Communications volunteer roles

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

You can support Cats Protection from anywhere in Sussex: including Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Hastings, Chichester, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Lewes, Littlehampton, Worthing, Bogor Regis and Bexhill-on-Sea.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising volunteer in Cannock (Staffordshire)

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

Trainee Research and Development Officer

Are you interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Are you keen to work in the NGO/international development sector?

Do you need some practical experience in the field?

Look no further, as McAndrew Leadership is launching a fresh appeal for new research and development interns!

Come and join us for a 3-6 month internship to conduct exciting local and international development research, help design international development projects, receive training and practical experience in grant writing and other key skills, and much more!

Interested? Read on and apply!

McAndrew Leadership is looking to hire Programmes Research and Development interns to assist staff in the following areas of focus:

• Proposal Writing.

• Donor Mapping.

• Project Research.

• Organisational, Strategy and Partnership Development.

Location: Southgate

Length of Internship: Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 3 months for their internship. After 3 months, depending on performance, interns will be offered the opportunity to continue their internship on an allowance basis.

Hours of work: Interns are asked to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week. However this is flexible and we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements.

Salary: Unpaid - however upon the completion of the internship training period, paid internships will be made available if resources are available.

This is offered as a hybrid internship position. Days you are requested in office, travel allowances will be offered.

Job description

McAndrew Leadership is a UK-based consultancy that delivers services and training to international development charities, private sector organisations, individuals and others, to enable them to drive their development practices and unleash their potential. We train, mentor and empower current and future leaders, their teams and their organisations, to build the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their capacities and expand their prospects. 

For those new to the sector of international development, McAndrew Leadership is the ideal place to apply their knowledge gained from university into real-life scenarios, to deliver positive change.

This role is ideal for any individual who wants to gain invaluable experience working in the international development sector. Interns are an invaluable part of our team and will play an active role in producing proposals for development projects, conducting in-depth research on development issues, developing training sessions and much more, while making sure that client needs are met as part of their day-to-day tasks. Being exposed to multiple different organisations - each with their own unique characteristics - will give the applicant a wide range of different experiences during their internship.

Research will be focused on sourcing key data and information on international development issues, best practices and practical frameworks for NGOs operating internationally. The successful individual will play a vital role in gathering the knowledge required to achieve client organisations’ strategic objectives and priorities. They will also help to enhance the presence of our consultancy services online through social media, blog posts and website content development. 

The main tasks in the role will include the following:

1.     Conduct background research on key international development issues in relation to clients' projects.

2.     Research funding opportunities that align with the interests of McAndrew’s clients and focus areas.

3.     Designing projects for multiple initiatives with different organizations that have a UK and international focus.

4.     Writing tailored proposals and grant applications on behalf of clients, to provide them with vital funding.

5.     Deliver work to support the growth and development of our clients' membership bodies, most notably the Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC). 

6.     Research innovative programmes to support clients' work to tackle development issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

7.      Assist in promoting McAndrew's online presence through social media, blog posts and our website. 

8.      Supporting the team in creative brainstorms and other tasks.

9.      Other task as required by the line manager.

10.   Attending in-house and external training workshops.

Essential Skills:

1.     Qualified to a degree level, preferably in International Development or a related field.

2.     Fluent in English.

3.     Strong written communication skills.

4.     Strong knowledge and understanding and/or previous experience in international development and humanitarian emergencies.

5.     Driven, motivated and meticulous attention to detail.

6.     Strong sense of initiative, proactive thinking and ability to work under pressure.

7.     High energy with a friendly personality.

8.     Display initiative and responsibility, with a keen willingness to learn and develop.

9.     Ability to create and innovate.

10.   Ability to work well on own initiative.

11.    Adept at using Microsoft Office.

Desirable skills:

1.     Previous experience of working with NGOs/international development agencies.

2.     Knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset due to ongoing cooperation with Arabic-speaking partners.

3.     Knowledge and understanding of current international development issues and events.

Fundraising Volunteer

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. We are looking for an individual who embodies the spirit of CAG and continually keeps the integrity and goals of the organisation at the forefront of every decision that they make as part of their role.  Because we work in a self-funded way, we need new resources to keep our organisation alive and to be able to offer a wide range of outdoor activities to our members.

