Volunteer roles

Various locations in South Wales

Ref: VBM-252

St Giles Trust is seeking passionate, committed individuals with lived experience of adversity to join our Volunteer Lived Experience Advisory Board. Your voice will help shape the future of our Inspire employability and skills programme, ensuring that our services reflect the realities, needs and strengths of the people we support

About Us

St Giles Trust is an award winning, national charity working to empower people facing adversity. We believe in second chances, equity, and the power of lived experience. Our work spans criminal justice, poverty, exploitation, and violence—supporting people to build better futures.

Central to our approach is the belief that people with lived experience should lead the design and development of the services that affect them.

Who We’re Looking For

We are keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Lived experience of adversity, disadvantage, or complex barriers
• Knowledge of barriers to employment, education and training 
• Confidence reading, reviewing and providing constructive feedback on materials
• Basic IT skills (email, video calls, Word)
• A collaborative, flexible and empathic approach

We welcome applications from people of the global majority (Black, Brown, Multi-heritage), those who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, or who face social barriers. We value the empowering impact of diverse thought and lived experience.

What You’ll Do

As a Lived Experience Advisory Board Member, you will:

• Review Inspire’s training sessions, materials and resources
• Provide constructive feedback on strengths and areas for improvement
• Contribute to co-design, co-production and consultation activities
• Attend induction and mandatory training, including safeguarding and trauma-informed practice
• Participate in monthly supervision with the Engagement and Development Lead
• Champion St Giles’ values of inclusion, empathy, empowerment and clear communication.

You will help ensure our programmes remain relevant, accessible and shaped by those who know the challenges best. An Enhanced DBS check (Adult Workforce) is required for this role.

How to Apply

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Please complete an application form and include a written statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining how you meet the requirements in the Person Specification, addressing:

· Experience, knowledge and qualifications – give examples of your professional and/or voluntary experience, highlighting how you meet the criteria.

· Skills and abilities – explain the skills you bring to this role and how you have applied them in practice.

· Personal qualities and values – describe the personal attributes and values you would bring, including how you align with the values of St Giles.

Closing Date: 05 December 2025 at 9 a.m. Interviews: week commencing the 15th of December 2025

Luminate 

Chair 

Voluntary Position with reasonable expenses 

About Luminate
Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing organisation – the national leader in supporting and promoting creativity as part of ageing. Working across the country, Luminate ensures that older people’s creativity can thrive, whatever their circumstances, experience, interests or ambitions.

The organisation develops and supports creative practice in many different settings, working with artists, cultural organisations, community groups and social care providers. Its projects explore and test new ways of working, often engaging new communities, while sharing learning to support others across the arts, care, learning and third sectors. Luminate also offers networking, training and professional development opportunities for those involved in creative ageing.

Luminate’s work challenges stereotypes of ageing and advocates for increased cultural provision with, for and by older people.

Recent highlights include:
• Leading Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing network, offering development opportunities for singing group leaders and providing resources for choirs and community groups.
• Awarding bursaries to emerging older artists who have begun their professional arts careers later in life, reaching those who might not access support through traditional routes.
• Launching a Creative Ageing Artist in Residence in Forfar, in partnership with Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action Angus — the first step towards a wider Angus programme planned for 2026.
• Collaborating with We Are Here Scotland on a new initiative bringing together Black and Global Majority artists to explore creative engagement with older people.

The Opportunity
Luminate is seeking a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees as the current Chair’s term comes to an end. The organisation is looking for someone who shares its passion for creativity and ageing, and who can provide thoughtful and inclusive leadership to support its next chapter.

The shortlisted candidate will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer in March 2026. 

About the Role
As well as fulfilling the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair provides leadership to the Board and works closely with the Director to ensure that Luminate continues to thrive. The Chair helps to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and supports the Board to carry out its role effectively. They also represent Luminate externally from time to time, acting as an ambassador with partners, funders and other stakeholders, and attending selected artistic events during the year.

