Volunteer roles in stockwood, bristol
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!
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.
● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.
● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.
● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.
● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.
● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.
● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.
● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.
Ideal Candidate:
● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.
● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.
● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.
● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.
● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.
● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.
Day-to-day Tasks:
● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.
● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.
● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.
● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.
● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.
● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.
● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.
● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.
Short-term Tasks:
● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.
● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.
● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.
● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.
● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.
Why Join Youth Advantage UK?
Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.
To be considered you must provide a one page cover letter and your cv.
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!
We are looking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer who can provide leadership to operational departments and maintain consistent effectiveness across the organization.
About YAUK
Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.
Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.
We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.
Key responsibilities
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Oversee the operations of the organization ensuring of efficiency
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Translate strategy into actionable plans
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To provide leadership to departmental heads in departments such as Communications and IT (this may extend to other departmental heads as required)
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Work with the CEO to develop strategy
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Lead the creation of policy and guidance
Requirements
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Proven leadership experience
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Understanding of key business functions
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Excellent decision-making skills
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Ability to problem solve effectively
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Great at multitasking
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Competence in strategic planning
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Integrity
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Ability to use remote tools and IT systems
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Good people and communication skills
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Right to volunteer in the UK
Benefits
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This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
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Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
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Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.
Why Volunteer with Us?
We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.
We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Join Us as a Trustee – Help Shape a Safer Future
About the Role
We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance and supporting our leadership team to deliver high-quality, impactful services.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
- HR
- Training
- Marketing and communications
- Estate/ property management
- Safeguarding and medical/ health backgrounds
You do not need previous board experience—we provide a full induction and support. What matters most is your commitment to our values and your willingness to contribute your time, insights, and passion.
Why Join Us?
- Make a real difference to the lives of clients
- Gain strategic and governance experience
- Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team
- Help champion equity and amplify the voices of those often unheard
Trustee Duties
- Support and provide advice on Safer Places’ purpose, vision, goals and activities
- Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation
- Oversee Safer Places’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively Review and approve Safer Places’ financial statements
- Keep abreast of changes in the operating environment
- Contribute to regular reviews of Safer Places’ own governance.
- Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Safer Places’ interests, to the exclusion of personal and/or any third-party interests
- Contribute to the broader promotion of Safer Places’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
AMR Action UK (formerly Antibiotic Research UK) is the UK Patient Organisation for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its legitimacy to advocate for patients, with policy-makers and with NHS systems, comes from its insight, and therefore through its patient support services, patient-focussed research and direct patient and public engagement activities.
The organisation is at an exciting stage of its development. Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive in late 2024 it has a new strategy in place and by greatly increasing its impact over the next 3 years intends to significantly reduce the harm from AMR across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The charity is also committed to expanding its services to meet the growing demand from patients and families directly impacted by AMR. This growth will be underpinned by a new name and new brand, a fresh approach to communications that will greatly increase awareness of the charity’s work with the UK public, and a new fundraising strategy that will both grow and diversify income and also increase sustainability.
The charity is now looking for a dynamic new Chair of Trustees who is excited by our plans, and by the difference this will make to peoples’ lives. Given the growth agenda for the period 2025-28, the suitable candidate at this point in time is likely to come from a commercial background, with a strong understanding of strategy, investment, business development, and communications in the context of a rapidly changing environment. They are also likely to have a track-record of successfully managing risk v reward in a growing business. Increasing donations from corporates and philanthropists is important to the charity at this stage in its development and the new Chair will be comfortable operating in these environments.
A key part of the role will be to support the new senior executive team charged with delivering the growth agenda, including establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO.
Please note we are in the process of updating post name change, email addresses and website may still reflect previous name of Antibiotic Research UK.
We invite applications for the role of Chair of Trustees at AMR Action UK, a pivotal leadership position guiding our strategic growth and impact.
To apply, please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter detailing how your expertise aligns with our mission, governance and leadership needs.
Given the organisation’s ambitious growth agenda for 2025–28, we particularly interested to hear about candidates strong commercial background—including experience in strategy, investment, business development, and communications in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The full Role Description and Person Specification is attached with further details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a hands-on role within a small but ambitious team. The Treasurer will have oversight of Men Who Talk’s financial health, ensuring the charity operates in a financially responsible manner while providing the Board with accurate financial information to guide decision-making.
