Volunteer roles

HELP US CREATE COMMUNITIES

The Art Ministry are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees

What we do

We are a well established and respected creative charity who believes that anyone can enjoy good mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

We provide regular art and craft sessions for children and adults with a wide variety of needs.

We extend our reach by providing sessions for partners, including local schools, Southend in Sight, Sanctuary Housing and South Essex Homes.

We engage with the wider community by providing art and craft activities at local events, by offering volunteering and employment opportunities, and holding exhibitions.

Who we need

We need people with experience of finance, HR, fundraising, event management, digital engagement, PR, partnerships, and/or delivering creative services.

We need creative thinkers who can work collaboratively to provide the leadership that The Art Ministry needs to achieve its strategic objective of helping even more members of the local community improve their mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

You will need to commit to at least 4 hours a month, including at least 4 trustee meetings a year.

If you have the skills, experience and time that we need then please get in touch.

You do not need previous board or senior management experience. We don’t expect any one person to meet all our needs!

What we will give you

We will validate your suitability for the role through an interview, reference and security checks.

We will provide you with an induction to The Art Ministry and appropriate training, software and memberships, to help you fulfil your role. We will reimburse your pre-agreed expenses.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of The Art Ministry as well as ensure that it meets its day to day operational objectives and to network with others in the third sector.

The Art Ministry, Reg. Charity No.: 1108227, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2DQ

We are looking for friendly people to get involved in becoming Parent Champions!

Are you interested in making a difference?
Would you like to help other parents and carers?
Do you enjoy meeting new people?

If so, this could be the volunteering opportunity for you!

Families who access our services are regularly consulted with, and now we would like to invite some parents to join us, to volunteer, and to help make a difference to their local community.

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE INVOLVED WITH FAMILY HUBS CALDERDALE, LIVE IN NORTH HALIFAX OR LOWER VALLEY, AND BE A PARENT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE. 

Would you like to brighten someone’s day?

We are looking for people aged 18 and over who are friendly, and who like to listen, to become volunteer telephone befrienders with Staying Well.

If you have a little time each week to brighten someone’s day this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

How much time does it take?

We only ask you to make one phone call a week that is between 30-60 minutes long. We ask you to commit to ring for 6 months.

What are useful befriending skills to have?

Happy to Listen
A Good Sense of Humour
Patience
Happy to Chat
Empathetic
Flexible
Reliable and Punctual
Able to Maintain Confidentiality
Non-Judgemental

PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED TO BE BASED IN CALDERDALE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE. 

This volunteer role is designed to provide vital operational and logistical support to the CEO’s Personal Assistant, ensuring that both day-to-day and ad hoc matters requiring a physical presence or UK-based coordination are managed smoothly. As the CEO’s primary PA is remote, this role will act as an essential on-the-ground extension of the executive support function, helping to manage communications, logistics, administrative tasks, and in-person coordination.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build experience in executive support, charity operations, and stakeholder engagement in a forward-thinking and dynamic third sector organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support (In-Office & On-Site)

• Serve as the local point of contact for tasks requiring physical presence – such as receiving mail, managing office-based documents, collecting/delivering resources, and setting up meeting spaces.
• Assist in coordinating in-person meetings, events, and visits, ensuring smooth logistics and professional presentation.
• Support the maintenance of filing systems and physical records in alignment with digital processes.

Remote Administrative Support

 Assist the Personal Assistant with diary management, follow-ups, and meeting coordination.

• Draft correspondence, schedule appointments, and prepare briefings or summaries as needed.
• Maintain records, digital filing, and update cloud-based systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint).

Communication & Liaison

• Support communication between the CEO's office, staff, volunteers, trustees, and external stakeholders – particularly where in-person contact or faster turnaround is beneficial.
• Relay key information between the remote PA and UK-based teams or partners in a timely and professional manner.

General Tasks

 Assist with preparing for workshops, club events, and community engagements.

• Maintain confidentiality and represent the CEO’s office with professionalism and discretion at all times.
• Attend internal meetings or external events as delegated, capturing notes and key actions for follow-up.

Person Specification

 Essential

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Based in London with the ability to work both remotely and in person as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and general digital platforms.

Desirable

• Experience in administrative, PA, or coordination roles.
• Interest in the charity or youth/community sector.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Teams, SharePoint, Trello, or CRM tools.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience supporting executive functions in a respected charitable organisation.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentoring and training.
• Exposure to high-level operations, event delivery, and partnership engagement.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and agreed expenses (per Volunteer Policy).

The Hospice Lottery Partnership runs a weekly lottery in support of local charities such as: East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Harlington Hospice, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity in Northwood, Rennie Grove Hospice Care in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe, and The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

We are looking for someone that could spare a few hours a week at our office based in Tring to help welcome new players to the weekly lottery.

The role involves thanking players for their support of our partner charities, checking their details are correct, and providing them with the opportunity to ask any questions.

If you have a warm personality, would enjoy the company of a small and friendly team with copious supply of tea and biscuits, then we would love to hear from you!

