Community volunteer roles

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an important time for Asylum Aid as we continue to strengthen our impact and support survivors, asylum seekers and refugees. Our work is more crucial than ever as we advocate for people seeking protection within an increasingly challenging and evolving global landscape.

We are looking to recruit a Trustee to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the charity’s financial affairs and fundraising activities. This is a key role within the Board of Trustees, helping to ensure that Asylum Aid remains financially sustainable, well governed and equipped to deliver its charitable objectives.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and Governance, Group Director of Fundraising and the wider Board, the Trustee will provide expert advice and support on financial strategy, budgeting, risk and reserves management, audit and financial governance.

Full details are available in the Recruitment Pack.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for the role of Trustee, please submit your CV and a short statement.

Your statement should then address the following three questions:
1.What is the main thing that interests you about applying for the role of Trustee at Asylum Aid?
2.What is the particular skill (or skills) you have that you feel would be beneficial to this role? Please relate your answers to (1) and (2) to the information in this pack about Asylum Aid and the skills we are looking for.
3.Do you have any previous experience of working with a charity board in particular or supporting a charity in general? If you do, please let us know what this was.

The questions can be responded to in one of four different ways:
1.Written A4 (No more than 2 sides of A4)
2.PowerPoint (No more than 3 slides)
3.Audio recording (No more than 5 mins)
4.Video Recording (No more than 5 mins)

If you would like to submit your application using these methods, please email us.. 

Otherwise, please submit your application via the website along with your CV and statement by 10am on Monday 14th September. 

If you would like to get more information about the role - or talk to the Chair of Trustees at 
Asylum Aid, Elizabeth Mottershaw - before you express an interest in our trustee position
please contact Hannah Padfield, Director of People (details on the website).

TIMELINE

Closing date: 10am on Monday 14th September 
Preliminary interviews (online): Monday 21st September 
Final panel interviews (in person): Friday 9th October

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources at their website.

Mulberry Cancer Support is looking for a voluntere to cary out some basic regular cleaning tasks once a month.

• To undertake light cleaning duties such as cleaning window blinds, cleaning windows, wiping windowsills, sweeping the front entrance, and other light general cleaning and tidying.
• To work to a high standard to ensure that to we provide a clean, welcoming environment for everyone who visits and uses our Centre.
• Previous cleaning experience, either professionally paid, as a volunteer, or as a general life skill.
• Reasonably physically fit and able to take pride in your work.
• Friendly and professional manner, with a positive, organised and flexible approach to work.
• Able to take direction, but also able to make relevant suggestions.

At Women for Refugee Women, we support refugee and asylum-seeking women who have fled persecution to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

We have an overarching vision that women who come to the UK in search of safety experience a fair and compassionate asylum system and are supported to feel free, welcome and able to rebuild their lives. We currently work in three main areas:  

Power: To support women who have sought asylum to reclaim their power through opportunities to develop new and existing skills, access information and advice, and build confidence and connections. 

Influence: To amplify the voices of women who have sought asylum to wide audiences through research, events, creative projects, the arts, social media, print and digital media and other means of communication. 

Change: To support women who have sought asylum to influence public perceptions of refugees, and to challenge and change the UK’s asylum system so that it is fair and supportive. 

Role Description 

Time commitment 

• 2-hour quarterly Board meetings - plus pre-reading of Board papers.

• Annual strategy planning meeting (full day).

• 1.5-hour quarterly Finance & HR Committee meetings - plus pre-reading of papers 

• Ad hoc events (including launches, networking events). 

• Periodic support where needed (such as interviewing for senior candidates, offering advice to staff, etc.) 

Term 

An initial term of 3 years, renewable once up to a maximum of 6 years. 

Salary 

Trustee roles are voluntary. They are unpaid, though expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed.

