Volunteer roles

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website.

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Do you have a flair for communication and a desire to help us reach more people?

As a Marketing & Communications Assistant, you will work closely with the Project Leader to spread the word about our amazing Akioke Karaoke Confidence Club. You'll help us promote the club to potential members, volunteers, and the wider community, ensuring its success and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation: Assist the Project Leader draft engaging text for promotional materials (flyers, social media posts, website content).
• Social Media Support: Help schedule and post content on relevant social media platforms (e.g., Facebook groups, local community pages).
• Community Outreach: Identify local community groups, centres, schools, and organisations that could benefit from our club, and assist with distributing promotional materials.
• Information Gathering: Research relevant online forums, notice boards, and events where we can promote the club.
• Feedback Collection: Assist in gathering testimonials or feedback from members (with appropriate consent) to use in promotional efforts.
• Administrative Support: Help organise and maintain marketing materials and contact lists.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Creative and has a good eye for engaging content.
• Organised and attentive to detail.
• Familiar with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Proactive and able to take initiative with guidance.
• Reliable and able to commit to agreed-upon tasks.
• Passionate about the club's mission and helping us reach new audiences.
• Previous experience in marketing, communications, or social media is a bonus but not essential – a willingness to learn is most important!

Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 2-4 hours per week, with tasks that can often be completed remotely or during mutually agreed-upon times, in collaboration with the Project Leader.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.

Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.

Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.

OTHER FEATURES OF JOB

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

LOCATION

South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

DESIRABLE:

· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

· customer service

EXPERIENCE

DESIRABLE:

· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face

· charity shop or other retail

WORK BASED COMPETENCIES

DESIRABLE:

· Good customer service skills

· Good telephone skills

· Good writing skill

· Good numerical ability

· Good organisational ability

· Flair for display

· Computer literacy

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL:

· Motivated

· Honest

· Committed

· Ability to work in a team

DESIRABLE:

· Enthusiastic

· Articulate

· Calm under pressure

· Methodical

· Resourceful

· Commercial acumen

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.

Job Overview:

As a Roma Helpline Volunteer, you will be at the heart of a new and exciting pilot project aimed at offering confidential, culturally competent, and multilingual support to Roma and Romanian-speaking communities across Greater Manchester and the UK.

You will respond to helpline calls during scheduled shifts, log information securely, and provide advice or referrals related to housing, benefits, health, employment, and legal matters. Your presence will make a real difference in ensuring accessible, respectful, and responsive support for one of the UK’s most marginalised communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helpline Support:
  Respond to calls via a secure VOIP system during scheduled helpline shifts (2nd and 4th Thursday, 5–7 PM).
  Listen actively and empathetically and provide culturally competent support and signposting.
  Log all call data securely using Europia’s GDPR-compliant CRM system.
• Referral and Follow-up:
  Identify the caller's main issue and provide information or refer them to the appropriate service.
  Where necessary, flag safeguarding or urgent cases to the on-call safeguarding officer.
• Language and Accessibility:
  Offer assistance in Romanian or another Roma community language.
  Help promote trust and understanding with callers through culturally sensitive communication.
• Collaboration and Supervision:
  Attend mandatory training sessions on safeguarding, cultural competency, and data protection.
  Participate in case review meetings and supervision sessions (monthly or bi-monthly).
  Work closely with other volunteers, staff, and translators/interpreters when required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Fluent in English. Proficiency in Romanian or another Roma community language (e.g., Romanes, Slovak, or Czech) is an advantage.
• Compassionate and empathetic with strong active listening skills.
• Comfortable speaking over the phone and dealing with potentially sensitive topics.
• Basic IT skills to manage digital forms and online logging tools.
• Respect for confidentiality and ability to adhere to safeguarding procedures.
• Previous experience supporting the Roma community is an advantage but not required.

Time Commitment:

• Minimum commitment of 2 hours every 2nd and 4th Thursday, between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Volunteers will work on a rotating rota, ensuring equal participation and preventing burnout.
• Flexibility to attend occasional training and supervision sessions outside helpline hours.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to support and empower Roma and Romanian-speaking communities.
• Develop skills in advice, signposting, and crisis response.
• Receive training in safeguarding, data protection, and cultural competency.
• Gain experience using CRM/case management tools and remote VOIP helpline systems.
• Join a supportive, mission-driven team committed to community wellbeing.
• A reference can be provided upon successful completion of the role.

Come and join London's Hopscotch Women's Centre's Board of Trustees in the roles we have available, including specialities around Finance, Adults Social Care and the Law. We are also looking for a general Trustee.

We meet 4 times a year and help shape the strategy and aims to further the mission of Hopscotch Women's Centre, supporting ethnically minoritised women facing abuse, poverty, mental health issues, unemployment and insecure immigration status. We also have a Homecare service, which is our admired social enterprise and a part of our charity.

Do look at the attached Job Descriptions and let us know if you have any questions - our CEO is on hand to have a chat. Thanks!

We welcome candidates with experience in the building/maintenance and HR sectors to join our board of trustees who support the charity as well as bringing decades of experience working in many different sectors.

What will you be doing?

Who is Open Road?

