Advocacy service manager volunteer roles

After six transformative years, our Chair is stepping down. This is your chance to lead a charity that's reached 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people – and heard them say "I'm still alive because of you."

Full description:

It Gets Better UK is at an exciting moment. Over the past six years, we've grown from a grassroots initiative into a charity reaching millions of LGBTQ+ young people across the UK. Through digital storytelling, educational resources, and community engagement, we're combating isolation and discrimination – ensuring every young person knows their power and worthiness as individuals.

Now we're looking for our next Chair of Trustees to lead us into our next chapter.

What makes this role special?

This isn't just governance for governance's sake. The impact is immediate and profound. Young people tell us our content helped them through their darkest moments – some say we're the reason they're still alive. You'll work with a passionate board and our CEO/Founder Dr Alex Rhys OBE, whose vision, resilience and commitment to the mission has been extraordinary. The team – both volunteer and paid – is genuinely special.

The opportunity:

You'll provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time, helping us build on our momentum while navigating the challenges every growing charity faces. We need someone who can balance big vision with practical governance, understand charity finance and risk, and chair meetings that drive real decisions while creating space for genuine discussion.

What we're looking for:

Essential:

• Demonstrable commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and youth rights
• Proven governance experience, ideally as a trustee or board member
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities
• Excellent chairing skills with ability to facilitate constructive discussions
• Strategic thinking balanced with practical implementation
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Desirable:

• Experience in charity/voluntary sector, particularly youth or LGBTQ+ organisations
• Understanding of digital engagement and online community building
• Financial management and fundraising knowledge
• Networks within funding, policy, or LGBTQ+ advocacy circles
• Experience with organisational growth and transformation
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks

Why now matters:

LGBTQ+ young people face unprecedented challenges – rising hate crime, attacks on trans rights, mental health crises. Our work has never been more vital. The next Chair will help ensure we're here for every young person who needs us, with the governance, strategy, and sustainability to deliver real impact.

If you care about LGBTQ+ equality, have governance expertise to share, and want to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Time commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month | Term: 3 years (renewable) | Location: Remote (quarterly video meetings, occasional in-person) | Deadline: 10pm Sunday 1st February

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

What will you be doing?

We are looking to expand the range of expertise and experience of our Board and are looking to recruit additional Trustees, particularly with knowledge of Nottinghamshire or the Deaf Community (UK-wide), but we are looking for other experience too (see below). 

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who we are looking for

· Relevant experience in any of the following: the deaf community, Nottinghamshire, financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

· Good, independent judgement

· The ability to challenge and ask questions

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

· Peer support

· Long-term health conditions

· Cancer diagnoses and prevention

· Voluntary sector support

· Health inequalities

· Under-served communities

Job Description

We are seeking four new Trustees to join our Board. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Hampshire area.

We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering activities, tasks will include:

•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation, which may include craft, arts, exercise/sport, education, wellbeing activities.

•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.

•Helping to create a varied programme of activities.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service user, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be able to get to the venue in Southampton

•Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training

•Be able to regularly commit to volunteer monthly

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

This position is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

About The Creighton Centre

For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.

About the role

As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.

You will bring:

• Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
• The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.

What's in it for you?

• A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
• An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
• The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
• A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team

If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking to recruit a co-opted member to our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee who:

·Is passionate about the work of St Christopher’s

·Is an experienced, qualified accountant

·Has a knowledge and experience of risk and audit committees (as an auditor, executive or committee member)

About the role:

As part of the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, the co-opted member will help to achieve St Christopher’s strategic ambitions, working with the Executive Team, Trustees and Directors. The co-opted member will provide guidance and expertise to further the charity’s strategic goals, act as an ambassador for St Christopher’s values and help to make a difference to the people we support and care for.

Responsibilities of co-opted members

Co-opted members are expected to:

● Demonstrate an ability to analyse complex information, to question, probe and seek clarification in order to come to an independent and unbiased view

● Have a genuine interest in, the work of the St Christopher’s and end of life care

● Act as an advocate for St Christopher’s to enhance its reputation

● Promote and demonstrate high standards of ethical behaviour and corporate governance.