Role Purpose 

• To support Women for Refugee Women in delivering its vision, mission and values, ensuring strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability 

• To ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities in relation to financial oversight and governance 

• To provide strategic financial insight to support long-term planning and decision-making 

• To contribute financial and fundraising expertise to Board discussions and decision-making 

• To act as an ambassador for the charity 

Responsibilities 

• Ensure WRW operates in line with its governing document and all relevant legal and regulatory requirements 

• Fulfil the responsibilities of a trustee and company director, acting at all times in the best interests of the organisation 

• Contribute to the Board’s role in setting strategic direction, priorities and goals, and reviewing organisational performance 

• Work collaboratively with trustees and Co-Directors to support and guide the organisation’s work 

• Play an active role in Board and Finance & HR Committee discussions, bringing financial and fundraising expertise to support informed decision-making 

• Support strong financial oversight, ensuring the organisation’s sustainability and responsible stewardship of its resources 

• Work closely with the Co-Directors and relevant staff to review budgets, management accounts and financial forecasts, offering appropriate support and challenge 

• Help ensure strong and proportionate financial controls, systems and processes are in place and operating effectively 

• Support the Board in overseeing financial risk, reserves and long-term sustainability 

• Contribute insight into and, where appropriate, support the development of fundraising strategy and income generation 

• Support building financial understanding and confidence across the Board 

• Safeguard WRW’s values, reputation and commitment to the women it works alongside 

• Contribute to wider Board responsibilities, including subcommittees, recruitment and ambassadorial support ​

Person Specification 

Personal Qualities 

• Personal integrity and sound judgement 

• Commitment to WRW’s vision, mission and values, and to the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking women 

• A thoughtful and analytical approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage with complex information 

• Collaborative approach, with the confidence to contribute, ask questions and offer constructive challenge 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and respectful relationships 

Knowledge and Skills 

• Strong understanding of charity finance and financial oversight (gained through senior professional experience or equivalent) 

• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences 

• Understanding of fundraising and income generation, ideally with an appreciation of ethical and values-led approaches 

• Awareness of financial sustainability, risk and funding landscapes 

• Understanding of investment principles and oversight (including endowments or reserves), or willingness to engage with this area 

• Understanding of governance and the respective roles of trustees and senior staff 

• Awareness of data, digital and cybersecurity risks, and the role of trustees in supporting effective oversight (desirable) 

Experience 

• A background in financial planning, budgeting or oversight 

• Familiarity with financial governance, controls and reporting 

• Experience contributing to fundraising strategy or income generation 

• Experience of working with finance teams, staff or committees 

• A track record of working collaboratively to achieve shared goals 

• Sound judgement and the ability to make balanced, well-informed decisions 

• Lived experience of seeking asylum (desirable) 

Application Process 

We welcome applications from individuals who are excited by our work and feel they can contribute meaningfully to the Board. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement (maximum 2 pages), via CharityJob, outlining:

• Which role you are applying for

• Why you are interested in joining WRW 

• What you would bring to the role, including any specific skills, experience or perspectives 

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Program Manager

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. Our raison d’etre is to engage young people in outdoor activities by providing them with opportunities to go on night walks, build fires, cook on fires, try out some bush craft, go on bike rides, try indoor climbing, have a go at scuba diving in swimming pools, play team building games, enter cake competitions, attempt bushtucker trials, put up tents, learn navigation skills, keep fit by doing bleep tests, go karting, have a crack at skiing at Ackers Trust or on a ski slope in the Alps, eat curry at Christmas and much more.

Description

You will play an important role in putting together our termly program for our Tuesday meeting nights. There’s a lot involved in putting the program together and ensuring that all our members get the chance to join in these amazing experiences.  You will work in conjunction with the Group Leader to decide which activities to do and when and you will also have to coordinate with our team of volunteer leaders to ensure that there are enough staff available each week to run the program.

The key tasks of the role are to:

• Plan the weekly activities for each term in coordination with the budget and operational members.

• Schedule the activities at the clubhouse and nightly trips / events.

• Provide any materials etc required to carry out the planned activity.

• Book the event / location / trainer etc and organise transport.

• Produce a term summary including parent rotas to be sent out.

• Follow up with parents  / Leaders to ensure actions have been taken to meet activities planned.

• Troubleshoot any issues on the night if necessary.

• Ensure that there are enough staff available to run the program and arrange cover if necessary.

Ideally you should have / be:

• Ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively.