We are a UK healthcare charity, now in our 34th year.  We provide a myriad of services in Essex and Medway; drug and alcohol support, homelessness services, domestic abuse support, criminal justice services, employment support, welfare and community initiatives to promote community safety and combat anti-social behaviour.  We help vulnerable people, young and old, throughout Essex and Medway, and work in the heart of local communities.  We are not a large national faceless charity; we are very much a grassroots organisation.  We fully embrace and utilise our local knowledge and expertise, working with likeminded partners to support as many people as possible to have healthier, happier lives in the heart of their families and communities.

What Is Our Mission?

Our mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles.

How Do Open Road’s Trustees Support The Charity?

The role of the Trustee is to assist in advancing the purpose of the organisation; developing its aims and goals, keeping within its charitable objectives and acting in its best interests. The board members ensure that the charity is run in accordance with its governing document, charity law, and any other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

Our Trustee Board are responsible for developing strategy, providing governance, and directing the charity towards achieving its mission.  We are looking to appoint two new trustees – the first being from the building and maintenance sector – with the experience and knowledge to support the health and safety responsibilities of a growing charity, and the second being a HR professional who will chair our Personnel Sub Committee with special responsibility for oversight of the organisation’s HR function and strategy, ideally you will be a Chartered Member or Fellow of the CIPD with substantial experience at a Senior/Director HR professional level with a thorough understanding of operational HR policy and practice.

An understanding of the role of charity boards and their responsibilities and operation, gained through previous experience would be helpful, and above all else you will be intrinsically values-driven and committed to enabling more individuals we support to live their lives to the full.

What are we looking for?

SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Charity Trustee

• Effective communication and interpersonal style; a collaborative team player.
• Willing to speak out on issues and to accept personal accountability.
• Demonstrates strategic acumen and sees the bigger picture.
• Undisputed personal integrity.
• Personally flexible and agile working approach.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Open Road.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT – Charity Trustee

REMUNERATION:

• This role is unremunerated and offered on a voluntary basis.
• Trustees are encouraged to visit services that are local to them.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed for meetings & visits.

 TIME COMMITMENT:

• The time commitment is at least one day a month.
• There are six board meetings a year and this includes an annual strategy setting day.
• Board meetings are held in person in Central London.
• All trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee and there are four committee meetings a year.
• Committee meetings are held in person/virtually.

Key responsibilities:

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the
• organisation.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation
• are in keeping with its aims.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

What difference will you make?

A trustee at Open Road will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across Essex and Medway. By joining the Board, a trustee contributes to the strategic direction and governance of a grassroots charity that delivers vital services — from addiction recovery and homelessness support to domestic abuse intervention and community safety.

Specifically, a trustee will:

• Strengthen Governance and Strategy: By bringing sector-specific expertise (in HR or building/maintenance), trustees will help shape policies and decisions that ensure Open Road remains safe, compliant, and forward-thinking.
• Enhance Operational Excellence: Trustees provide oversight and guidance that directly influence the quality and sustainability of services, ensuring the charity continues to meet the complex needs of its clients.
• Champion the Mission: Trustees act as ambassadors for Open Road’s values, helping to build partnerships, raise awareness, and advocate for those the charity supports.
• Support Leadership and Staff: Through committee work and strategic planning, trustees offer critical support to the executive team, helping to foster a positive, values-driven culture within the organisation.

Ultimately, the impact of a trustee is measured not just in governance, but in the healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives of the people Open Road serves.

Before you apply

If this role sounds ideal, do please contact us for more information, and apply via Reach.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access theses)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.

Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation, and IT skills.

What is an Administration Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.

The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders.

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.

We aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent administrators to keep things running efficiently behind the scenes.

What would you be doing?

· Every SSAFA Branch has different needs, however, below are the main activities of a Branch Administration Coordinator.

· Overseeing enquiries: Overseeing the administration of the branch shared inbox and post, ensuring queries are answered.

· Getting people together: Organising internal meetings, both virtually and face to face

· Planning and organising: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to arrange events such as the Branch Annual General Meeting

· Note taking and recording: Maintaining accurate records of meetings and decisions.

· Communicating: Supporting the Branch Chair with internal communications, keeping other volunteers up to date and informed

· Tracking and ordering: Keeping a record of branch assets, ordering stationery, and ensuring maintenance of equipment

· Supporting health and safety: Supporting the Branch Chair with administration of personal, office and event risk assessments where required

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Give back to the Armed Forces community.

· Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.

· 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 I receive?

· 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.

· Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers

· Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

· Support from regional volunteering and operations employees

· Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.

· 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 with good written and verbal communication skills.

· Some experience of coordinating people or events is beneficial.

· Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online diaries– you will receive your own SSAFA email address.

· Respectful and non-judgemental approach.

· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.

· This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

· 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 takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

Are 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

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Birkbeck Students' Union is looking for two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees as volunteer Lay Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at Birkbeck, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we continue to support and enrich the lives of our diverse student body.

Role Overview: As a Lay Trustee, you will attend and actively participate in five Board of Trustee Meetings and five Finance & Audit Committee meetings per year. Your strategic oversight and governance will help ensure the Students' Union operates in line with its mission, values, and legal obligations. You will provide guidance and insight based on your expertise in one of the following areas Cybersecurity; Fundraising; Legal; and Marketing.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent via email by 13th April 2025. 

Any questions about the role please email Yousuf Joondan (CEO).

Birkbeck Students' Union is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of background, who meet the role's criteria.