Volunteer Roles in South West

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our mission, values, and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Quilombo's mission by fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders. In the HR Partnership department, you will play a crucial role in expanding our reach, promoting our initiatives, and creating a dynamic network of partners to support our organization's growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Develop and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as Ambassadors, academic institutions, and private/public sector partners, through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for establishing new partnerships and maintaining existing ones, ensuring positive and productive interactions.
• Proactively identify and pursue potential collaborations, partnerships, or initiatives that align with Quilombo's mission and goals.
• Stay updated on Quilombo's achievements, initiatives, and developments to effectively promote and represent the organization to stakeholders.
•  Collaborate closely with various departments within Quilombo to gather information, share updates, and coordinate activities related to partnerships.
•  Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of stakeholders, tracking interactions, commitments, and follow-up actions.
•  Coordinate and facilitate meetings, presentations, and other events to foster relationships and promote Quilombo's initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals, and presentations to stakeholders and internal teams, highlighting partnership opportunities and progress.

Essential Qualifications:

• Proven experience in partnership development, stakeholder management, or relationship building roles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
•  Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
  

Desirable Qualifications:

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in customer relationship management.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our mission, values, and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

The Admin Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to: 

• Gain experience in the Third Sector. 
• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. 

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Managing organisation of meetings and appointment
•  Organising events and conferences
• Managing databases
• Implementing and maintaining procedures and administrative systems
•  Liaising with staff
•  Miscellaneous tasks to support the team.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills. 
• Well organised, proactive, and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Good time management
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.
• Able to participate at least 12 hours a week (2 days, 6 hours each day)

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our mission, values, and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

The HR Assistant will be assisting in responding to candidates’ applications, updating Quilombo UK policies and documentation, induction of new members and organising interviews. The candidate should have organisational and communication skills, but further guidance will be given by other members if needed.  The HR assistant will be working closely with the HR Admin Assistants. The candidate will have further possibilities to develop their skill sets through tasks given.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set

Main Responsibilities

•  Updating Quilombo UK policies and documentation
• Assisting in recruitment
• Assisting in interviewing new members
•  Assisting in induction of new members

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• Written and verbal communication skills
• Office based skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Team Working skills.
• Being structured and organised
• Working in adherence with the organisation's key objectives and business plan.
• Has the ability to create relationships with and show respect to different types of people. 
• Professionalism & Confidentiality

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

Training and Support Available:

• Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Assistance will be given in writing documentation and policies. 
• Recruitment
•  Interviewing 
•  Inductions

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

About us

Sense is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, along with their families, to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to engage fully in life's experiences.

As a Trustee of Sense, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and amplifying our impact. We're seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to join our dynamic Trustee Board.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

• Fundraising, Communications and Branding
• Finance and Accounting
• People/Human Resources
• Safeguarding

Why become a Sense Trustee

As a Sense Trustee, you'll embark on a rewarding journey where you'll:

• Gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals and families with disabilities.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making processes, including setting our five-year strategy.
• Serve as custodian of Sense's values and long-term vision.
• Scrutinise our activities to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
• Act as an ambassador for our organisation.

Time Commitment

Our Board of Trustees meets a minimum of four times a year, with meetings alternating between Birmingham and London. Meetings typically last 4-5 hours, including breaks. Additionally, you may be invited to participate in sub-groups, with time commitments discussed beforehand.

We're looking for 

• Possess professional skills, life experience, or personal qualities that align with Sense's mission.
• Share our values and aspirations for the disabled individuals we support.
• Are eager to develop their skills and knowledge through training opportunities.
• Have the confidence to engage in discussions, express diverse viewpoints, and champion inclusivity.
• Demonstrate a commitment to listening to the voices of disabled individuals, their families, and carers.
• Show dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recruiting timelines

First Round Interviews: 16th July 2024

Informal Discussions: End of July 2024

Recommendation of Appointment: 26th September 2024

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.  

Position: Communications and Project Intern

Location: Home-based (remote)

Commitment: Flexible hours (voluntary)

About Lived Expert

Lived Expert, founded by Mark Johnson MBE, is a pioneering social enterprise focusing on harnessing the power of lived experience. We've led transformative projects in areas like addiction, homelessness, neurodiversity, and the justice system, and now seek an enthusiastic intern to contribute to our mission.