The Chair leads four Board meetings each year, along with one awayday. Meetings are usually held in Edinburgh, with the option to join remotely as part of Luminate’s hybrid approach. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

About You
Luminate is seeking a Chair who is genuinely enthusiastic about the organisation’s mission and who brings sound judgement, openness and a collaborative approach.

Candidates for the role of Chair should bring:
• A strong interest in and commitment to Luminate’s work.
• An understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a charity trustee.
• A commitment to being well-informed and engaged with Luminate’s activities.
• Openness, integrity and respect in working with colleagues and staff.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Previous experience of charity board membership.
• Ideally, prior experience of chairing a charitable organisation (though this is not essential).
• Confidence in representing an organisation externally and engaging with a range of stakeholders.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who values creativity, inclusion and the contribution of older people to Scotland’s cultural life, and who would like to play a leading role in shaping the future of this pioneering organisation.

Home-Start Croydon is a charity dedicated to helping parents give their children the best possible start in life.

 As a volunteer, you will help run a warm and welcoming peer-to-peer stay and play group for families with children aged 0–5. You will engage with parents, share information about local services, and take part in play activities that encourage children to learn and explore.

 Your support will help strengthen community bonds, promote inclusion, and reduce isolation—creating a safe, supportive space where families and children can flourish and thrive.

Role title: Stay & Play Group Volunteer

Hours: 3 hours per week, term-time only

Key activities

v Setting up the group room and tidying up afterwards

v Chatting with parents and making them feel welcome

v Making refreshments for adults/healthy snacks for children

v  Encouraging children to play and explore

v  Participating with the families in the activities organised for the day

v Inspiring parents to build friendships and support networks amongst themselves

v  Providing information on childcare options / signposting to local services for families (training provided)

v  Being attentive, observant, able to read situations and respond with care

v  Building a good knowledge of your own community and links with local families

v Collaborating and coordinating with fellow volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly

v Recording and documenting basic but essential information needed for funding purposes

v Attending training

v  Regularly meeting with the Parent Champion Coordinator and other volunteers to share good practice

Skills and Experience

v  Have experience of being a parent or carer

v  Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and local family services

v  Having an understanding of professional and personal boundaries

v  Being warm, jovial and welcoming with the families and colleagues

v  Have a non-judgemental attitude, able to communicate and listen with kindness and understanding

v  Have the ability to empathise with some of the difficulties parents face

v  Be able to work collaboratively in small teams

v  Have an awareness of Confidentiality and Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults (training provided)

v  Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity

v  Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start Croydon

Prospective volunteers will be contacted and invited to attend an induction training course provided by Home-Start Croydon and Coram Family and Childcare. An enhanced DBS check is required and will be carried out as part of the application process by Home-Start.

Home-Start Croydon is committed to safe recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

This role involves volunteering with families who may be going through difficult times. It is essential that candidates are in a stable and positive place themselves, meet the above criteria, and are prepared to work sensitively and responsibly with families. Home-Start Croydon reserves the right to decline any volunteer application if the individual does not meet the requirements or if it is considered not suitable for the families’ well-being.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

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

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

Role Description

As the helpline volunteer, you will be providing support to those that have experienced sexual violence and provide emotional support and information around our services. You will help empower our callers to make their own decisions and provide them with a space to talk about how they feel .

Benefits

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to

• 8-week training around the impact of sexual violence on survivors

• Increased confidence and interpersonal skills

• You will be part of a support wider team with North London Rape Crisis

• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.

• Gain hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.

• Work as part of a feminist organisation.

Skills and Qualifications Required

An understanding of the issues faced by survivors and a desire to build on this.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Approachable and empathetic

• Non-judgemental.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Reliable, flexible with good time management

• An interest in sexual violence and its impact on women and children.

