Volunteer roles in greater london

OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.

Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.

Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.

OTHER FEATURES OF JOB

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

LOCATION

South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

DESIRABLE:

· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

· customer service

EXPERIENCE

DESIRABLE:

· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face

· charity shop or other retail

WORK BASED COMPETENCIES

DESIRABLE:

· Good customer service skills

· Good telephone skills

· Good writing skill

· Good numerical ability

· Good organisational ability

· Flair for display

· Computer literacy

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL:

· Motivated

· Honest

· Committed

· Ability to work in a team

DESIRABLE:

· Enthusiastic

· Articulate

· Calm under pressure

· Methodical

· Resourceful

· Commercial acumen

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

We can only accept applications from UK residents. 

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Reading?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

We are looking for a Volunteer Fundraiser to support our fundraising activities with the initial focus on Corporate Partnerships. 

This role will play a key part in achieving our Vision where disabled children and young adults along with their families can together enjoy a rewarding life, which is fun, beneficial and above all fulfilling.   

This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Services. 

At My Black Dog, we provide free, anonymous and judgement-free peer support for those struggling with their mental health. Our volunteers have been there, they’ve faced their own challenges and truly understand what it’s like. Through real conversations, we offer empathy, hope, and a safe space to be heard. No stigma, no pressure, just people who get it, ready to listen. We are now looking for someone with experience of fundraising to join our Trustee team. 

Why we want you

A court sentencing can be a very stressful time for families. Pact’s new Side by Side service provides wraparound support for families, starting at the court, progressing to the prison, and then supporting post-release.

As a Side by Side Court Volunteer, you will spend most of your time (ideally one shift a week) based at Maidstone or Canterbury Court.  Here you will provide much needed practical and emotional support to families and friends who are experiencing a loved one going through the court process. Your presence and support will ensure families have the strength needed for their loved ones and that they have access to information and advice as required.

Additionally, you may be asked to support families on their first visit in the instance their loved one is sentenced to one of our partner sites (HMP Elmley or HMP Rochester) or make the appropriate introductions if you are unable to attend.

The vision of this project is that families are supported by Pact team members at all stages, so the consistency of support (either by yourself or via a successful and warm handover of information) is crucial.

What you will be doing

· Engaging with families in Maidstone or Canterbury Court, particularly those with loved ones transitioning to HMP Elmley or Rochester (either on remand or sentenced) 

· Providing advice and support on what to expect when a loved one is in prison, particularly in the first few days, and how to navigate prison systems (such as booking visits, contact etc.)

· Referring on to other support services (such as benefits, financial aid, etc.)

· Supporting the family’s transition over to Pact’s Family Services teams at HMP Elmley & Rochester, who will provide additional support for both them and their loved one

· Developing good, working relationships with staff at the court (clerks, ushers, list-callers, and other professionals) to promote Pact's service to them

· Ensure there are sufficient materials about Pact's service available and visible, throughout the court

· Adhere to policies and practices relevant to this role: Confidentiality, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Court and Prison security rules, etc.

· Report any incidents and concerns related to Health and Safety or Safeguarding to a member of the Pact staff team

The skills you need

· Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude

· Ability to deal calmly and sensitively with individuals and families in a court environment

· Ability to work independently and alone within the courts, with the confidence to approach families and friends

· Ability to work well as part of a small team

· Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

· Punctual, organised and able to use your own initiative

· Good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality

What's in it for you

· Feel connected to those you are helping in your local community

· Develop skills and enhance your experience for future volunteering / employment opportunities

· Develop experience and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System

· Full training and induction provided with regular ongoing support

· Out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our expenses policy

Disclaimers

· This role is subject to the completion of Pact's mandatory training and checks which our staff will be on hand to support you through.

· As this role may require occasional travel to HMP Elmley and HMP Rochester, a vehicle is required.

Training

Online Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality and Diversity, Data Security, and Health and Safety training is required for this role, in addition to virtual and/or in-person induction training related to the role. We anticipate the initial virtual training will take between 10-12 hours to complete in total, of which most can be completed in your own time. You will also have access to a range of other training opportunities throughout the year.

Checks

· 3 years of employment history or other activities (e.g., studying, travelling)

· Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service)

Because of the recruitment process, which can take several weeks, Pact expects you will commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of 1 shift a week (3-4 hours) for at least 6 months from when you start.

If you have DIY skills up your sleeve and want to put them to use then we have just the role for you!

We need a handy volunteer to help us with the general maintenance of our Charity Headquarters, which is used for hundreds of client groups every year as well as providing office space for our hardworking team. 

The role involves sourcing and fitting fixtures and fittings, putting together furniture and carrying out small cosmetic repairs.  These tasks help keep our aging building fit for purpose – so that we can continue to provide a welcoming and safe place for the local community to use.

Put your crafting skills to use and become an Art Group Volunteer at our fun social Thursday group!

We are looking for a ‘people person’ to assist at this weekly group: being a welcoming and encouraging presence; helping the facilitator to set up activities, and being alongside our clients while they learn new skills and have a go at different art and craft techniques.

