Volunteer roles in liverpool, hertfordshire

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

We’re looking for our next Chair of the Finance Committee (FinCom) and Trustee.

London-based ¦ Voluntary ¦ ~1–2 days/month plus 10 scheduled meetings each year

At the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), we’re proud to be the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise. With 43 nurseries, 1,000+ staff and a £37m turnover, we’re on a mission to change the world one child at a time - especially in London’s most disadvantaged communities.

We’re looking for a senior finance leader to join our Board of Trustees as Chair of FinCom, with Treasurer responsibilities. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who’s already served as a Trustee or Non-Executive Director and is ready to step into a leadership role with real influence.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified accountant with senior-level finance experience (likely a current or former Finance Director)
• Someone who brings rigour to audit, risk, and financial oversight, and can lead strategic conversations at Board level
• A credible, thoughtful partner to our Finance Director - able to challenge, support, and collaborate on everything from acquisitions to reserves
• A confident chair and facilitator, who creates a positive, inclusive space for discussion and decision-making
• Someone with gravitas who’s interested in wider business and wants to advise (not run) ours. You understand the numbers, and bring commerciality and pragmatism
• A calm, grounded presence with high emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a genuine passion for our mission

Why join us?

• Use your skills to make a real difference to children and families across London
• Join a collaborative, professional, and down-to-earth Board and exec team
• Be part of a warm, values-led organisation that welcomes your ideas and energy

Interested?

If you’re the kind of leader others rally behind - calm, credible, and committed to making a difference - this is your opportunity to step into a role that matters.

Further details about the role can be found in our online info pack. We’re reviewing applications and progressing people in August – so don’t wait too long to express your interest. We’re hoping you will join us for key business meetings in September as part of the transition from our current FinCom Chair. 

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

We are looking for new volunteers from London and South East to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.

WE ARE NOT RECRUITING IN:

London:  Barnet and Enfield

Berkshire: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham.

Hampshire: Hampshire County Council, Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Test Valley, Winchester, Fareham.

Sussex or Surrey. 

Eastleigh, Gosport, New Forest, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Havant

In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
 

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16. 

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood. 

Are you a Portuguese speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Portuguese-speaking community experience loneliness and social isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a real difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?
It’s a phone-based service connecting volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular conversations, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Portuguese.

Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Portuguese-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (also fully funded)
✔ A kind, compassionate approach and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Portuguese-speaking community across the UK!

Hours: Tuesday 8:30am - 2pm, Wednesday 8:30am - 10:30am, Friday 8:30am - 10:30am (2:30pm once monthly)

Closing date:1 October 2025 at 9am

Ref PDD-251

Conditions: Due to our vehicle insurance policy requirements, we can only accept applications from candidates aged 25 and over. This is a condition set by our insurer and is not a company policy.

Are you a physically fit, proactive and organised individual with experience of working in a van delivery role, preferably in food distribution and use of chilled vehicles?  Looking to make a difference in a vital voluntary role?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Voluntary Pantry Delivery Driver to be responsible for the food delivery to our Camberwell Pantry. The Pantry is a Social Supermarket which will support clients to access affordable and healthy food each week (for a maximum of six months) and offers both a responsive solution and a sustainable route out of poverty, ensuring people can access healthy food whilst getting the support they need.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this important role
Our Voluntary Pantry Delivery Driver will safely drive between food collection points and St Giles Pantry sites across London, loading the vehicle with food in line with food safety and manual handling regulations.  You will ensure your vehicle is checked for safety and cleanliness before each shift, report any incidents with management and calmly react to changing scenarios, such as traffic, while always being polite and courteous to other volunteers who may be accompanying deliveries.
On the road, and at the Pantries, you will be representing St Giles and so you will drive safely, responsibly and within the law and be courteous to all road users, staff, volunteers and members.  At all times you will ensure that you are following St Giles’ health and safety policy and food safety standards protocols to consistently ensure safe collection and delivery of food is maintained.

What we are looking for 

• A full and valid driving licence (due to insurance requirements, this role is only open to applicants of 25 years of age or older)
• You must be physically fit to be able to manually load heavy items into a van
• Experience of working in a similar van delivery role, preferably in food distribution and use of chilled vehicles
• Food safety and hygiene qualification or willingness to work towards one
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions ‘on the spot’
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• An awareness of safety issues especially when driving, loading and unloading vehicles.

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will require a Basic DBS check.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

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.