Training Opportunities

Volunteers will be able to access Solace Women’s Aid’s induction and internal volunteer training programme. Full support will be given to help volunteers understand and carry out any aspect of the role as appropriate. You will also receive an 8 week training with North London Rape Crisis.

​​If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to take action for the planet, volunteer with us for just 15 minutes a week to check and approve community-collected images. Your contribution is vital for us to continue building robust data that advocates for cleaner waterways.

Why Join?

• Flexible volunteering opportunity that you can do from home.
• Straightforward and user-friendly process. 
• 15 minutes per week. 

Overview 

As an Image Analyst, you’ll play a vital role in preserving our environment by moderating the litter images uploaded to the Planet Patrol app. To date, our community has logged over 500,000 pieces of single-use litter, contributing to our open-source interactive database. Our data has been featured in media investigations (Channel 4 and ITV), published in academic journals (Stanton et al., 2022), and used to inform government consultations, enhancing both public and scientific understanding of environmental pollution.

For each image, we need to verify that the litter type, quantity, and brand have been recorded accurately - and we need your help.

​​If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to take action for the planet, we’d love it if you could spare just 15 minutes a week to help us check and approve community-collected images. Your contribution will help us continue building robust data that advocates for cleaner waterways.

The process is straightforward and user-friendly, so anyone can get involved. While an adult is required to hold the account, this is also an accessible activity for families and young people to take part in together. Volunteering as an Image Analyst is perfect for people with busy lives who want to give back from the comfort of their own home.

What we’re offering 

• Flexible, remote volunteering opportunity that fits around your schedule. 

• A chance to gain environmental experience to add to your CV. 

• The satisfaction of contributing to real change and being part of a national movement. 

• The option to get involved in additional volunteering opportunities, if interested. 

About Planet Patrol 

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are transforming environmental action through citizen science - digitally, via the Planet Patrol app, and on the ground through our fantastic network of volunteers. Together, we gather vital evidence of water and litter pollution to inform critical policy change and hold polluters to account.

At the heart of our work is robust, community-collected data. We are proud to have the world’s first reliable and freely available app dedicated to combating environmental pollution. Through the app, anyone can become a protector of our natural green and blue spaces through logging vital data on water quality and litter collected. 

Each piece of litter collected is photographed and recorded in the app, alongside vital information such as litter type, quantity, brand and location. This helps us to identify trends and pressure points in specific locations, helping to power our campaigning for positive change.

Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact

The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.

Why This Role Matters

Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee financial governance and compliance.
• Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
• Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Support fundraising and investment decisions.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
• A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
• Understanding of charity finance and governance.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment.

Commitment

• Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
• Average one day per week.
• Induction and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.

Interested? 

Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.

If you’re a people person with a passion for community action, this may be the role for you! 

As a Volunteer Community Leader, you will champion cleaner waterways by being a visible presence in your local area – representing Planet Patrol at local events, motivating volunteers, and inspiring action.

Why Join?

• Rewarding, visible volunteering opportunity. 
• Opportunity to contribute to a national movement of change-makers. 
• Be a crucial part of developing our upcoming campaigns and citizen-science activations. 
• 2 hours per week, for a minimum 6 month term. 

We are only recruiting in the following areas at this time: Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, and London. 

Overview 

We’re seeking enthusiastic and approachable Volunteer Community Leaders to champion cleaner waterways and inspire positive action. You’ll be a visible presence in the community - leading by example, motivating volunteers, and representing Planet Patrol at local events.

You will play a key role in encouraging people to get involved in our citizen-science-powered activities, from water quality testing to litter picks, helping us build robust data to advocate for a cleaner planet. By sharing feedback and local insights, you’ll also help shape future campaigns and amplify the voices of your community. 

We are a small, ambitious team, and you’ll become part of our national network of change-makers, striving for a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. If you’re a people person with a passion for protecting our waterways and beyond, and believe in the power of community, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

• Attend local community events to share Planet Patrol’s mission and opportunities available to take action through citizen science ~1 per month. 