Role Purpose

As a Communications and Project Intern, you'll play a supportive role in our dynamic team, helping to convey powerful stories and assist in project coordination. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about social change and looking to gain experience in the social enterprise sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in Communications Tasks: Support in creating content for social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.

2. Project Support: Help in coordinating various projects, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication.

3. Consultation Assistance: Aid in gathering and analysing insight from peoples’ lived experience for ongoing projects.

4. Collaborative Work: Work closely with the team to support various initiatives and campaigns.

Person Specification

· A keen interest in social enterprise, communications, and project support.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Organised and detail-oriented, with a willingness to learn.

Benefits

· Gain valuable experience in communications and project coordination.

· Work remotely with a flexible schedule.

· Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a meaningful sector.

· Receive guidance and support from an experienced team.

Trustee Role

 The Developers Club Foundation is seeking dedicated individuals to join our existing Board of Trustees, which consists of 6 individuals. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to supporting the housing and professional development of young adults at risk of long-term youth homelessness. We believe that providing quality accommodation and mentorship can be life-changing for generations to come.

 Role Description:

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of The Developers Club Foundation. You will be responsible for ensuring the effective governance and financial stability of the organisation, as well as overseeing the implementation of our charitable initiatives.

 Key Responsibilities:

- Attend fortnightly board meetings and contribute actively to discussions during the setup phase. Meetings will transition to quarterly once the setup phase is complete.

- Provide guidance and oversight on the organisation's strategic direction.

- Review and approve budgets, financial reports, and fundraising plans.

- Support the fundraising efforts of the organisation.

- Act as an ambassador for the organisation and promote its mission and values.

Skills and Experience:

We are looking for individuals with a passion for social impact and a commitment to our cause. Ideal candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Housing or homelessness support

- Fundraising and financial management

- Legal or governance

- Marketing and communications

- Youth development

 Application Process:

To apply for the role of Trustee, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining your interest in the position and what expertise you can bring to the table. 

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young adults at risk of homelessness. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team.

 Please note that The Developers Club Foundation is yet to receive official charity status, and an application will be submitted once suitable additional Trustees have been appointed. Thank you for your support.

Our mission is to create disruptive technology solutions to global challenges.Aseel is a technology startup harnessing innovative technology to improve lives in underdeveloped and underrepresented countries.Aseel challenges conventional growth models and techniques, fostering a culture of thinking big and learning from collective experience to bridge the gap between fast-paced technology sectors and impact-driven international development firms.Partnering with government and non-government entities, private companies, and international organizations, Aseel’s mission is to create disruptive technology solutions to complex global challenges.

Aseel accomplishes this mission with a diverse team of professionals with experience in international development, systems engineering, data science and analytics, business and finance, product management, application development, and e-commerce sales. Global employees consist of driven team members passionate about the mission and committed to making positive changes in international development using technology-based systems. We are using the technology to solve these challanges.

TECHNICAL WRITER

• As a technical proposal writer, you will contribute to proposal development by creating compelling content. You will also need to stay updated in the field through educational opportunities and professional networking, as well as aiding the New Business team in creating applications, editing applications, and contributing to proposal development. You also need to actively seek and pursue New Business opportunities aligned with Aseel's mission.
• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 3-5 months

About Vocal Advocacy

Vocal is a small independent advocacy organisation operating in South and West Devon including Torbay, that helps adults with communication difficulties to understand and exercise their rights, make informed choices and speak up for themselves. Our main activity is one-to-one advocacy, however we also offer services including training, person centred planning and independent quality monitoring or care packages.

We have a reputation locally for the high quality of its services. We hold the national advocacy quality mark.  We may be small, but we are effective, enthusiastic and innovative. 

What will you be doing?

We are all dedicated to ensuring that the aims of the organisation are achieved and that people's rights are upheld. One of the trustees has been on the management committee, in various roles, since the organisation was founded 29 years ago. Their hard work was recognised when DeVA selected them for ‘trustee of the year winners’ at the Devon Community Foundation volunteer of the year awards ceremony. Our Board needs to encompass a wider range of skills, especially around strategic planning and marketing in order to drive the success of our development project. If you are interested in becoming a trustee of Vocal, we would love to hear from you!

What are we looking for?