• Creativity and an eye for detail.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Risk management.

• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Cost control and budgeting skills.

• Teamwork and motivational skills.

• Organisational and multitasking skills.

• Office software proficient.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• 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, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will help make Tuesday meeting nights run smoothly by ensuring that the Leaders are free to focus their attention on the members having a great experience.  By producing a termly program this will enable parents to add the weekly activities to their diaries in good time and Volunteer Leaders to plan ahead and check out their availability.  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.

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.  You will also have some fun, support a good cause and gain new skills and experiences. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do most of the work remotely but may need to attend some Tuesday evening meetings to coordinate with our team of Volunteer Leaders.

Travel Limit

• Mostly remote work but some travel to Solihull will be necessary for Committee meetings and occasional Tuesday club nights.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible so during office hours if necessary for certain events but evenings if preferred.

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

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.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers

Our values:

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

AD – USE PDF COPY

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

Role Profile

Located at

Shop Based

Department

Mind Retail 

Hours

Flexible – we value any time that you can give us, this can be a few hours, half days or full days. It’s important that within the time you give us, that you can meet all of the responsibilities of the role, outlined in the role profile.

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

About the role

Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops. Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do.

Key tasks

Our Lead Volunteers are responsible for all of the following tasks:

· Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop management team’s absence, which could include but not limited to:

o Setting up the till and cashing up at the end of the day

o Conducting a shop floor walk

o Conducting health & safety compliance checks, such as inputting information into our H&S system

o Checking shop emails and cascading key messages to the team

o Securing the shop

o Making sure housekeeping and cleaning is completed

· Works with the shop management team to meet sales targets and supports with ensuring that the volunteer team understand and are working to meet and exceed the agreed targets.

· Supports with ensuring the optimum price point for all stock items and promotional merchandise for seasoned and windowed themes, following the principles outlined in Mind Retail’s Pricing Guide

· Follows all company policies, shop standards and operating procedures and supports with the communication of these to other shop volunteers.

· Supports with the preparation and completion of shop administration inclusive of cash handling and banking functions to the highest standard, accurately and on time, always adhering to Company Policies and Procedures.

· Performs management till functions such as refunds.

· Provides direction and support to shop volunteers, following instructions from the shop management team.

· Supports with ensuring all Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to in order to provide a safe and secure shop environment for our customers and colleagues.

· May support the shop management team with the recruitment of shop volunteers, planning volunteer cover and training.

Like our other volunteers, Lead Volunteers also support with the below key tasks:

· Supports with the presentation and maintenance of the highest standards of shop merchandising and visual layout.

· Supports with ensuring maximum stock availability through effective stock control and shop replenishment, adhering to Mind Retail’s merchandising guidelines.

· Actively promotes Gift Aid to maximise contributions from donations.

· Supports with the rotation, quality and replenishment of stock in order to maximise sales.

· Answering the shop telephone and taking messages from customers and our internal teams

· Ensures excellent shop standards at the end of the trading day and following closedown procedures

What you’ll gain from being a Lead Volunteer

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

· Shop management and retail management experience

· Key holder experience

· Opportunity to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

About you

· Commitment to our values & behaviours

· Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets

· Flexible and adaptable approach

· Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative

· Able to build good working relationships

· Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures

· Willingness to learn

· Good customer service skills

· Good communication skills

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

AD – USE PDF COPY

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

Role Profile

Located at

Shop Based

Department

Mind Retail 

Hours

Flexible – we value any time that you can give us, this can be a few hours, half days or full days. It’s important that within the time you give us, that you can meet all of the responsibilities of the role, outlined in the role profile.

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

About the role

Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops. Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do.

Key tasks

Our Lead Volunteers are responsible for all of the following tasks:

· Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop management team’s absence, which could include but not limited to:

o Setting up the till and cashing up at the end of the day

o Conducting a shop floor walk

o Conducting health & safety compliance checks, such as inputting information into our H&S system

o Checking shop emails and cascading key messages to the team

o Securing the shop

o Making sure housekeeping and cleaning is completed

· Works with the shop management team to meet sales targets and supports with ensuring that the volunteer team understand and are working to meet and exceed the agreed targets.

