Volunteer roles

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

How to Apply:

Please apply for our Volunteer role by emailing the following information to our shop team on: SHOP EMAIL ADDRESS

· Your full name (first name and surname)

· Your date of birth (all of our Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age)

· Your email address

· Your phone number

· How many hours a week you’d be interested in volunteering in our Volunteer role for

Any personal information you share will be used solely for processing your application for volunteering.

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.

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Without our volunteer drivers, the Community Food Hub simply does not run.

Food donations, supplies, and resources need to move — and you are the person who makes that happen. As our Volunteer Driver, you'll be a critical part of the operation, collecting from our partners and suppliers and delivering to the Hub so that families across Hackney can be fed.

This is a practical, independent role that puts you at the heart of our supply chain — and the impact you make is felt every single session.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Collect food donations, supplies, and resources from partner organisations and suppliers

• Deliver collections to the Community Food Hub at Fawcett Estate, Clapton

• Communicate clearly with Thomas and the Hub team about collection schedules and any changes

• Handle all food safely and responsibly during transit, following food hygiene guidelines

• Keep a simple record of collections — what was picked up, from where, and when

• Report any concerns or issues during collections immediately to Thomas

• Maintain the vehicle used for collections in a clean and roadworthy condition

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Full, clean UK driving licence

• Confident, safe, and experienced driver

• Reliable and punctual — our food supply depends on you

• Able to lift and carry food boxes and bags safely

• Good communication — able to liaise clearly with the Hub team and partner organisations

• Basic awareness of food hygiene for transit

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Experience driving a van or larger vehicle

• Previous experience as a delivery driver, volunteer driver, or similar

• Knowledge of Hackney and surrounding areas

• Understanding of food bank or community food logistics

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• A professional reference from our Head of Food & Partnerships and CEO

• Experience in community logistics and food distribution

• The knowledge that without you, families would go without — that matters enormously

• A trusted, valued place within the Children With Voices team

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Ready to step up? This is for people who want more responsibility at the Community Food Hub.

As a Food Co-op Lead Volunteer, you'll be a go-to person on the floor — helping coordinate sessions, supporting other volunteers, and keeping the co-op running smoothly and with pride.

You'll work closely with the Food Hub Manager (Petagaye) and Thomas (Head of Food & Partnerships) — taking ownership of your sessions and helping to build a strong, reliable volunteer team around you.

This role is a real stepping stone — building the skills and track record that open doors to more senior roles in community food work, charity operations, or beyond.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Take the lead during sessions — directing volunteers, managing the floor, keeping things moving

• Support the Food Hub Manager in coordinating session activity and volunteer tasks

• Help with stock management — tracking what is available, what is needed, and communicating this clearly

• Keep simple session records — numbers served, feedback, any issues to flag

• Be the first point of contact for volunteers during sessions

• Ensure all food hygiene, safeguarding, and health and safety standards are maintained

• Support the induction and settling-in of newer volunteers

• Communicate updates and any concerns clearly to the Food Hub Manager after each session

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Some experience of volunteering or working in a team setting

• A natural ability to take initiative and keep things organised

• Confident communicator — able to give clear, calm direction to others

• Reliable, consistent, and able to commit to regular sessions

• Understanding of safeguarding and food hygiene principles

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience at a food bank, food co-op, or community kitchen

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2)

• Experience coordinating or supervising a small team of volunteers

• Knowledge of the Hackney community or similar urban settings

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Hands-on leadership and team coordination experience

• A strong reference from our Food Hub Manager and Head of Food & Partnerships

• A clear pathway towards more senior roles within Children With Voices

• Stock management, session coordination, and operational skills

• The genuine satisfaction of leading a team that feeds and supports Hackney families

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Community Food Hub at Children With Voices runs because of people like you.

This is our entry-level food co-op role — no experience needed, no qualifications required, just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and be part of something that genuinely feeds and supports Hackney families.

You'll be working alongside a warm, welcoming team in our co-op space, helping to make sure that every family who comes through our doors leaves with what they need and feels respected and valued.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Sort and organise food donations as they come in

• Pack food parcels for families with care and accuracy

• Help set up and pack down the co-op space before and after sessions

• Welcome community members as they arrive and make them feel at home

• Assist with basic stock checks and flagging when items are running low

• Keep the co-op floor clean, tidy, and well-organised throughout the session

• Follow all food hygiene and health and safety guidelines at all times

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Friendly, warm, and non-judgemental towards all families

• Willing to get stuck in with practical, hands-on tasks

• Reliable — families and the team count on volunteers showing up

• Basic awareness of food hygiene (or willingness to complete a short online course)

• Respectful and kind in all interactions with families and team members

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Any previous experience volunteering at a food bank, community kitchen, or similar setting

• A food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2) — though not required

• Additional languages spoken (Hackney is a wonderfully diverse community!)

• Experience working or volunteering with families or in a community setting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The reward of making a direct, immediate difference to families in Hackney every week

• Support to obtain a food hygiene certificate

• A professional reference from our team

• A genuine insight into grassroots community food provision

• A welcoming team and a space where your contribution truly matters

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Our Community Food Hub is at the heart of what we do — a warm, welcoming space where families across Hackney access fresh food, support, and community.

As a Volunteer Food Hub Assistant, you'll be a vital part of the team on the ground — helping families access what they need with dignity, warmth, and a smile.