● Bring relevant expertise and experience

● Spend adequate time preparing for, attending and actively participate in meetings, contribute to debates providing constructive challenge when appropriate and complete actions as agreed

● Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information and the business of the Committee 

● Exercise independent judgment, particularly avoiding any personal conflict of interest and ensuring that all relevant business, professional, and other interests are declared

● Understand and respect the relative roles of the Board and the Executive

● Act at all times within the best interests of the charity and comply the Trustee, Co-Opted Sub Committee member & Non Executive Director Code of Conduct expectations

Time commitment

Co-opted members will be expected to:

· Prepare for and attend a minimum of four Finance, Audit & Risk committee meetings each year (usually online)

· Undertake St Christopher’s induction and mandatory training requirements

· Participate in an annual review meeting with the Chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

· You may be called upon to attend additional meetings to deal with any urgent matters

Period of Appointment

· The appointment is for two years from the date of appointment with an annual review by the chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk committee. Reappointment renewable by mutual consent.

Important Information

· We encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds, if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, please inform us along with your application

· The role of a co-opted member is voluntary, and co-opted members do not receive any remuneration for their services. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out the role will be reimbursed in accordance with the trustees’ expenses policy.

· You must be 18 years old or over

· This role will require the following pre-engagement checks: an enhanced DBS check and two references

Sherborne Museum is looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to join us as Front of House Team Co-Ordinator. This key role supports our valued team of volunteer stewards and helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for our visitors. The main responsibility is to manage the monthly stewarding rota — keeping it up to date and arranging cover when needed. You’ll also support the curator with the recruitment, induction and training of new volunteers, and act as a point of contact for existing stewards, helping to flag any issues or concerns.

The role would suit someone who is empathetic, computer literate, and confident working with people. If you’re passionate about local heritage and looking for a flexible way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

Join our Board and help make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives.

Who we are

At Myeloma UK, we are making it possible to live longer and better lives with myeloma. Through research and treatments, we find new ways to a cure. As the only UK charity focused exclusively on myeloma and related conditions, we have transformed treatment and care over the past 27 years, helping to quadruple life expectancy for many patients. But we need to go further, faster – because people with myeloma can’t wait. We are uniquely placed as an organisation to improve the lives of people affected by myeloma by investing in innovative, life-changing research, advocating for patients to get access to new treatments on the NHS, and providing free information and support services to patients and their families.

About the role

As Treasurer, you’ll play a crucial role in leading Myeloma UK into the next stage of our development, providing strategic financial leadership during an exciting period of growth and change.

You’ll lead the Board’s duty to ensure financial resources are controlled, invested and economically spent while advising on the financial and risk management implications of our strategic plans.

Working closely with our Chair, Board and executive team, you’ll take an active role in our governance structure, including chairing the Finance and Audit Committee. You’ll build an effective relationship with our CEO and Director of Finance, providing both challenge and support as we pursue our ambitious goals.

Who we are looking for

Ideally, you will bring substantial experience in commercial and financial management at a senior, strategic level, either as a finance professional or a senior business leader with financial expertise. You’ll have experience chairing meetings and an excellent understanding of best practices in governance. Your personal and professional credibility will command confidence with the Board and stakeholders.

We’re looking for a clear and independent thinker with sound judgment and an appropriate approach to risk. Your excellent influencing and negotiation skills will be complemented by your solution-focused mindset and ability to see the big picture while remaining pragmatic. As an intellectually curious individual, you’ll be comfortable navigating complexity while building strong relationships through your high emotional and cultural intelligence.

Experience of serving on the executive leadership team of a growing organisation would be valuable, as would prior experience as a charity trustee. An appreciation of the wider health, social and political landscape, along with knowledge of charity fundraising practices, would be advantageous. There is no requirement to have a connection to Myeloma.

Most importantly, you’ll be collaborative and highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing different perspectives. You’ll know when to challenge constructively, when to hold back, and when to support while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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 on Monday, 16th February.