We are looking for a remote based or local volunteer who ideally has experience in grant / bid writing and / or experience of working with young people.  This is a very flexible role which can be carried out at home and in your free time.

Description

Responsibilities:

• Communicating and building relationships with current and potential donors.

• Organise established fundraising activities, such as our legendary CAG car wash. 

• Develop new and imaginative fundraising activities, many of which involve organising events to raise awareness of the charity and its activities e.g. giving talks to groups or seeking photo opportunities with the media. 

• Develop and coordinate web-based fundraising, online auctions and merchandise sales. 

• Manage all aspects of grant bids: research potential donors, establish requirements of the grant, create a bid (in conjunction with other CAG staff) that meets the terms and conditions of the grant, submit bid and implement successful bids, report progress where required back to grant givers.

• Oversee corporate fundraising, including employee giving and matched giving from employers. 

• Manage and update databases to record donor contact and preference information. 

• Write applications and mail-shots, using direct mailing to reach a range of potential and current donors. 

• Researching and contacting new sources of funding.

• Drafting proposals for projects, activities and equipment.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• The ability to build and maintain relationships. 

• Creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising. 

• A proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. 

• The ability to influence others using excellent communication skills. 

• The capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• The ability to meet financial targets. 

• Good organisational and project management skills. 

• The ability to motivate others and work as part of a team. 

• Resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks. 

• Sensitivity to the needs of volunteers and donors. 

• A willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks. 

• Strategic vision and an ability to think creatively.

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG remains healthy and sustainable and able to navigate changing times and economic climates.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will work from home will be required to attend meetings within the Solihull area.

Travel Limit

This role is partly remote but ideally the candidate should be available for face to face Committee and other meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible to suit you.

• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.

• Occasional weekends to attend events.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 3 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre is looking for a experienced and enthusiastic physically fit gardener to join our small team of volunteer gardeners on Wednesday mornings. The role will help to develop and maintain our existing garden space to ensure it remains a safe, calm, sensory place for our clients to relax in.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What you can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.

The difference you’ll make

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.

What you can expect from us

• A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
• Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
• Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
• Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
• Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection

Time commitment

This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.

You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for

We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.

Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

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 Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading 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 reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

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 the Reading Group sessions; 

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

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• 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; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

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

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• 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 

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

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

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

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

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

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

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. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Social Interest Group in their search to appoint a new Treasurer. 

This is a chance to support a values-led organisation delivering specialist services across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent, as well as in prisons in London and Liverpool.

About Social Interest Group 

Social Interest Group (SIG) is a leading UK charity providing bespoke person-centred health and social care services. They empower people by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement. The believe good care, support and well-planned services make a difference and improve lives.

Working through six subsidiaries—SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence, and SIG Safe Ground – SIG provides tailored support to people facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use, and criminal justice involvement. SIG provides thousands of people with support and care in temporary supported accommodation, drop-in centres, community floating support, criminal justice settings and hospitals awaiting discharge.

Their mission is to bridge gaps in local health and social care, helping people move out of hospital, prison, and homelessness into safer, more stable lives.

The Trustee Board is central to ensuring governance, strategic oversight and ethical leadership across the organisation. They work collectively to shape the long-term strategy, oversee organisational performance, manage risk, and ensure SIG operates with integrity, transparency, and in the best interest of beneficiaries to achieve our organisational objectives, utilising the funds entrusted to us for long-term sustainability.

About the Treasurer opportunity:

SIG is seeking a new Treasurer to join their Board of Trustees to manage the financial health of the organisation, ensuring compliance, and support strategic decision making.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensure organisational financial viability
• Work with Chief Executive and Finance Officer to achieve the financial sustainability of the organisation
• Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, and financial statements
• Oversee the integrity of financial planning, management, and reporting, ensuring effective use of resources and organisational sustainability
• Ensure robust internal controls, audit processes, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place
• Provide governance, support and oversight in line with Charity Commission expectations, statutory responsibilities and legal obligations

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant or similar including ACT, ACCA, CIMA, CertT or ACA
• Experience in governance, senior leadership or strategic advisory roles
• Experience interpreting risk, performance and financial information
• Experience presenting complex information to non-specialists

The role involves:

• Four board meetings per year (online and in-person)
• Additional input into planning and specialist areas
• Approx. 4 hours per month