-economic backgrounds ( cultures& tribes) on how to start their own nonprofit or direct one. Thereby passing it on and giving a collective voice to the voiceless.
While basic-level English is the common language used by volunteers online, IHF advocates for the preservation and promotion of all languages.
IHF believes in small but pure and slow quiet growth with deep roots. Ihf has shown there are many amazing children and adults worldwide, who want to learn and to help the world be a better place if given the opportunity. Our over twenty years as a successful
volunteer organization proves this.
IHF is seeking At-Home Volunteers for our many Teams. The position includes reaching out to and working with, a global network of volunteers as well as mentoring online children or teens if desired. Our At-Home Online Volunteers come from around the world and form online teams essential to our Children’s Homes and Community Centers. Each Division has a variety of teams many enjoy.
▪️EDUCATION & MENTORING Division
▪️HUMAN RESOURCES Division
▪️Legal, Medical & Administrative Division.
▪️MEDIA PR Division
▪️FINANCE Division
▪️FUNDRAISING&
▪️GRANTWRITING Division
Those of us who have received a free education "pass it on", helping others less fortunate by teaching, interacting, and learning. With just a few hours a week or a month, our volunteers, mentors, children, and sponsors are changing the world we live in.
Pashto speaking Independent visitor/mentor needed in the Luton area.Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
Do you have a background in fundraising and a flair for persuasive writing? Are you looking for a purpose-driven role? Are you passionate about wildlife and nature?
Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire. Our board is currently facing the challenge of expanding our fundraising efforts to ensure we are able to continue to meet our mission and sustain our activities.
As Fundraising Manager (Volunteer), you will play a crucial role in securing funding that enables us to carry out our mission. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity.
This is a volunteer position, we understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it! This role involves engaging with donors, supporters, and the community to raise funds and increase awareness of our mission.
Please read the attachment for a person specification and Job description for more information.
Please send us A) a short cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and additionally B) a CV detailing your relevant experience.
Interviews are informal and in person or on Zoom.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about law, policy, and effective communications? Statewatch, a small team dedicated to promoting civil liberties and human rights through research, reporting and analysis, is seeking a motivated volunteer to assist in our efforts to make legal and political information accessible to all.
Terms
Time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week, including a 1/2 hour check-in with the communications worker, for a 3-month period (with the possibility of extension).
Starting date: Immediately.
Compensation: This is an unpaid volunteer position.
Location: Remote
About Statewatch
Statewatch produces and promotes critical research, policy analysis and investigative journalism to inform debates, movements and campaigns on civil liberties, human rights and democratic standards. We began operating in 1991 and are based in London.
Our vision: An open Europe of democracy, civil liberties, personal and political rights, free movement, freedom of information, equality and diversity.
Our mission: To monitor, analyse and expose state activity that threatens civil liberties, human rights and democratic standards in order to inform and enable a culture of diversity, debate and dissent.
About the position:
In this role, you will work closely with the communications specialist to conduct the following.
-
Archive review and cataloguing:
-
Review Statewatch's archive of work, including reports, articles, and publications.
-
Identify content with continued relevance based on ongoing policies or contemporary issues.
-
Catalogue relevant content by both topic/context and type of relevance (e.g., policy implications, historical insights).
-
Organise the catalogued content for easy reference and retrieval.
-
Social media messaging:
-
Draft ideas for social-ready messaging in various length by distilling relevant information from the catalogued content.
-
Assist with translating legal and political language into accessible and accurate information suitable for social media platforms.
-
Ensure messaging aligns with Statewatch's mission and messaging guidelines.
-
Language guide development:
-
Identify key terms and phrases commonly used in Statewatch's external messaging.
-
Research and provide guidance on the relevance and appropriateness of certain statements or terminology.
-
Assist with developing a language guide for discussing specific topics, including examples and explanations.
-
Collaborate with Statewatch team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in messaging.
Key results
-
Catalogued archive of relevant content, organised by topic/context and type of relevance.
-
Social media messaging templates and content suitable for various platforms.
-
Comprehensive language guide for discussing specific topics, including examples and explanations.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
-
Has an understanding of legal and political language, with an interest in translating complex concepts into accessible information.
-
Research and analytical skills.
-
Is proficient in written communications in the English language
-
Interest in the political and social context in which Statewatch operates
Benefits:
-
Gain hands-on experience in legal research, policy analysis, and accessible communications.
-
Work closely with a dedicated team passionate about civil liberties and human rights.
-
Make a meaningful contribution to Statewatch's mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic standards.
-
Develop valuable skills in communication, research, and advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job description
Indigenous peoples and local communities are grappling with the constant threat of displacement from their lands. The violations of human and land rights, particularly in areas like Loliondo, Ngorongoro, and Simanjiro, have left thousands of people vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance. Following these evictions, many of the Maasai lack vital resources for survival and are unable to connect with the rest of the world. Not1More is working with a partner organisation, TEST, in Tanzania to support their fundraising, advocacy and communication activities.
Your Role
We are looking for a volunteer who can dedicate time to this role through to December 2024. You will be a part of a team that works directly with Tanzania’s indigenous Maasai, and help to make a difference in key areas such as protecting ecosystems and advocating for indigenous rights.
The main objective is to help the team with external communication activities, including social media account management, website management and Google Ads management. This role requires excellent written communication skills and will suit someone who has an interest and/or experience in managing social media accounts, Wordpress websites, and other external communication activities.
Responsibilities can include:
-
Reviewing the partner organisation’s social media presence.
-
Developing and implementing a social media strategy with the partner organisation, including content creation, and posting.
-
Training partner organisation staff to manage social media accounts.
-
Updating website content, for example news stories and new projects.
-
Opportunities to develop other external communication activities.
Desirable Skills and Experience
-
Previous experience managing a Google Ad Grant account, including ad campaign establishment and monitoring.
-
Previous experience training staff to use a Google Ad Grant account, and providing Google Ad campaign reports.
Leadership
Support and mentoring to develop your skills will be available in this role as we aim to help you bring out our talents in this team.
Hours
As this is a volunteer role, time is flexible, but you would be expected to attend a bi-weekly check-in with someone from the Not1More team to ensure are working in the same direction.
Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 6 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
Independent visitor/mentor needed. Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 5 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details
Do you want to make a difference to a child or young person's life? Do you have 2 - 6 hours per month to spare? Are you 18+?
We require volunteers to mentor/befriend a child or young person in care.
Have fun, take a young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest. Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
We provide training and on going support and pay expenses to a set limit.
Please contact for more details