The role

Are you passionate about the work of Methodist schools and a strong advocate for them?

We are seeking an inspiring Chair for the Methodist Schools Committee, someone who can offer strategic direction, nurture relationships, and support the Methodist schools at a pivotal time. 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Is a member of the Methodist Church in Britain.

· Has a strong understanding of, and the ability to articulate and communicate, a Methodist vision and ethos for education.

· Has a strong grasp of the range of Methodist schools and their role within the life of The Methodist Church.

· Has proven ability to offer effective strategic direction and oversight, balancing support and constructive challenge

· Is relational and collaborative, with an ability to bring different stakeholders together to work in a common cause;

This post carries an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a Christian (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010).

Duration

An initial three‑year term, with the possibility of extension for another term, up to six years in total.

Time Commitment

Normally four MSC meetings per year, with occasional attendance at Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) committee meetings and the Connexional Council.

The Chair typically liaises with the Director of Methodist State Schools, members of the Senior Management Group of the Connexional Team, Trustees, and key partners.

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 16 February 2026

Shortlisting date (updated): 26 February 2026

Interview date (updated): 13 March 2026 (in person interview)

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

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 Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.

Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities

· Welcoming young people to the session;

· Helping young people to register for sessions;

· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;

· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

Essential

· To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;

· Currently resident in the UK;

- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

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

- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

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 award-winning 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 volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

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

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

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

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

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

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

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

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; 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 is 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 start of role 

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

Desirable: 

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

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; 

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

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

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 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. 

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As a Trustee at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board and CEO to drive our new strategy forward, finding opportunities to expand our income generating activity and building our capacity to deliver a range of quality services to everyone who needs our help. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation, as we look to begin implementing a new strategy. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. We welcome applications from all who resonate with our organisational values and objectives, and specifically from those with skills or experience in fundraising and income generation, and charity governance and risk management. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to the Treasurer role, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position.

Every day, disabled people who rely on highly trained assistance dogs face unnecessary barriers. From being refused entry to shops and restaurants, to navigating confusing legal protections. These challenges persist despite the vital role assistance dogs play in giving people greater independence, confidence, and opportunity.  Outdated legislation and a lack of clarity around rights and responsibilities mean progress is slow. Change is urgently needed.

That’s where you come in. We are working in partnership with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), the umbrella body of 14 accredited assistance dog charities in the UK, to secure expert voices to help shape the future of access and protection for assistance dog partnerships. By joining, you will contribute to a vision of a society where disabled people face no barriers, where legislation is clear and enforceable, and where high standards safeguard both people and dogs.

What we’re looking for
You will bring credibility, relevant skills and knowledge, and a commitment to integrity, openness, and collaboration. You will be confident in influencing, communicating clearly, and making an active contribution. The ability to draw on your networks to support the panel’s work is also valuable.

To achieve this, ADUK is seeking an expert voice in the disability space with some or all of the following experience and knowledge:

• Lobbying and changemaking
• Advocacy
• Rights and access

Panel members are expected to:

• Demonstrate high levels of personal credibility, bringing relevant experience, skills and knowledge.
• Conduct themselves with integrity, objectivity, openness, and honesty.
• Demonstrate their capability to be personally effective, with excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence, and actively contribute.
• Harness relevant networks as required.

Training will be provided on assistance dog standards and/or ADUK policy context. The panel member will join a newly formed Advisory Panel, which draws expert voices from legal, strategic communications, animal welfare and policy.

About ADUK
ADUK work to the highest international standards of assistance dog training and welfare, uniting their member organisations, and systematically changing minds - from policymakers to service providers, through to sector professionals and the general public, using evidence-based advocacy and education to further their objectives. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment. Expressions of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds who reflect our diverse society.

Closing date: Monday 23 February 2026
Charisma vetting interviews will need to be completed by lunchtime on Friday 27 February in preparation for shortlist submission by EOD.
Interviews with ADUK are expected to take place in early March.