No experience needed. Just heart.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Welcome and assist families arriving at the Food Hub

• Support food sorting, packing, and distribution under the guidance of the Food Hub Manager

• Help maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming Hub environment

• Assist with stock management and recording under supervision

• Treat all families with dignity, respect, and discretion

• Follow all food hygiene and health and safety guidelines

• Report any concerns to the Food Hub Manager immediately

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Friendly, welcoming, and non-judgemental

• Willing to get stuck in with practical tasks

• Reliable — families and the team count on you

• Understanding of basic food hygiene (or willing to complete a short online course)

• Committed to safeguarding and treating all families with dignity

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience volunteering at a food bank, community kitchen, or similar setting

• Food hygiene certificate (Level 1 or 2)

• Languages spoken in addition to English (Hackney is wonderfully diverse!)

• Experience working with vulnerable families or in a community setting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The reward of making a real, immediate difference to families every week

• Food hygiene training and certification support

• A professional reference from our team

• Experience in community food distribution and frontline family support

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

At Children With Voices, community is everything. We've been walking alongside Hackney families for over 25 years — and we're looking for someone who shares that deep commitment to people.

As our Volunteer Community Engagement Officer, you'll be a connector. You'll help us reach more families, build relationships with local organisations, and make sure that the people who need us most know we're here.

This is a face-to-face, relationship-centred role for someone who genuinely loves people and community.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Build and maintain relationships with families, local groups, schools, and community spaces

• Represent Children With Voices at community events, outreach sessions, and local meetings

• Identify and connect with families who may benefit from our programmes

• Support the signposting of families to the right services and support

• Assist with the coordination and promotion of community events

• Provide regular updates to the CEO on community needs and feedback

• Help grow our volunteer and supporter network through outreach and word of mouth

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• A warm, approachable manner and genuine love for community

• Strong verbal communication and active listening skills

• Ability to connect with people from all backgrounds with sensitivity and respect

• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team

• Understanding of safeguarding principles

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Experience in community development, outreach, or social work

• Knowledge of Hackney or East London communities

• Ability to communicate in a second language (particularly relevant to Hackney's diverse community)

• Experience working with families, children, or vulnerable adults

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Deep experience in grassroots community engagement

• A professional reference from our CEO

• The opportunity to build meaningful relationships that change lives

• Exposure to a wide range of community services and organisations in Hackney

• A chance to grow your skills in outreach, inclusion, and social action

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

As we grow, we need an experienced Operations Manager to help us run well behind the scenes — so everything on the frontline can keep delivering. This is a meaningful voluntary leadership role for someone with professional experience in operations, HR, or management who wants their skills to count for something real.

You will work closely with the CEO and senior team to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, compliantly, and in line with our values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Oversight

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency and alignment with organisational goals

• Support departments to stay aligned, compliant, and focused on delivery

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, maximise resources, and improve impact

HR Oversight

• Oversee HR policies, compliance, and staff wellbeing in line with UK employment law and safeguarding requirements

• Support recruitment and onboarding — fair, inclusive, and safeguarding-compliant

• Provide HR guidance to managers and staff; escalate to external expertise when needed

• Maintain oversight of volunteer engagement and HR record keeping

Finance Oversight

• Supervise the Finance Coordinator (10 hrs/week) and provide accountability for financial administration

• Monitor budgets, financial reports, and expenditure in line with charity governance standards

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting to the CEO and Trustees

• Liaise with accountants, auditors, and external advisors as required

Leadership & Governance

• Work alongside the CEO, Trustees, and senior team to align operations with organisational strategy

• Provide assurance of compliance with safeguarding, data protection, charity law, and employment legislation

• Model organisational values of safeguarding, equity, inclusion, and community impact

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Experience in operations, management, or a related professional field

• Working knowledge of HR processes and UK employment law

• Financially literate — comfortable with budgets, reports, and financial summaries

• Familiar with charity governance, safeguarding, and compliance requirements

• Confident, values-led, and able to hold accountability with care

• Highly organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities

• Committed to equity, inclusion, and community impact

This is a voluntary senior leadership role — unpaid, but with real scope and real responsibility. We are looking for someone who brings professional-level experience and wants to use it in the service of children and families in Hackney.

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH VOICES

Children With Voices is a grassroots children's charity with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across London. Based at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, Hackney, we run a Community Food Hub, alternative education, SEN support, and community programmes including Jumping Beans. We have supported over 100,000 families and are recognised nationally for our work.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Behind every programme we run and every family we support, there is careful administration keeping everything in order. We are looking for a Volunteer Admin Coordinator to be that backbone — someone who takes ownership of the detail, keeps our systems running, and makes sure the rest of the team can focus on delivery.

This is an ideal role for someone who is highly organised, discreet, and takes real pride in getting things right.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Day-to-Day Administration

• Manage correspondence, scheduling, and general administrative tasks across the organisation

• Maintain accurate records, databases, and filing systems in line with GDPR and data protection requirements

• Support the preparation of reports, meeting notes, and key organisational documents

Operational Support

• Support the Operations Manager with administrative aspects of HR, finance, and governance

• Help coordinate onboarding for volunteers and new team members

• Track outputs, attendance, and impact data for monitoring and evaluation

Communications & Coordination

• Act as the first point of contact for internal queries — directing people quickly and clearly

• Maintain shared systems and tools so information is easy to find and act on

• Support communication between teams, leadership, and external partners

Governance & Compliance Support

• Help prepare materials for Trustee and leadership meetings

• Support safeguarding admin — DBS checks, consent forms, and record keeping

• Flag gaps in processes and help develop simple, workable solutions

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail

• Reliable, discreet, and trustworthy — able to handle sensitive information with care

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Confident using digital tools and office systems (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)

• Able to manage their own time and follow tasks through to completion

• A team player who also takes initiative when needed

• Committed to the values and mission of Children With Voices

This is a voluntary role with real responsibility. We need someone reliable and thorough who takes pride in the detail. You will be supporting a team that serves some of Hackney's most vulnerable children and families — and that matters enormously to us

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms. We are particularly looking for till cover just now.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.