Trainer volunteer roles

The Training Officer ensures volunteers receive engaging, high-quality training to prepare them for events. You’ll organise sessions, secure tutors and spaces, encourage attendance, and gather feedback to improve future training. This role is vital for volunteer development and maintaining Make a Smile’s professional standards.

Volunteer Role: Personal Development & Life Skills Programme Manager

Join a movement built on care, dignity, and community.

Unlock YOUR Potential is launching in Newham and Tower Hamlets — and we’re looking for an empowering, organised, people‑centred Personal Development & Life Skills Programme Manager to lead the sessions that help adults rebuild confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and develop the everyday skills needed to move forward.

We are a 100% volunteer‑led organisation supporting adults aged 18–67 who face barriers to employment, education, confidence, and wellbeing. Our programmes are trauma‑informed, community‑based, and rooted in human connection.

If you believe personal growth begins with safety, dignity, and encouragement — this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

As our Personal Development & Life Skills Programme Manager, you will:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of personal development and life‑skills sessions

• Support volunteers delivering workshops on confidence, resilience, communication, budgeting, digital basics, wellbeing, and everyday life skills

• Ensure all sessions reflect our trauma‑informed, person‑centred values

• Develop simple, accessible session plans, resources, and tools to support consistent, high‑quality delivery

• Work closely with the Volunteer Programme Manager and Head of Service Delivery to schedule sessions and match volunteers to roles

• Build supportive relationships with participants, helping them feel welcomed, motivated, and safe

• Track attendance, engagement, and progress to support our monitoring and evaluation

• Gather feedback from volunteers and participants to continuously improve the programme

This is a leadership role where your work will directly shape the confidence, wellbeing, and life readiness of adults across East London.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Warm, organised, and values‑driven

• Experienced in personal development, coaching, adult learning, wellbeing, or community support

• Skilled at coordinating people, sessions, and learning journeys

• Confident supporting volunteers and ensuring safe, high‑quality delivery

• Passionate about trauma‑informed, person‑centred practice

• Ready to help build something meaningful from the ground up

Experience in employability, mentoring, or life‑skills education is helpful — but heart, clarity, and commitment matter most.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a new, community‑powered movement

• Shape the personal development journey for participants from day one

• Work alongside people with lived experience, empathy, and heart

• Gain programme management experience in a growing charity

• Make a real difference to adults who feel unseen and unsupported

Time Commitment

• 4–8 hours per week, flexible
• Based in London (with hybrid options)

We Welcome You

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of the barriers our participants face.

Could you coordinate the training for the local SSAFA volunteers in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written and spoken English. Get in touch with us to find out more.

What is a Training Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each one has a Training Coordinator to make sure that all volunteers get all the training they need for their role and that training events are organised and run for the branch. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups. To offer the best possible service to our clients SSAFA volunteers need training appropriate to their role. It’s important that we keep records of all the training completed by volunteers and provide local training to meet their needs, whilst also being interesting, fun and varied. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help with this important role.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular commitment to the branch but days and times could vary to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Coordinating induction and training for new volunteers
• Completing the admin needed for new volunteer to attend local and national training
• Running interesting and relevant annual branch training days (minimum of one per year)
• Maintaining an accurate list of all volunteers and the dates when training was completed
• Working with the Regional Trainer, branch volunteers and the Learning and Development team to identify local training needs and arrange for the required courses to be delivered
• Supporting and encouraging any volunteers facing barriers to completing their training
• Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge and experience to benefit others
• Appreciate that your role has a positive impact on the quality of service we can provide to clients as well as providing development opportunities for our volunteers
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• 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 about training and support?

• On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the branch secretary, Volunteer Development Manager, Regional Trainer and the Learning and Development Team based at our central office
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people, possibly with some experience of teaching/training and admin
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
• Ability to encourage and motivate all volunteers to undertake training
• Willingness to use spreadsheets/records of volunteer training
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

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 undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Are you ready to build a legacy that saves lives?

In England today, too many men are fighting silent battles. They are navigating the complexities of mental health and personal growth without a compass or a tribe. At MINDSET, we are changing that narrative. We believe that through brotherhood, community, and intentional self-improvement, every man can reclaim his strength and purpose.

We have the vision. We have the momentum. Now, we need the person who will sharpen our steel.

The Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteer Trainer (Volunteer)

As one of our first-ever Volunteer Trainers, you won’t just be "delivering information"—you will be the catalyst for growth. You will be responsible for training, growing, and developing our close-knit team of amazing, inspiring, and dedicated volunteers, ensuring they have the skills and the mindset to support men on their journey to better mental health.

Who You Are

We aren't looking for a CV; we’re looking for a character. We need a developer of people who is:

• An Inspiring Educator: You have the ability to take complex ideas and turn them into engaging, impactful learning experiences that resonate with our mission of brotherhood.

• A Growth Architect: You have an entrepreneurial spirit and can see the potential in everyone. You don't just see who a volunteer is today; you see who they can become.

• A Person of Connection: You possess the empathy and people skills to facilitate deep conversations and create a safe space for our volunteers to learn and lead.

• A Believer: You are deeply committed to men’s mental wellbeing and personal development. You practice what you preach when it comes to self-improvement.

The Volunteer Role

Working alongside the Founder and the leadership team, you will design and lead our volunteer development programmes. From onboarding new members of the tribe to providing ongoing personal growth workshops, you will ensure our volunteers are the most capable, compassionate, and resilient team in the sector.

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to be there at the "Day One" of something massive. You will have the creative freedom to build a training culture from scratch. You’ll gain high-level experience in coaching and organisational development, but more importantly, you will be empowering the very people who help a father, a brother, or a son find his path to a better life.

"A man’s mindset is the foundation of his future. Help us train the leaders who will help men rebuild that foundation."

If you have the passion to teach and the heart to serve, we want to hear from you. Help us turn the tide on men’s mental health by growing the team that makes it happen.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Digital Skills Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The Digital Skills group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the digital skills sessions is as follows: 

• Tuesday evenings 4pm to 6pm 

Volunteers are required to attend one session per week. They are also welcome to come early and support ESOL classes before the Digital Skills sessions, where appropriate. 

The Tuesday Digital skills sessions focus on practical, accessible digital skills, such as, but not limited to: 

• Using computers, tablets, or smartphones confidently 

• Keyboard and navigation skills 

• Using email and online communication tools 

• Accessing learning platforms and online resources 

• Online safety and digital wellbeing 

• Using digital tools to support English learning, homework and study skills 

The aim of the Digital Skills sessions is to build independence, confidence, and digital inclusion, supporting young people to engage more fully with formal education and everyday life in the UK. Enrolments to the programme are based on rolling admissions, requiring adaptability to the changing digital skills needs of the group through participatory enquiry led by the ESOL teacher. 

The ESOL teacher will provide guidance, session plans, and tips for supporting learners with emerging English, including how to explain digital concepts in clear, accessible ways. 

Volunteers will typically work with 1–5 students, offering one-to-one or small group support and adapting tasks to different ability levels. 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing one-to-one or small group support during Digital Skills sessions 

• Supporting young people to use digital devices and software confidently 

• Helping to set up the classroom and digital equipment 

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session 

• Sharing observations on learners’ progress, challenges, and successes 

• Making use of any community languages if any, to support learners’ understanding 

• Working collaboratively as part of a team and helping to shape the project 

• Supporting young people to recognise and celebrate their achievements 

• Showing flexibility to a wide range of ability levels and confidence with technology 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, and all other relevant policies 

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• Aged 18 years or older 

• An interest in education, digital inclusion, and supporting young people 

• Confident using computers, smartphones, or tablets 

• Currently resident in the UK or has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses and willing to undergo a DBS check 

• DBS and proof of residency are not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to starting 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed) 

• Non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds 

• Reliable and punctual, with a commitment of at least one session per week for a minimum of 4 months 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English 

• Willingness to explain digital concepts patiently and clearly 

• Ability to volunteer during Wandsworth term time 

Desirable 

• Experience supporting young people with digital skills or IT (formal or informal) 

• Knowledge of community languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali, or Spanish 

• Experience working with young people, refugees, or learners of English in a work or volunteer capacity 

• Interest in using digital tools to support language learning 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will be invited to a taster session at CARAS, following which they will have an informal interview with a staff member of the CARAS ESOL team and a community member. All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. These meetings and the induction training will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP!