Volunteer volunteer roles in South east
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?
Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.
Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.
Our aims are:
To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:
Offering support, friendship and practical assistance
Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected
Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.
Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.
Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.
Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to helping local families through emotional & practical support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
To be the first point of contact for families at our centres, providing administrative support and helping ensure the smooth running of the service.
Detailed description
We are looking for Volunteer Administrators for the following locations:
Broadwater Family Centre, Stevenage
Windmill Family Centre, Hemel Hempstead
Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans
Westfield & Littlebury Family Centre, Watford
The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood
Main responsibilities
·Welcome families, visitors, and professionals to the Family Centre in a friendly and professional manner.
·Answer telephone calls and take messages accurately.
·Assist staff with administrative tasks such as photocopying, filing, and preparing resources.
·Input data into systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
·Help maintain an organised and tidy reception and office space.
·Support the preparation of publicity materials, newsletters, and information displays.
·Signpost visitors to the appropriate staff member for further support.
·Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
·Friendly, welcoming, and professional manner.
·Good organisational and communication skills.
·Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet)
·Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.
·Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive information.
·Understanding of diversity and inclusive practice.
·Previous office or reception experience is helpful but not essential.
Training / Support
·A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
·Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
·To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
·Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
·Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
·Undergo enhanced DBS check
·X2 References required
·Undertake additional training as and when required
·We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shop Volunteering Opportunities
Kensington
Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!
Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.
Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00
Location: 211 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6BD
Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager
Why volunteer with Shelter?
Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.
What can I do?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.
- Volunteering in the shop
Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role
- Volunteering in the community
Our Van Driver’s mates are out and about supporting drivers with delivering and collecting stock throughout the local area. They play a key part in getting donations to and from shops. This role does require the ability to lift heavy items.
- Volunteering in a leadership role
Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.
Skills and Experiences Required:
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.
Induction, Learning and Development:
To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:
- Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
- Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…
- Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
- Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
- Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days
If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the volunteering team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
What we need from you
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
- Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
- A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
- Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
- You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website
Time expectation
Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As an Arabic Interpreter Volunteer, you will be supporting individuals (on an adhoc basis) who speak little to no English and helping them to communicate with others in society. This role is necessary for our service user to feel included as well as supported. This would be a great opportunity for you to meet someone new and make a difference in their time at Hestia!
What you will be doing
- To maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships
- To be able to meet with client when required for appointments and other professional meetings when needed
- Speech translating along with translating written documents from English to Arabic
The skills you need
- Fluent in Arabic
- Be understanding and patient, as well as sensitive to service user’s emotions
- A good communicator who is able to create a relaxing and nurturing environment
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a VS Community Engagement Fundraising Volunteer, you will help us reach more victims of crime.
Why volunteer with us?
- Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.
- Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.
- Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
- Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
Volunteering with Victim Support in Essex
As a Volunteer in Essex your role will include:
- Organising and attending events and meetings to raise our VS profile
- Engaging with our local communities to inform them about crime and our work
- Gaining experience in planning and organising events and delivering presentations.
- Working in partnerships with local Community Voluntary Services (CVS), universities and other local partnership organisations.
- Representing Victim Support at CVS events, university events, pride events and local fetes.
What we ask of you?
In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or over.
- Be able to volunteer for at least 2-4 hours per month, for at least 6 months.
- Complete a 3-day workbook.
- Undertake a DBS check where required
- Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
- Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Expenses
- All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.
Diversity Matters
- VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
- VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
- We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
- Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
- Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
- Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
- Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
- Organising and chairing team meetings
- Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
What you will be doing
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you an Albanian 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 Albanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Albanian.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
Requirements:
✔ Volunteers must complete an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—both fully paid for by the organisation.
How to get involved:
Simply apply through CharityJob’s website. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.
✔ Open to UK residents only.
Help us spread kindness and connection within the Albanian-speaking community across the UK!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.
An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.
Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.
THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.
Responsibilities:
- Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
- Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
- Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
- Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries
Expectations and requirements:
- All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
- Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
- Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
- Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
- Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
- Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
- Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
- Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.
Essential skills:
- Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
- Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
- Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
- High level of organisation
- High levels of empathy and patience
- Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma
Additional desired skills:
- Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
- Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
- Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
- Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
- First Aid training
- Creative or artistic abilities
- Sports leadership
- Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people
We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.
Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:
- Training
- Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
- Residential, in full
- Feedback & thank you afternoon
QUOTES:
- “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
- “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
- “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
- “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
- “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK
Structure:
Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.
These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.
We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.
You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.
This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us crowdsource our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?
What will you be doing?
To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll help recruit, support and coordinate our growing UK‑based volunteer community. You’ll provide administrative oversight for current volunteers, support ongoing recruitment, and help develop volunteer and HR processes.
Over time, you’ll contribute to policies, engagement programmes, crowd‑sourcing initiatives, and local pilot volunteers.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for UK‑based volunteers with experience in HR, volunteer management, or people operations. You’ll help lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding and training; develop HR and volunteer policies; support engagement and wellbeing; and maintain confidential records.
You’ll need strong organisational and interpersonal skills, knowledge of safeguarding and data protection, and the ability to support a diverse, remote volunteer team.
What difference will you make?
You will lead and/or support the volunteer recruitment and engagement needed to sustain and grow the organisation, and develop the network of experts and contributors that will power E-Save.
You will be at the forefront of innovation, bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living part of everyday life.
Empowering people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take practical action on climate change and the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.
Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives? Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.
Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.
We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.
Why become a fundraising volunteer:
As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.
- Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
- Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
- You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
- You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
- You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
- You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.
Who you are:
We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.
- Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.
- Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.
- Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.
Training and pre-agreed expenses available.
Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Walking Group Volunteers help service users build confidence, improve wellbeing, and reduce social isolation by supporting them to take part in regular group walks in their local community. The role also includes light shopping support—helping individuals access local shops, build independence, and feel more comfortable navigating their community.
What you will be doing
- Encourage conversation, connection, and gentle physical activity in a supportive and friendly environment, helping service users feel safe, included, and confident during walks.
- Create an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere where service users can build social skills, connect with others, and increase self esteem.
- Provide light, practical support with shopping trips, such as visiting local shops before or after walks.
- Help service users plan small shopping tasks (e.g., picking up essentials).
- Lead or co lead regular walking sessions with service users in local parks, streets, and community areas.
- Encourage independence while offering reassurance and support with navigating shops, queues, and payment if needed.
- Assist service users in becoming more familiar with their neighbourhood, including shops, parks, cafes, and community spaces
- Help identify opportunities to take part in local activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
- Report any concerns or changes in a service user’s wellbeing to staff promptly.
The skills you need
- Friendly, patient, and supportive
- Good communication and listening skills
- Empathetic and encouraging
- Reliable and able to maintain professional boundaries
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Secretary?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.
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.
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.
In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.
What would you be doing?
- Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones
- Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.
- Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly
- Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.
- Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed
- Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.
- Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.
- Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office
- Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions
- 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 including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- 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, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.
- 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 of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
- Support from the Chair of the branch
- Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
- 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 people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Good written and spoken English.
- Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
- Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
- Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
- Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.
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? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