• Inspire and encourage volunteers to get involved in our mission - whether that is our paddleboarding litter picks, our water testing programme, or by downloading the Planet Patrol app and logging litter finds! 

• Share feedback and impactful stories with the Planet Patrol team to help shape future campaigns and amplify the voices of our volunteers. 

• Advocate for change - act as a voice for your community by raising awareness and engaging with local powerholders on environmental issues.

• Build towards organising your own community events and working with the team to support with event logistics and coordination. 

Qualities & Skills

Essential

• Passion for environmental action and community involvement.

• Good knowledge of environmental initiatives in your area.

• Confident, friendly communicator - comfortable speaking publicly and encouraging participation in our litter picks and water testing activities. 

• Self-motivated and IT literate - comfortable staying in touch remotely.

• Organised and can manage time efficiently.

• Committed to ~2 hrs/week for at least 6 months.

Desirable

• Experience in public speaking or communications.

• Ability to use social media and capture content effectively. 

What we’re offering 

• Opportunity to build your environmental experience and contribute to a national movement of change-makers.

• Project ownership of an important, visible community role.

• References for job applications and a recommendation on LinkedIn to boost your profile. 

• Opportunity to participate in paddleboarding events in your community, free of charge. 

• Being part of a mission-driven non-profit, that prides itself on creating a supportive environment for volunteers. 

• Offer to attend an online volunteer gathering during your tenure to meet other Community Leaders and members from the Planet Patrol Team. 

• Travel expenses covered where required.

About Planet Patrol 

Our vision is a world where all beings can enjoy our waterways, free from pollution. We are transforming environmental action through citizen science - digitally, via the Planet Patrol app, and on the ground through our fantastic network of volunteers. Together, we gather vital evidence of water and litter pollution to inform critical policy change and hold polluters to account. 

Right now, we’re at an exciting point of growth as we prepare to launch the UK’s most comprehensive citizen-led water testing programme. This nationwide initiative will empower volunteers to collect valuable data, highlight the true state of our rivers, and drive accountability before it’s too late. The findings will directly inform reports and environmental research, driving real change.

Our volunteers are the heart of Planet Patrol. Without them, this crucial data could not be captured. As a Community Leader, you’ll play a vital role in galvanising this network of volunteers - raising awareness, building presence in your local community, and coordinating resources to support our mission. 

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

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

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

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

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.

The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
• Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.

Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:

• Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
• Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
• Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
• Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Letter from our Chair - Lucy Thomas

We are seeking a passionate and strategic individual to join our Board of Trustees, someone who brings strong commercial insight, business acumen, and ideally experience in fundraising and income generation.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected national charity that continues to grow its reach and impact.

As a Trustee, you will also sit on our Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) a dynamic sub-group that advises on the Trust's commercial strategy, innovation, and sustainability.  You'll help us strengthen our commercial performance, explore new opportunities for growth and diversification, and ensure we remain on strong financial footing to deliver our vital mission.

We welcome applicants from all sectors and backgrounds.  Experience in marketing, partnerships, or charity leadership would be an advantage, but what matters most is your ability to bring fresh thinking, sound judgement, and a commitment to using your commercial experience for social good.

Background

Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded by Diana and Paul Lamplugh following the disappearance of their daughter Suzy, a young estate agent, in 1986. Since then, the Trust has pioneered personal safety as a life skill and a public policy priority.

Our vision is to eliminate abuse, aggression and violence, creating a society where people are safer and feel safer.

Our mission is to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence with a specific focus on stalking and harassment through education, campaigning, and support.

What we do

• Campaigning - working in partnership with other charities, private and statutory organisations; raising awareness; influencing policy makers
• Education - advice; training; guidance; workplace support; free resources, information; consultancy
• Support - National stalking helpline and advocacy service; supporting people at increased risk of violence and aggression; community projects

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.