· Supports with ensuring the optimum price point for all stock items and promotional merchandise for seasoned and windowed themes, following the principles outlined in Mind Retail’s Pricing Guide

· Follows all company policies, shop standards and operating procedures and supports with the communication of these to other shop volunteers.

· Supports with the preparation and completion of shop administration inclusive of cash handling and banking functions to the highest standard, accurately and on time, always adhering to Company Policies and Procedures.

· Performs management till functions such as refunds.

· Provides direction and support to shop volunteers, following instructions from the shop management team.

· Supports with ensuring all Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to in order to provide a safe and secure shop environment for our customers and colleagues.

· May support the shop management team with the recruitment of shop volunteers, planning volunteer cover and training.

Like our other volunteers, Lead Volunteers also support with the below key tasks:

· Supports with the presentation and maintenance of the highest standards of shop merchandising and visual layout.

· Supports with ensuring maximum stock availability through effective stock control and shop replenishment, adhering to Mind Retail’s merchandising guidelines.

· Actively promotes Gift Aid to maximise contributions from donations.

· Supports with the rotation, quality and replenishment of stock in order to maximise sales.

· Answering the shop telephone and taking messages from customers and our internal teams

· Ensures excellent shop standards at the end of the trading day and following closedown procedures

What you’ll gain from being a Lead Volunteer

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

· Shop management and retail management experience

· Key holder experience

· Opportunity to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

About you

· Commitment to our values & behaviours

· Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets

· Flexible and adaptable approach

· Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative

· Able to build good working relationships

· Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures

· Willingness to learn

· Good customer service skills

· Good communication skills

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Coordinator role

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them. The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having. Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible. You decide how much time you have to offer, and this will determine the number of reading pairs you look after. The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Coordinator Handbook, training, induction, policies, resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Coordinator Supporter will meet with you regularly to provide support and find out how your Reading Pairs are getting on. You will be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and National Conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided.

● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online).

● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion.

● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks.)

● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely.

● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment egularly.

The skills you will need:

● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals;

● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others;

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills;

● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach;

● Reasonable confidence in using IT(accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings);

● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team;

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team;

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included;

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role.

What's in it for you? You will:

● receive outstanding Reading Coach Training;

● meet and work collaboratively with new people, and

● be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole Witnessing these transformations are one of your greatest rewards as Coordinator.

Interested?

If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, often described as ‘the best role in Read Easy’ because it is so rewarding, please contact the person who sent you this role description.

Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references. This role also requires an Enhanced without barring DBS Check (in line with DBS Code of Practice)

Cystar

We empower people with PCOS through a personalized digital platform for education, care, and community.

We’re looking for an experienced and results-driven Digital Ad Campaign Manager to help grow the Cystar app through strategic digital advertising.

As an early-stage FemTech startup, we’re looking for someone with at least 2–3 years of hands-on experience managing digital advertising campaigns who can help us reach more people living with PMOS (Previously PCOS). You’ll work closely with the Founder to plan, launch, optimise, and measure advertising campaigns across Meta (Facebook & Instagram), Google Ads, TikTok, and other digital platforms.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys creating high-performing campaigns, analysing results, and helping a mission-driven startup scale its impact.

🚀 What You’ll Do

📢 Digital Advertising

• Plan, create, and manage advertising campaigns to promote the Cystar app across Meta, Google Ads, TikTok, and other digital platforms
• Develop app install, awareness, lead generation, and conversion campaigns
• Research and define audience targeting strategies to maximise campaign performance
• Monitor campaign budgets and recommend how advertising spend should be allocated across platforms

🎯 Campaign Optimisation

• Monitor and optimise campaigns to improve performance and reduce acquisition costs
• Conduct A/B testing on creatives, audiences, messaging, and landing pages
• Identify opportunities to improve campaign efficiency and maximise return on investment
• Recommend new advertising strategies based on campaign insights and industry trends

🎨 Creative Collaboration

• Work closely with the Social Media Content Creator and Social Media Graphic Designer to develop engaging advertising creatives
• Help write compelling ad copy and calls to action
• Ensure advertising assets align with campaign objectives and the Cystar brand