Our finances are in a strong position, and we entered the new financial year in April with a healthy cash flow and robust fundraising strategy. Over the last 3 years, we have seen yearly financial growth quadruple year on year, with the 2024/25 financial year bringing in over £40,000 of funding through various streams.
Having received grants from funders such as the National Lottery Community Fund, the Simon Rivett-Carnac Trust and the Caterham Round Table amongst others, we have an agreed budget to spend down our current balance over the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on ambitious growth across all areas.
The Treasurer will work closely with Sam, our Founder and CEO and Martins, our Operations Manager to identify financial risks, ensure compliance with the Charity Commission and HMRC, and develop strategies to secure the charity's financial sustainability as we expand.
Key Responsibilities
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Attendance at Regular Board Meetings: The board meets four times a year, usually a combination of two online and two in-person meetings. Other ad hoc meetings and catch-ups may be required.
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Financial Oversight: Regular monitoring of the financial accounts, ensuring the charity adheres to sound financial practices and complies with UK charity regulations.
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Long-Term Financial Strategy: Provide guidance on the financial strategy, including planning and budgeting for future growth and expansion.
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Monthly Reporting: Present a top-level Treasurer’s Report to the Board each month, outlining the charity’s financial position, income, expenditure, and risks. Board meetings each quarter will also include more in-depth financial updates.
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Budgeting: Support the board and CEO in preparing the annual budget, taking into account the charity’s plans for growth, new services, and the expansion of activities.
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Financial Risk Management: Identify potential financial risks and recommend strategies to mitigate these risks.
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Compliance: Ensure that financial procedures are followed, including the maintenance of designated and undesignated funds.
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Reserves: As a priority for 2025/26, the Treasurer will take a lead on updating our reserves policy and ensuring this is adhered to going forward.
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Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity’s finances align with its goals, particularly as we expand our services and charitable activities over the next three years.
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Annual Accounts: The Treasurer will take the lead on the preparation and submission of the annual accounts, working with an external auditor and accountant to ensure the charity’s accounts are transparent and well-maintained.
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Financial Procedures: Ensure effective financial controls are in place and help the team implement best practices for financial management.
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Advise the Board: Provide financial advice and insights to support the Board in making informed decisions regarding the charity’s operations and growth.
Application and Interview Process
To apply for the Treasurer role at Men Who Talk, applicants are invited to submit their CV along with a brief cover letter via charityjob. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience, why you're interested in this role, and how your skills align with the needs of the charity.
Closing date for applications will be Friday 4th of July.
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!
What does a Trustee look like?
Look in the mirror!
Right now, less than 3% of charity Trustees are under 30, 8% are people of colour and 36% are women. We are looking for people from across the UK and are keen to recruit trustees from all nations in the UK.
We value the many skills and experiences that you can bring to the Marine Conservation Society. We are committed to a Board culture that enables everyone to be their authentic selves and to enjoy the Trustee experience.
It’s a critical time for our ocean. There is not a moment to waste. Our goal is to recover the health of our ocean so it can help with healing our climate; to make seas protected in law to be protected in practice; and to stop the tide of plastic that’s getting into our waters. By joining as a Trustee, you will help navigate us through the risks and opportunities that we meet.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are essential to achieving ocean recovery so everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect in an atmosphere without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for people to join our Board with expertise in one or more of the following areas – click on the links for a fuller description:
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Governance/Legal – expected to be a legal professional with experience in charity, company or regulatory law.
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Marine Conservation – knowledge of the marine environment, with policy and/or practical experience of conservation. A network of contacts across the marine sector, particularly with business or government, would be an advantage.
What you can bring to our Board can be just as interesting as where you’ve been working. Ideally, you will have the relevant skills and experience set out in the profile but you should not feel prevented from applying if you do not have experience across all criteria. You do not need to have previous charity trustee experience, but you will need to be comfortable participating at a senior level with complex discussions and the need to be comfortable making pragmatic but key decisions.
We tackle the ocean emergency by working with communities, businesses and governments.
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!
We are looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time, will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Latin American House (LAH) is a registered charity and community organisation dedicated to supporting Latin American communities in the UK. Our mission is to provide legal advice, education, cultural activities, and essential services that promote social inclusion and wellbeing. Latin American House was established in 1983. We are a registered charity (no. 1127253) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 6720498). On joining the Board, members become both Trustees and Directors of the organisation.
We are seeking passionate individuals who can support our ongoing work promoting the social inclusion of Latin American refugees and migrants in the UK, particularly in London. We are especially interested in people with experience in the following areas:
- Human Resources Management or Employment Law
- Children and Young People’s Education, including Safeguarding and OFSTED
- Legal and Social Welfare Advice
- Corporate Engagement or Sponsorship
Latin American House is dedicated to fostering the integration, social inclusion, and well-being of Latin American and migrant communities in the UK

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Latin American House is a registered charity and community organisation dedicated to supporting Latin American communities in the UK. Our mission is to provide legal advice, education, cultural activities, and essential services that promote social inclusion and wellbeing. Latin American House was established in 1983. We are a registered charity (no. 1127253) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 6720498). On joining the Board, members become both Trustees and Directors of the organisation.
LAH is seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board of Trustees. This individual will provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial management, ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability. The Finance Trustee will play a key role in supporting the Board and senior leadership team to maintain financial integrity and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Latin American House is dedicated to fostering the integration, social inclusion, and well-being of Latin American and migrant communities in the UK

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.
Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.
The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.
The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity.
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!
Title: Economics Advisor – Missing People
Summary
Missing People is recruiting volunteers with expertise in economics to support the early planning of a project exploring the economic impact of missing episodes and the harms experienced by individuals while missing. This work will inform the development of a robust, evidence-based estimate of the cost of a missing episode and the socio-economic return on investment (ROI) of prevention efforts.
As an Advisory Volunteer, you will provide expert guidance to help shape the scope and direction of this project. Your insights will help the charity identify key considerations, methodologies, and data needs - an area where we have limited in-house expertise.
Description
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. Our services include:
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A free and confidential helpline, available 7 days a week, for missing people and their loved ones,
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A specialist family support and counselling service,
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Case publicity to support loved ones with sharing appeals,
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Specialist services for children and young people, and their loved ones, experiencing exploitation,
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Commissioned intensive support services for young people at particular risk,
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Research, consultancy and training for professionals working around the issue of missing.
Our vision is that every missing person is found safe.
By supporting us to develop a compelling economic case for prevention, you’ll play a vital role in shaping how missing incidents are understood and addressed across the UK. We will use the information to influence nationally: sharing the figures with key decision-makers in government, policing, health and social care. This work will strengthen our case for funding essential services that prevent repeat missing episodes and support the development of more effective early intervention strategies.
We’ve already begun exploring this work but need additional external expertise to guide our planning and approach. As such we are recruiting new volunteer Economics Advisors. Advisors will be asked to:
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Attend and participate in monthly project planning meeting (1-2 hours via video call, scheduled flexibly on weekdays or evenings) for a period of 6 months.
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Review relevant documents and provide ad hoc advice between meetings (no more than 1-2 hours)
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Get further involved in the project with a weekly commitment, if desired – this is entirely optional.
What impact will you have?
Your input will support Missing People to build a stronger case for prevention and change for missing people and their loved ones.
About the volunteer
We are looking for volunteers with:
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A strong understanding of data and working with complex statistics
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Experience in economic analysis of social issues and public policy, cost-benefit analysis, or social return on investment (SROI)
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Willingness to support and advise Missing People’s Head of Policy and Head of Research in understanding an area outside of our usual expertise
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The ability to ask key questions, offer constructive challenge, and act as a critical friend to staff
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Commitment to attend monthly meetings for a 6-month project period
Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones.
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!
Description
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
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 good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our Talk and Support weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others when the regular group facilitator is unavailable. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline or mobile phone We ask you to commit to covering up to 3 groups per week, although this will vary on a week by week basis. Each group you cover will last for one hour.
Home based
- This role is home based
Additional location information
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Home Based: over the telephone (this role requires you to have a landline or mobile telephone)
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- Effective listening skills;
- Good verbal communication skills;
- Work with wide range of people
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 our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.