Volunteer roles in north east

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote (with opportunities for occasional in-person involvement)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe every volunteer should feel supported, valued, and empowered. Our volunteers are the heart of our charity, and we work hard to break down barriers so that everyone—no matter their background—can get involved and make a difference to children’s lives.

The Role

We’re looking for a compassionate and organised Volunteer Manager to support and oversee the wellbeing and engagement of volunteers across the charity. This role is about building a strong, inclusive, and supportive volunteer community where everyone can thrive.

The Volunteer Manager will:

• Support chapter Wellbeing Officers by ensuring they create proactive wellbeing plans and run initiatives such as wellbeing posts, yoga sessions, or social activities.

• Organise central wellbeing efforts (e.g., online wellbeing campaigns and virtual socials) to strengthen volunteer morale across the charity.

• Lead the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Subcommittee, identifying barriers faced by minority and underrepresented groups and implementing changes to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive.

• Develop and manage Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) for individual volunteers who may need additional support, ensuring these are sensitively shared and applied.

• Oversee Safeguarding and Community Officers, supporting them to maintain legal compliance and build a sense of belonging among volunteers.

• Champion feedback and engagement, using volunteer insights to improve wellbeing and inclusion initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for volunteer support and community building.

• Strong listening and communication skills.

• Empathy and a proactive approach to addressing barriers.

• Organisational skills and confidence leading meetings or subcommittees.

• Interest in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

• Willingness to learn about safeguarding and wellbeing practices (training provided).

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in volunteer management, wellbeing, and inclusion.

• The chance to lead on meaningful initiatives that directly impact volunteers’ experiences.

• Opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and EDI skills.

• The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping volunteers feel supported, engaged, and empowered.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on activities or events.

We are looking for a trustee with demonstrable skills in publicity and communications. We need advice and guidance on how we can publicise our work. Our current Board does not have expertise in social media, communications plans, or publicity.  If you have experience  in  education  would be ideal but we primarily need someone with a strong track record in publicity and communications.

We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to  help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.  

You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.

You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings.  These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance.  We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.

Be a Holding Trustee for SUNSHINE – Help Launch a Charity That Connects London

Location: Remote (UK-based Only!)

Commitment: Voluntary | 6–8 months | Virtual meetings every 2–4 weeks I Approx. 5 Hours Per Month

Why SUNSHINE?

Loneliness didn’t end with lockdown, and we believe it shouldn’t define life in London.

SUNSHINE is a brand new vibrant start-up charity with a bold mission: to bring people together, foster connection, and make London feel like home again. We’re in our start-up phase, and we need compassionate, strategic minds to help us build our foundation.

The Role: Holding / Interim Trustee

This is a temporary trustee position designed to support SUNSHINE through its pre-launch and registration phase. As a Holding / Interim Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping us get legally registered, structurally sound, and ready to shine.

You won’t just be a placeholder - you’ll be a pioneer.

What You’ll Do:

• Support Charity Registration: Help us navigate the legal and governance requirements to become a registered UK charity.

• Attend Virtual Meetings: Join online trustee meetings every 2–4 weeks to guide decision-making and track progress, so that we can get set up and registered quickly.

• Complete Key Activities: Assist with tasks such as drafting policies, reviewing documents, and shaping our operational framework.

• Advise the Founder: Work closely with our passionate Founder to bring SUNSHINE to life, offering insight, encouragement, and practical support.

• Build the Foundation: Help establish the culture, values, and systems that will define SUNSHINE for years to come.

Who We’re Looking For:

• People with experience in charity governance, law, finance, fundraising, or start-up development and more.

• Individuals who understand the trustee responsibilities and are comfortable with a temporary, transitional role.

• Those who are empathetic, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a heart for tackling loneliness and building community.

• You don’t need to be based in London - but you do need to care about its people. We do hope to expand in the future, using London as our flagship.

Duration & Transition:

This role is designed to last 6–8 months, during which you’ll help SUNSHINE get registered and operational. Once we’re ready to launch publicly, we’ll transition to a permanent board of trustees. You’ll have the option to step down or apply for a permanent role.

Why Join Now?

Because this is your chance to shape something meaningful from the ground up. You’ll be part of our founding story, helping us move from vision to reality. SUNSHINE is already buzzing with energy - our community is growing, our social media is alive, and our mission is clear.

Apply Today

Be the light that helps SUNSHINE rise. Join us as a Holding / Interim Trustee and help build a charity that brings warmth, connection, and joy to London and beyond.