We are looking for passionate people to join our Board. You don't need to have a background in health and social care or in supporting people who have a learning disability, but you must share our passion for ensuring people's rights!

We particularly wish to broaden our skill base of the Board to support our Chief Officer through the development of the organisation.

Key areas are skills in income generation, strategic and business planning, marketing and communications. We would welcome a Trustee with finance/ accountancy background to take on the Treasurer role in due course.

In terms of planning for the future, our Chair would like to have a succession plan in place, should she decide to step down in a few years time, and it would be good to recruit trustees who might be interested in and be suitable future leaders for the charity.

What difference will you make?

As part of our Board, you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose to ensure wide ranging and easily accessible advocacy is available to people with a learning disability in South Devon and Torbay. As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.

You will become part of a warm friendly and inclusive organisation where staff trustees and our ‘experts by experience’ (people who’ve used our services) work supportively and enthusiastically together to a common end. Everyone contributes in their own way, and is valued for what they bring. Vocal is a great network to belong to, and our in person or virtual meetings involving all the different groups are stimulating but also fun!

Commitment:

Trustees meeting every six weeks, plus other organisation meetings every three months for two to three hours. Email and other communication between.

Our vision is of a world where health and well-being decisions are based upon timely, trusted and relevant evidence.

The Cochrane Collaboration (Cochrane) is an international network of researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, and people passionate about improving health outcomes who share a common purpose to gather and summarise the best evidence from research to inform decisions about health and care.

Treasurer

Unremunerated (Travel costs and reasonable out of pocket expenses are covered.) 

Remote with occasional travel 

Time Commitment – approx. 15 days per year. 

Cochrane is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join the Governing Board.  In this key role you will advise and support at both Board and Executive level to ensure that the organisation is making informed and considered financial decisions, continues to be financially healthy and guide the Board in fulfilling all its financial duties and responsibilities. 

As Cochrane is a complex, global organisation operating in a rapidly changing area, this will suit a highly motivated, dynamic and experienced strategic leader, who brings:   

· Significant leadership experience, including reporting to/contributing to decision making at Board level with strong influencing, advocacy and communication skills

· Substantial experience of management accounting and a good understanding of the UK charity regulations and third sector governance

· A track record of success in contributing to the success of a complex organisation, including experience in providing financial advice, support and guidance to an organisation undergoing significant change

· Understands and can example good practice in corporate governance

The successful applicant should be available to take up the post before the current Treasurer steps down in September 2024.

Cochrane is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Cochrane welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. 
 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 5th June

Interviews with Cochrane: w/c 24th June  

Available for start:September 2024

Role Description

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

Many of our service users don’t use English as their first language and rely on high quality translation to understand information. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who can accurately translate English text into any of the languages below:

Mandarin, Bengali, Arabic, Amharic, French, Albanian, Vietnamese, Romanian, Polish, Tigrinya, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi.

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Hold a translating or interpreting qualification or to hold a degree (in any subject) and be fluent in speaking and writing in English, and one or more of the languages above

•Have excellent command of English and other language(s)

•Have grammatical accuracy

•Have excellent proof-reading skills including IT skills

•Have use of own computer

•Be willing to have a basic DBS check

•Have the willingness to learn about human trafficking issues

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

To apply please complete an application form on our website.

Our Volunteer champions are a vital part of our work, as they help us to raise awareness with local communities and with new audiences.

What is the role of a Volunteer Champion? 

As a regional Volunteer Champion, you will help us raise awareness of BPD and support our work in your local community. You will promote volunteering, and the benefits of volunteering, with the people of your local community. You will act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Championing volunteering in your local area 
• Being the first point of contact for volunteers in your area 
• Connecting with your local volunteer organisations 
• Posting volunteer roles in your community 
• Giving talks in the community and online 
• Connecting with our social media platforms 
• Creating social media posts of activities in your community 
• Take part in our campaigns 

Why Should I Get Involved? 

From enhancing your CV and learning new skills to building confidence and teamwork, there are lots of reasons why volunteering with us as a Volunteer Champion can be beneficial.

• Join a community of volunteers who are united in supporting our mission
• Get involved with your local community, creating opportunities to connect with new people and engage with your local community.
• Make a difference in the lives of people with borderline personality disorder, your involvement will help us to reach more people in need of support.
• The Volunteer Champion role can enhance your CV as you will be engaging with different audiences to promote our services, create content and develop new skills.