“It is a pleasure to be a part of the team at The Hospice Lottery. As a volunteer, I know I am contributing to a very good cause. It is a friendly and busy office, and everyone is very welcoming and keen to ensure that volunteers are valued, supported and appreciated. Good to be included in staff social events too!” Beryl Washington, Office Volunteer

Cornerstone Library in Churchtown, Southport

Trustee/Fundraiser vacancy

The Role

Our community library is looking for a proactive Trustee who will lead on fundraising in tandem with our volunteer fundraising team to identify event opportunities and move them to successful completion. The successful fundraiser will also help to develop corporate sponsorship, legacy giving and individual donations to support our small charity . The skills we would appreciate are abilities to:

· Bring ideas for new and resourceful fundraising activities;

· Manage fundraising events with our volunteer fundraising team from forecasting through to conclusion;

· Research local corporate and individual sponsorship and partnerships and communicate effectively with them;

· Maintain a simple fundraising database;

· Assist in marketing our events, creating posts for social media and email marketing, possible digital fundraising and sponsored events;

· Communicate with our small team of fellow-Trustees to help us move forward and shape our strategy.

The attributes we hope that you, as a volunteer, will bring include:

· Experience in successful fundraising;

· Good written and verbal communication skills, including computer software skills;

· Have available a minimum of 6 months commitment.

If you are enthused by the opportunity to use your skills to help us to move forward our small community library, we look forward to hearing from you. This is a volunteering, unpaid role but one which will realise a long-held vision to provide not just a community library but a safe, warm community space for local residents.

Empathos Foundation is seeking a creative and passionate Social Media Graphics Designer to help us create engaging and visually appealing posts for our social media platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn. As a remote volunteer role, you'll work approximately 4 hours per week, designing content that aligns with our mission and campaigns.

You’ll have access to Canva Pro and be part of a supportive team that values your input and creativity. This role is perfect for someone eager to gain experience in the non-profit sector, build their design portfolio, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

What You’ll Do:

• Design graphics for social media posts in line with our branding.
• Collaborate with the team to align content with ongoing campaigns.
• Create visually compelling content that resonates with our audience.

The Impact of Your Work:

As a Social Media Graphics Designer at Empathos Foundation, your work will directly support our efforts to raise awareness, engage our community, and inspire action.

• Amplify our message: Your designs will communicate our campaigns and bring attention to initiatives in healthcare, education, and poverty relief.
• Increase engagement: By creating eye-catching content, you’ll help us reach more people and encourage interaction with our platforms.
• Shape our online presence: Your contributions will strengthen our brand and elevate our visibility, ensuring our message reaches those who need it most.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

• Graphic Design Skills: Proficient in tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Social Media Savvy: Understanding of Instagram and LinkedIn trends and best practices.
• Passion for Making a Difference: Enthusiastic about supporting impactful causes through creative design.
• Fast Turnaround: Able to deliver high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Consistency with branding and a strong eye for design aesthetics.
• Collaboration: Willingness to work with a team and incorporate feedback.
• Time Management: Commit to 4 hours per week and effectively manage tasks.

Your designs will not just be graphics—they’ll be catalysts for change, inspiring others to join our mission and make a difference.

Join us as a Social Media Graphics Designer to use your creativity for good and help Empathos Foundation make an even greater impact.

Alpha Academies Trust seeks two Trustees to help guide their strategic vision. This is an opportunity to contribute to the long-term success of Alpha's academies.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 26th May 2025

Location: Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire (hybrid or remote is available)

Time commitment: 4 board meetings per year

About Alpha Academies Trust

We are an ambitious and forward-thinking education provider dedicated to delivering a first-class education for every child. Established to create a network of primary and secondary academies in North Staffordshire, our mission is to overcome inequality and ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and life-changing opportunities.

About the roles

We are committed to delivering a first-class education that overcomes inequality. To support our mission, you will work with the board to shape the strategic direction of the Trust, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and high educational standards.

You will work closely with fellow Trustees, the CEO and school leaders to provide oversight and challenge, helping to improve outcomes for the 4,300 students across our six academies.

Key responsibilities include contributing to strategic decision-making, ensuring educational and financial performance accountability and supporting the executive team in delivering transformational education.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking Trustees who share the same passion for working with young people, value the impact a great education has on transforming life chances and the social mobility for young people living in disadvantaged communities; and have the energy and enthusiasm for working with a committed and dedicated team of trustees and staff to support our ongoing growth and success.

Send & Inclusion Trustee

We are looking for a senior leader with SEND & inclusion experience within an education setting, such as a headteacher, school improvement specialist, or academic with a track record of driving high standards. Experience in curriculum development, assessment and school leadership would be highly beneficial. Your expertise will support our efforts to enhance teaching quality and student outcomes across our academies.

Legal Trustee

We seek a legal professional with expertise in governance, compliance, or education law. Your knowledge will help ensure that the Trust meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities, mitigating risks and supporting effective decision-making. Experience in HR law, charity law, or contracts law would be advantageous.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

If you are passionate about making a difference in education and have the skills to support our growth and success, we would love to hear from you.

Peridot Partners and Alpha Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 26th May 2025.

Job Overview
We are seeking dedicated and passionate volunteers to join our team. This role is perfect for individuals looking to make a positive impact in the community while gaining valuable experience. As a Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support blind and partially sighted people to attend and enjoy social and peer-support groups and activities such as the Visual Impairment and disability accessible sport Boccia. The group currently meet from 1pm to 3pm with support from charity staff from Galloways. We are looking for volunteers to help to create and maintain a supportive environment, to keep the conversation flowing, make brews, guide people and be a friendly voice.

Duties

• Assist in the planning and supporting community events and activities.
• Support in creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
• Making brews and keeping the drink preparation area clean and tidy
• Help maintain an organised environment by setting up and clearing away equipment or materials used during events.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge relevant to your volunteer role.

Job Type: Volunteer

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.