 We are looking for a trustee with experience of the policies and pathways offered to looked after children around accessing university. This might include experience of virtual schools for looked after children, or university admissions and the outreach particularly to looked after children, or government policy in these areas.

We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to  help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.  

You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.

You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings.  These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance.  We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.

We are looking for a trustee who has personal experience of the care system as a looked- after child or care-experienced young person.  We need someone who has made it to and through university so that they can help us fully understand the challenges and issues that can occur.

We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to  help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.  

You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.

You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings.  These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance.  We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote (with occasional in-person opportunities depending on events)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe every child deserves joy and support. We work with local communities and volunteers to bring smiles to children through events, activities, and fundraising initiatives. As a volunteer-led charity, we rely on passionate individuals to help us raise vital funds and continue making a difference.

The Role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised Fundraising Manager to lead and coordinate fundraising efforts across the charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, being creative with fundraising ideas, and supporting others to reach their potential.

The Fundraising Manager will:

• Lead central fundraising initiatives – from online raffles, charity dinners, and quizzes to innovative campaigns like our Make a Smile Lottery.

• Support Fundraising Officers in local chapters by providing guidance, resources, and ensuring fundraising activities are legally compliant.

• Manage online fundraising platforms (EasyFundraising and People’s Fundraising), ensuring they’re up to date and well-utilised across the charity.

• Collaborate with our Media Team to promote fundraising activities through engaging social media campaigns (e.g., “Fundraising Friday”).

• Oversee the Gaming Subcommittee, helping volunteers plan gaming socials and fundraisers.

• Build partnerships with organisations, including community groups, supermarkets, and themed organisations like Star Wars Garrisons, to run events and access grant schemes.

• Track and monitor progress, ensuring that both central and chapter-level fundraising goals are met.

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives.

• Strong organisational and communication skills.

• Creativity in coming up with fundraising ideas and campaigns.

• Confidence working with volunteers and supporting a team.

• Comfortable using (or learning) fundraising platforms and social media.

• An understanding of fundraising law is helpful (training and guidance will be provided).

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable experience in charity fundraising, leadership, and project management.

• The chance to develop and implement your own creative fundraising ideas.

• The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.

• A supportive team of passionate volunteers to collaborate with.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be carried out remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on events.

Join the only lived experience-led national mental health charity as a trustee, chair or treasurer!

NSUN is a network of grassroots, user-led community groups and people who have lived experience of mental ill-health, distress, and trauma. We connect, support, and amplify the voices and work of our members. As the only user-led national mental health charity, all of our staff members and trustees have lived experience, and our work is rooted in solidarity.

Trustees act as the guardian of the vision, purpose and values of NSUN. Being a trustee gives you valuable and transferable leadership, strategic and governance skills and experience in the non-profit sector.

We’re really hoping that our new trustees possess a deep interest in how mental ill-health, distress and trauma connects with other social justice issues, such as disability and racial justice.

Nova Impact

Nova Impact is a Ghanaian organization empowering youth and marginalized communities with the digital and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. By addressing the digital divide, Nova Impact tackles youth unemployment and underemployment, particularly among women, people with disabilities, and underserved groups. Its programs go beyond basic literacy, offering hands-on training in coding, data analytics, and digital marketing, while also emphasizing soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. With mentorship at the core, participants receive personalized guidance that helps them navigate their career paths and unlock opportunities in the growing tech sector.

The organization also focuses on building inclusivity and resilience by creating pathways for underrepresented groups to access jobs, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, Nova Impact connects talent directly to industry opportunities via career fairs, hackathons, and internships. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, Nova Impact integrates climate-conscious training into its programs, preparing a generation of leaders who are both digitally equipped and environmentally aware. By fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, Nova Impact is reshaping Ghana’s future workforce and creating a more equitable society.

Fundraising & Partnership Manager

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial support from a diverse range of sources, including individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Identify and research potential funding opportunities and partnership prospects that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners, ensuring regular communication and reporting on the impact of their contributions.
• Draft and submit compelling grant proposals and partnership agreements, showcasing the organization's work and its potential for growth and impact.
• Collaborate with the team to create engaging fundraising campaigns and events that resonate with our target audience.
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress, providing regular updates to the leadership team and board of directors.

Minimum Hours per Week

4-6 hours per week

Duration

6+ months

Nova Impact

Nova Impact is a Ghanaian organization empowering youth and marginalized communities with the digital and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. By addressing the digital divide, Nova Impact tackles youth unemployment and underemployment, particularly among women, people with disabilities, and underserved groups. Its programs go beyond basic literacy, offering hands-on training in coding, data analytics, and digital marketing, while also emphasizing soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. With mentorship at the core, participants receive personalized guidance that helps them navigate their career paths and unlock opportunities in the growing tech sector.