Who can be a Volunteer Champion? 

If you are interested in, and passionate about, volunteering and would like to be part of our program, you can sign up as a Volunteer Champion today! 

How much time does a Volunteer Champion commit? 

You can get involved in whatever way feels right for you! This is a flexible and self-led role which is part of a wider network.

We do ask that you attend four online sessions per year to connect and network with the full Volunteer Champion network.

What can you expect from us? 

All Volunteer Champions receive:

• An induction, training for your role and ongoing support 
• A welcome pack including useful resources and digital assets 
• Regular updates, calls to action and communication 
• Opportunities to connect, network and attend exclusive online events with other Volunteer Champions 

How to become a Volunteer Champion  

If being a Volunteer Champion sounds like something you would like to be involved in, apply today so that we can start you on your journey supporting us. 

Next Steps 

Once we receive your application we will invite you to an open evening to find out more about the role. The open evening will be 7pm on Tuesday 18th June and will be held over Teams. After the open evening, we will introduce you to the rest of the team and get you started on volunteering with us. 

Our Volunteer champions are a vital part of our work, as they help us to raise awareness with local communities and with new audiences.

What is the role of a Volunteer Champion? 

As a regional Volunteer Champion, you will help us raise awareness of BPD and support our work in your local community. You will promote volunteering, and the benefits of volunteering, with the people of your local community. You will act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Championing volunteering in your local area 
• Being the first point of contact for volunteers in your area 
• Connecting with your local volunteer organisations 
• Posting volunteer roles in your community 
• Giving talks in the community and online 
• Connecting with our social media platforms 
• Creating social media posts of activities in your community 
• Take part in our campaigns 

Why Should I Get Involved? 

From enhancing your CV and learning new skills to building confidence and teamwork, there are lots of reasons why volunteering with us as a Volunteer Champion can be beneficial.

• Join a community of volunteers who are united in supporting our mission
• Get involved with your local community, creating opportunities to connect with new people and engage with your local community.
• Make a difference in the lives of people with borderline personality disorder, your involvement will help us to reach more people in need of support.
• The Volunteer Champion role can enhance your CV as you will be engaging with different audiences to promote our services, create content and develop new skills.

Who can be a Volunteer Champion? 

If you are interested in, and passionate about, volunteering and would like to be part of our program, you can sign up as a Volunteer Champion today! 

How much time does a Volunteer Champion commit? 

You can get involved in whatever way feels right for you! This is a flexible and self-led role which is part of a wider network.

We do ask that you attend four online sessions per year to connect and network with the full Volunteer Champion network.

What can you expect from us? 

All Volunteer Champions receive:

• An induction, training for your role and ongoing support 
• A welcome pack including useful resources and digital assets 
• Regular updates, calls to action and communication 
• Opportunities to connect, network and attend exclusive online events with other Volunteer Champions 

How to become a Volunteer Champion  

If being a Volunteer Champion sounds like something you would like to be involved in, apply today so that we can start you on your journey supporting us. 

Next Steps 

Once we receive your application we will invite you to an open evening to find out more about the role. The open evening will be 7pm on Tuesday 18th June and will be held over Teams. After the open evening, we will introduce you to the rest of the team and get you started on volunteering with us. 

Agriculture is the primary source of income and food security for over 80% of the population in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Unfortunately, farmers in this region face numerous challenges that significantly hinder their productivity and overall well-being. These challenges include limited access to important information, inadequate storage infrastructure, transportation limitations, insufficient financial assistance, reliance on rainfall, and a lack of opportunities for training and skill development. As a result, over 7.7 million people in the DR Congo are currently struggling with severe food insecurity.

Our organization is fully committed to supporting farmers by providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance their productivity and meet the highest standards of quality.One of the primary focuses of our program is to offer farmers comprehensive training on the most effective agricultural practices. This encompasses guidance on soil management, efficient water utilization, integrated pest and disease control, and responsible use of chemicals. Moreover, we provide training on sustainable production techniques, such as organic farming and permaculture, to minimize environmental impact and safeguard natural resources.

GRANT WRITER

• Create grant proposals in response to open calls and develop templates for future opportunities.
• Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 3-5 months.

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.