To apply, please visit our website via the ‘Apply’ button. We encourage you to apply early as we will be shortlisting as applications come in.

Purpose of the Role

Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. As a trustee of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, you will help ensure the charity is well-run, financially sound, and working effectively to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for reptiles.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and relevant laws

• Act in the charity’s best interests at all times

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly and ensure financial stability

• Safeguard the charity’s reputation and values

• Contribute to setting the charity’s strategy and long-term plans

• Monitor the charity’s performance against objectives

• Attend trustee meetings, read papers in advance, and contribute constructively

• Represent the charity positively in the community and at events

Skills & Experience

We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds. Skills that are particularly helpful for our board include:

• Finance, accounting, or business management

• Fundraising or marketing

• Animal welfare knowledge (especially reptiles)

• HR, governance, or legal expertise

• Networking and relationship building

• Strategic planning

Qualities Needed

• Commitment to the charity’s aims and values

• Willingness to dedicate time and effort to the role

• Ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Integrity and sound judgement

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare

• Opportunity to use your skills and experience for a good cause

• Experience in charity governance and strategy

• Being part of a supportive and passionate team

CFAB Experts by Experience Advisory Group Member

Volunteer role

Could you be part of our Experts by Experience Advisory Group to help make a positive contribution to our efforts to protect children and reunite them with family overseas?

Children and Families Across Borders protects children who have become separated from their families across international borders. As the UK member of the International Social Service network, our specialist team inter-country social workers, work with over 130 partners around the globe to reunite families. Our work is complex but life changing.

CFAB is creating an Experts by Experience Advisory Group and is looking for people to join and support our work. The purpose of our engagement would be to would be to embed the voices and insights of individuals with direct and personal experience of aspects of our work into the service design and decision-making processes within CFAB. We believe that the insights and input from those with experience of our work will help to ensure that our services, our strategies and our messaging are grounded in real needs and experiences rather than assumptions and ultimately lead to better outcomes for children.

We would consider individuals with direct, personal experience of international kinship care, international adoption, alternative care, international migration and asylum as experts by experience.

Requirements:

The Advisory Group will meet twice per year (either remotely or in person) and there will also be opportunities to feed in and participate in other ad hoc projects.

Experts by Experience will:

• Provide advice and recommendations on policy, program design, and delivery.
• Review and contribute to strategic documents, reports, and evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for co-production and co-design within the organization.
• Act as advocates and champions for the integration of lived experience.
• Ensure diverse experiences are represented and inform inclusive practices.

What can we offer you?

Though this is a voluntary role, your participation will be compensated. Expenses will also be covered in line with CFAB’s expenses policy.

We will ensure we offer pre and post meeting support to experts to identify and reflect on any issues that require processing.

We will provide training to support your skills development based on the opportunities you would like to be involved with. We will share with you the impact of your participation on our work.

Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.

This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.

Why Join Us?

Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.

But the rewards? They’re immense:

• You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.

• You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.

• You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.

Your Role

As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)

• Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)

• Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support

• Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)

• Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines

• Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns

• Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear, friendly written and verbal communication

• Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline

• Strong organisation and time management skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work

• Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more

Time Commitment

• Flexible and remote

• Around 2 to 5 hours per week

• We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination

• Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio

• Real-world charity sector experience

• Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team

• A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need

• References available on request

How to Apply

Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).

We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping. This includes individuals with direct experience or experience gained through supporting family members with the challenges posed by immigration and asylum practices- those who have been or could have been clients of RAMFEL.

Purpose of the role:

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that RAMFEL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and senior management to enable us to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on RAMFEL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Review and approve organisation strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their effective and efficient implementation.
• Oversee RAMFEL’s financial plans, budgets, and statements, and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to RAMFEL’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in RAMFEL’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of RAMFEL’s own governance.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of RAMFEL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings and sub-committees. This may involve providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, reviewing or advising on operational documents (e.g. operational and business plans, new team structures, outreach and engagement events) or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. We are furthermore particularly looking for those who can contribute one or more of the following:

• Migrants or refugees, who have lived experience of the impact of immigration policy and practice
• Expertise in RAMFEL’s core service delivery, especially regarding advice, immigration or legal services
• Networking and fundraising ability
• Experience of campaigning and/or external communications
• Organisational and administrative skills

Previous governance experience is desirable but not essential and we will provide a full induction to the organisation and the workings of the Board.

This is a fully voluntary and unpaid position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursement.

Please refer to the job description for more details and application instructions.