The organization also focuses on building inclusivity and resilience by creating pathways for underrepresented groups to access jobs, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, Nova Impact connects talent directly to industry opportunities via career fairs, hackathons, and internships. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, Nova Impact integrates climate-conscious training into its programs, preparing a generation of leaders who are both digitally equipped and environmentally aware. By fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, Nova Impact is reshaping Ghana’s future workforce and creating a more equitable society.

Administration & Human Resources Manager

• Manage day-to-day administrative operations, including office management, procurement, and maintaining organizational records.
• Oversee all human resources functions, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee relations.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that ensure compliance with labor laws and foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage payroll and benefits administration for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Act as the primary point of contact for staff inquiries related to HR and administrative matters, providing guidance and support.
• Coordinate and facilitate staff training and development programs to enhance skills and career growth.

Minimum Hours per Week

7-9 hours per week

Duration

6+ months

Ganddee

The app to find second-hand shops, car boot sales, flea markets and pop-ups.

We're fixing the climate crisis by addressing the underlying consumption crisis. Our mission is to help people shop local and 2nd-hand.

We're the marketplace connecting shoppers to 2nd-hand shops and thrifting events in the UK.

Copywriter / Blog Writer

Ganddee is the UK and Ireland 's discovery platform connecting shoppers to local second-hand shops, car boot sales, flea markets and thrifting events - think 'google maps for thrifting'.

We're building the UK and Ireland's biggest thrifting community. To that end, we're looking for volunteers who share our love for thrifting and circularity.

Living in the UK or Ireland would be ideal for the role given that we're mostly active there so it'll be easier to write about the thrifty things happening in the city. However, if you live somewhere else and love what we do, we're happy to chat to see how you can join the team and help out!

The time commitment and "duration of the role" aren't set in stone! Happy to chat and see what works for you if you're excited by this opportunity!

The role entails:

• Writing content for our blog

You're perfect for the role if you love thrifting to charity shops, vintage shops, car boot sales etc.

Our audience loves authentic and human written content about thrifting & money saving tips etc.

Keen to chat if you love what we do and want to be part of the journey

Minimum Hours per Week

2-3 hours per week

Duration

3-5 months

Are you seeking an opportunity to give something back to your community by using your skills and experience? If you are passionate about improving lives and have a deep knowledge of either Redcar and Cleveland, the former Borough of Scarborough, Whitby or the North York Moors National Park then think about applying to become a trustee for the Woodsmith Foundation Board.

As a trustee, you will help shape the future work of our charity dedicated to creating a lasting, positive impact for local communities. We are seeking individuals who are curious, collaborative and committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people under 40 as we want our board to be representative of the communities we work in.

Previous board experience is not necessary as training can be provided and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We would love to strengthen our Board with experience of local authorities, charity governance or evaluation of long term change.

Trustees meet four times a year and the role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

 

Travel Radar is a purpose-driven media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since launching in 2015, we’ve become a trusted voice in aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.

We’re powered by a fully remote and diverse team of 50+ volunteers who are passionate about travel, media, and making a global impact. Our HR and People Operations team plays a vital role in ensuring this community is supported, valued, and empowered.

�� About the Role

We’re on the lookout for a motivated HR Assistant to join our People Team. This is a generalist entry-level role with the opportunity to specialise in an area such as:

• Recruitment Coordination

• New Hire Onboarding

• HR Administration

• Employee Experience & Engagement

• Training & Development

You’ll gain hands-on experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment — ideal if you’re looking to kick-start or grow your career in HR.

�� Key Responsibilities

Depending on your assigned focus, tasks may include:

• Supporting the recruitment process by posting ads, screening applicants, and scheduling interviews

• Assisting with onboarding new volunteers, including documentation and welcome sessions

• Maintaining digital HR records and tracking key data

• Responding to team queries and supporting the delivery of internal communications

• Helping organise training opportunities, check-ins, and team initiatives

• Supporting our HR projects and contributing ideas to improve team culture

�� Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar

(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but packed with value!)

�� Flexible workload – Fit your hours around your schedule
�� Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
�� Lunch & travel expenses covered – For any in-person events or team meetups
✈️ Exclusive discount program – Save with 3,000+ retailers (travel, fashion, insurance & more)
�� Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 certification + industry mentoring
�� Premium tools – Access Office365, Grammarly Premium, Canva Pro, and Adobe Photoshop — available for both Travel Radar and personal use

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. 

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.