📊 Analytics & Reporting

• Track and report on key campaign metrics, including:
  • App downloads
  • Click-through rate (CTR)
  • Cost per click (CPC)
  • Cost per install (CPI)
  • Cost per acquisition (CPA)
  • Conversion rate
  • Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), where applicable
• Produce regular reports with recommendations to improve future campaigns
• Work with the Product Analytics & Growth Assistant to understand the quality and retention of acquired users

🤝 Collaboration

• Work closely with the Founder to plan and execute advertising campaigns aligned with Cystar’s growth goals
• Collaborate with the Growth Funnel & Automation Assistant to optimise the customer journey after users click an advert
• Support app launches, awareness campaigns, and product initiatives through digital advertising

🌿 We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Has 2–3 years of experience in digital marketing, digital advertising, app marketing, or performance marketing
• Has hands-on experience creating and managing advertising campaigns across Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, and/or TikTok Ads
• Understands audience targeting, campaign optimisation, and A/B testing
• Is confident analysing campaign performance and making data-driven recommendations
• Has experience tracking metrics such as CTR, CPC, CPA, CPI, conversion rates, and ROAS
• Is organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Has excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Has an interest in digital health, startups, or women’s health

⏱️ Time Commitment

Flexible (around 5–8 hours per week). We’ll work around your availability.

✨ Why Volunteer With Us?

• Gain hands-on experience leading digital advertising campaigns for an early-stage health-tech startup
• Build your portfolio with real campaigns across Meta, Google, and TikTok
• Work directly with the Founder on user acquisition and growth strategy
• Develop practical skills in campaign optimisation, analytics, and growth marketing
• Help more people living with PCOS discover and benefit from Cystar

💛 If you’re passionate about digital advertising and want to use your skills to help grow a purpose-driven health-tech startup, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in helping more people discover Cystar and access better support for managing PCOS.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Volunteer Animal Fosterer - RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Could you open your home to an animal who needs a little extra time, care and love?

Not every animal is ready to go straight into their forever home. Some need somewhere quiet and comfortable while they recover from illness or treatment. Others need time to grow in confidence, experience life in a home environment or simply have someone give them the attention and reassurance they need.

That's where our fosterers come in.

By opening your home temporarily to a cat, rabbit, guinea pig or another small animal, you can give them something incredibly valuable - a safe place to settle, recover and be themselves while we find their forever home. You could be the person who helps a nervous cat discover that people can be trusted, gives a rabbit the chance to experience life in a loving home, or helps us understand exactly what an animal needs from their future family. And when the time comes for them to move on, you'll know that you played an important part in getting them there.

You won't be doing it alone Our fosterers are part of our wider animal welfare team. We'll get to know you, your home and your experience, and we'll support you throughout the placement.

We'll provide:

• Fostering training and an induction.

• Food and equipment needed for your foster animal.

• Veterinary care.

• Ongoing advice and support from our animal welfare team.

• Reimbursement of other expenses agreed with us in advance.

You'll always be able to talk to someone if you have a question or are unsure about something.

What does fostering involve?

Every foster animal is different, so no two placements will be exactly the same. Depending on the animal, you might:

• Give them a safe, comfortable and appropriate space in your home.

• Provide food, fresh water and grooming as needed.

• Spend time helping them feel safe, settled and comfortable.

• Give them plenty of appropriate play, enrichment and, when they're ready, affection and cuddles.

• Keep an eye on their behaviour and wellbeing and let our team know how they're getting on.

• Give medication or support rehabilitation where needed.

• Take them to routine or emergency veterinary appointments.

• Tell us about their personality, likes, dislikes and the progress they're making.

• Help us find the right forever home by sharing what you've learnt about them.

You don't need to be an animal behaviour expert. What matters most is patience, commitment and a willingness to learn.

Could you be a fosterer?

Fostering could be a great fit if:

• You're aged 18 or over and have good experience of caring for animals.

• Everyone in your household is happy to welcome a foster animal into your home.

• You have enough time to give an animal the care and attention they need.

• You're patient and able to adapt if their needs change.