You don’t need to be an expert – just enthusiastic to ‘have a go’ and a willingness to be creative.

VOLUNTEER CHAIR/COORDINATOR

Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As your local Chair or Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

•  Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of  referrals in your area

• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings

• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals

• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers

• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories  and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed

• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe

• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteer

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you – your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

VOLUNTEER CASE OFFICER

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Case Officers are a vital part of our local branch activities. They use their organisational and IT skills, sometimes along with a knowledge of engineering, to make sure their branch is best able to support people.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Processing and allocating cases which have come to the branch

• You may have engineering experience or be a skilled craftsperson, but this is not essential

• Using our online referral portal to manage and update case notes

• Attending regular meetings of the local branch

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Warm, approachable and confident to call referrers/clients to initiate discussions

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

• A commitment to our values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you – your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access theses)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.

Help Shape the Future of Wellbeing Through Acts of Kindness: Research Volunteer Opportunity

Do Me A Favour Buddy is seeking volunteers for an exciting research study exploring how personalised acts of kindness impact wellbeing, happiness, and sense of purpose.

About the Study

We're conducting an 8-week research project to understand how targeted acts of kindness affect both givers and receivers. Our research aims to gather evidence on how personalised kindness activities might improve mental wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance life satisfaction.

What's Involved

• Complete an initial onboarding survey about your personality traits, preferences, and wellbeing
• Participate in our 8-week programme
• Receive personalised suggestions for simple acts of kindness
• Track your experiences and feelings
• Complete brief weekly check-ins
• Share your feedback through a final survey
• Participate in follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months to help us understand long-term effects

Time Commitment

• 8 weeks for the main study period
• Approximately 10-15 minutes per day during active participation
• Weekly check-ins (about 5-10 minutes each)
• Brief follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 months post-study (about 15 minutes each)

Who Can Apply

We're looking for participants who are:

• Age 18 or older
• Willing to commit to the full 8-week programme
• Able to participate in follow-up assessments over the course of a year
• Interested in exploring how kindness might impact wellbeing
• Comfortable using a mobile app for daily interactions
• Open to providing honest feedback about their experiences

Benefits of Participating

• Be part of groundbreaking research on wellbeing
• Gain personal insights about your happiness and mental wellbeing patterns
• Potentially experience positive changes in your own life satisfaction
• Help develop an evidence-based approach that could benefit thousands
• Receive a comprehensive report of the study findings

About Do Me A Favour Buddy

Founded after a transformative experience with the power of targeted kindness, we're developing data-driven approaches to improve wellbeing through simple, personalised acts. Our work has already engaged 15,000 followers and validation from King's College London.

Update June:

We owe you a sincere apology for the delay in getting back to those that had applied previously. We've encountered some unexpected technical challenges with our development team that have set us back further than anticipated. We know how frustrating it must be to have applied and then heard nothing - that's not the experience we want for someone as enthusiastic as you clearly are about contributing to this work.
The good news is that we absolutely still need volunteers like you, and we're working hard to resolve these issues and expect to be back on track soon. 

Are you a people person? Would you enjoy helping clients with their problems, as well as developing employability skills or putting your spare time to good use? Then look no further!

Our friendly team are looking for volunteers for our Adviceline which offers the general public information to empower them to find a solution to their problems in areas such as welfare benefits, housing and debt. For more complex issues you would be arranging an appointment with our advisers who will be using the information you have already gathered from the client.

You will need to be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as being non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are not your own. Full training will be given.

We cover travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.

Interested? Great, we'd love to hear from you.

Would you like to help change the lives of people affected by crime? This is a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a national charity at the forefront of promoting Restorative Justice across the UK. We’re seeking an inspiring individual to lead our well-established Board of Trustees. If you believe in the power of Restorative Justice, are committed to Why me?’s mission, and bring life experience and leadership insight to the table, we’d love to hear from you. By becoming our Chair, you’ll help transform lives and give a voice to those affected by crime.

About Why me?

Why me? is a leading UK charity promoting Restorative Justice, a process that brings together those harmed by crime and those responsible for it, fostering healing, understanding and accountability.

The Role: Chair of Trustees

Our Board comprises the Chair, Vice-Chair and seven Trustees. The Board meets quarterly, typically for two hours at our Brixton office with some Trustees joining remotely if necessary.

As Chair you will also meet with the CEO regularly and may serve on subcommittees supporting specific elements of the organisation’s work. This is a voluntary role; reasonable travel and other expenses will be reimbursed.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is aligned with Why me’s? vision and mission
• Understands and is passionate about Restorative Justice and it’s impact
• Has the time and energy to be an active, engaged leader
• Appreciates the responsibilities and legal duties of charity governance

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with the following skills and experience:

• Strategic thinking with a future focused mindset Independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively and solve problems
• Expertise in income generation strategies, including fundraising and income stream diversification
• A strong understanding of sustainable funding models and financial resilience in the charity sector
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Tact and diplomacy with a willingness to challenge constructively
• Prior experience of committee/Trustee work
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our work.