• You live within the area covered by our Branch, as shown on the accompanying map.

• You're able to collect supplies from our offices.

• You can transport your foster animal to veterinary appointments, including urgent appointments if needed.

• Any animals already living in your home have been spayed or neutered. If this isn't possible for medical reasons, please talk to us - we can discuss your circumstances.

You don't need previous fostering experience. If you have the right experience with animals and are willing to learn, we'll provide the training and support you need.

What will you get from fostering?

Fostering can be incredibly rewarding.

You'll:

• Make a direct difference to an animal who needs your help.

• Give an animal the chance to feel safe and relaxed in a home environment.

• Help an animal recover, build confidence or prepare for adoption.

• Get to know an animal's individual personality and help us find the right forever home for them.

• Develop your animal-care knowledge and practical skills.

• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.

• Become part of our community of staff and volunteers.

• Gain valuable volunteering experience.

And, of course, you'll get to enjoy the company of your foster animal - without making the lifelong commitment that comes with adoption.

Finding the right foster animal for you

We don't expect you to foster every animal who needs a home.

Every animal is different, and we'll take the time to understand your home, your experience, your availability and the types of animals you're comfortable caring for. We'll then look for a foster placement that's a good match for both you and the animal. You'll have the opportunity to talk to us about each potential placement before you agree to take an animal. If a particular animal isn't right for you, that's absolutely fine. We want fostering to work well for everyone.

Could you give an animal a temporary home? If you've ever thought about helping an animal but adoption isn't right for you, fostering could be the perfect way to make a difference. You could give an animal the time, patience and care they need today - and help them take their next step towards a happy life in their forever home.

We'd love to hear from you.

All our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and an initial trial period. We'll ask you to provide details of two referees. Depending on the role and the animals you foster, you may also need to complete specific training and sign a volunteer agreement before you begin.

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Head of Bids and tenders to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender submissions.  Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Bids to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

Key Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Overall responsibility for delivering high-quality, accurate, compliant and commercially sound proposals on time, to budget, with inputs from key stakeholders.
• Responsible for the coordination and management of all Bid activities, for ensuring that Bid Plans are put in place and that all internal inputs are received promptly to meet Bid submission timescales.
• Responsible for the receipt, management, control and coordination of all external and internal information and documentation with respect to the enquiry and for the team acting as custodian for Bid documents, including all approved internal documentation signed by the Organisation.
• Responsible for compliance with all internal Bid policies and procedures and for passing internal and external audits.
• Contribute to the overall Bid strategy alongside other stakeholders.
• Responsible for the overall leadership of the team and ensuring that individuals within the team are given appropriate opportunities to grow and develop, and that the team maximises performance by creating and fostering a positive, can-do attitude and outlook on an ongoing basis.
• Responsibility to ensure that improvements are identified and those agreed upon are implemented continuously to support the growth and development of the team and those within it.
• There is a need to keep good records and to create and measure metrics on bidding performance to both review performance and drive continuous improvement in a key area of the business.
• Responsible for mentoring and training Bid Managers and Bid Writers to ensure they are up to date with bid requirements and improve their competence.

What are we looking for?

Education, Skills and Experience: Requirements

Essential:

• At least three years of experience in successfully leading teams within a bid environment.
• Proven track record of improvement and achievement - processes and people
• Keen understanding of numbers, spreadsheets, VOP/invoices, rates, cash flow, milestones, negotiations, and pricing audits.
• Ability to write strong proposals and experience as an estimator
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal) with local and international customers, and with an appreciation of cultural differences
• Ability to persuade and influence others
• Ability to lead team by example, with the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Strong business/commercial acumen
• Keen attention to detail
• Commercially sound judgement
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong financial skills

Desirable:

• Leadership qualification (CMI or ILM)
• Experience with an integrated project management / ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• Experience in bidding roles in the Medical, Biochemistry, Biomedical, Public Services, Global Health, Humanitarian, NGOs, Public Health and Social Care industry
• MBA, Professional Qualification or formal leadership Qualification (CMI, ILM)

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge of bids will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex, high-stakes journey.

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free.  You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role