Community volunteer roles

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Brompton Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our South Kensington store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

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.

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and inspired to transform the lives of survivors, young people, and communities at scale? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a visionary Founding Volunteer Fundraising Director to join our founding team and help us build a community-owned, values-led ecosystem that confronts the realities of child sexual abuse (CSA), amplifies survivor truth, and generates transformative social impact. This is more than a role—it’s a chance to co-create systems, culture, and infrastructure for an organisation committed to accountability, empowerment, and collective liberation.

About the Role:

As our Founding Fundraising Director, you will be the strategic and operational engine behind all fundraising initiatives. Your work will directly fuel the organisation’s ability to reach and serve survivors, mentor young people into economic empowerment, and build sustainable, community-owned systems. You will lead campaigns, develop partnerships, and create innovative fundraising strategies that align with our anti-capitalist, community-first values. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, requiring someone who can think systemically while engaging authentically with our communities.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Competencies

• Proven experience planning, managing, and delivering successful fundraising initiatives.
• Skilled in preparing clear, persuasive proposals, applications, and reports.
• Competence in tracking, reporting, and analysing donations and fundraising performance.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, GDPR, and safeguarding principles relevant to fundraising.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and leadership teams.

Desirable Competencies

• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems.
• Experience designing and executing events and campaign strategies.
• Knowledge of corporate partnership development and grant funding strategy.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff or volunteers in fundraising.
• Ability to integrate fundraising strategy with wider organisational goals.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in fundraising, charity management, or related fields desirable but optional.
• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or resource mobilisation is acceptable.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Identify, research, and evaluate potential funding opportunities, including:

 Grant-making bodies

 Corporate partnerships

 Individual donors and community fundraising

• Prepare high-quality, persuasive funding proposals, applications, and reports that demonstrate impact and need.
• Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, donations, pledges, and communications to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets, providing regular reports and recommendations to the leadership team.
• Coordinate fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, including:

 Logistics

 Scheduling

 Volunteer and staff coordination

 Post-event reporting and follow-up

• Develop and maintain systems to track donor engagement, income, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring data is accurate and secure.
• Liaise with external partners, stakeholders, and supporters to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and identify new funding opportunities.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, safeguarding requirements, and GDPR.
• Support leadership in strategic planning and decision-making around resource mobilisation.
• Contribute to building a culture of ethical fundraising, transparency, and donor stewardship.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to volunteers or junior staff involved in fundraising initiatives.

What This Role Offers You:

• The rare opportunity to shape the founding infrastructure of a pioneering C.I.C. and leave a lasting social legacy.
• Hands-on leadership experience in designing and running community-driven systems.
• Personal and professional transformation through exposure to survivor-led, values-centred work.
• A chance to meaningfully contribute to systemic change, empowering vulnerable communities and fostering accountability and truth.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely financial reward or hierarchical prestige.
• Those unwilling to work within a values-led, anti-capitalist framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or traditional corporate processes, our culture is emergent, collaborative and mission-driven.

If you are ready to step into a leadership role that blends strategy, action, and social impact, while building the systems and culture of a revolutionary survivor-led organisation, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help us transform truth into lasting change.

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Fundraising is not just income.
It is stewardship.

If you know that:

Ethical fundraising sustains communities

Pressure should never compromise values
 

Leadership means saying no when needed

About The Creighton Centre

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

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

About the role

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

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

Who we’re looking for

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

You will bring:

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

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

What's in it for you?

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

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

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Hampstead store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

This opportunity will take be across Hertfordshire, where we meet in the following locations, Hemel Hempsted, Stevenage and St Albans on a Thursday; Hertford on a Tuesday and Rickmansworth on a Wednesday, all at 8pm. The type of events we have historically covered include Stevenage Day, Herts County Day, Watford Football Club, Firework Events and we assist National and State events in London.

Whilst many of the events we cover are at the weekends we do also cover mid-week events.

This role will require an interview, we are looking to run a volunteering interviews from 16th June 2026. Details of times, venue, etc tbc.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 01/09/2026, details of times, venue, etc.
• Training for role - This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Locations and dates will be confirmed with 3 courses booked across the East Region, please note travel may be required. The earliest course will be in Norwich in July and August with further courses being planned for September/ October and October/ November

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/06/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Become a Cadet Unit Leader – Inspire. Support. Lead.
Opportunity in Basingstoke: Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leader

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real and lasting difference to young people in your community? We are currently recruiting Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leaders for our Basingstoke unit.

This is a unique opportunity to guide and inspire young people while developing your own leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Why Become a Unit Leader?

As a Unit Leader, you will play a vital part in supporting young people during some of the most important years of their development.

You will help cadets to:
• Build confidence and resilience
• Develop transferable life skills
• Feel supported by consistent, positive adult role models
• Understand and contribute to their community
• Explore future opportunities, including potential careers in policing

The role also makes a meaningful contribution to community safety by supporting engagement events, crime‑prevention activities and early‑intervention opportunities.

What the Role Involves

You will be responsible for:
• Planning and coordinating weekly cadet sessions
• Delivering an engaging, inclusive curriculum
• Organising and supporting community safety and engagement events
• Acting as the main point of contact for parents and guardians
• Promoting the cadet unit within the local area
• Managing records, budgets, and risk assessments
• Ensuring the welfare, safety, and development of all cadets and volunteers

This is a varied and rewarding role where you can genuinely shape the experiences of young people and fellow volunteers.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, prior cadet or youth‑work experience is not required. What matters most is your ability to:
• Communicate effectively
• Motivate and support young people
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and commitment
• Uphold the constabulary’s values of respect, empathy, courage, and public service

Training and Support

All volunteers receive:
• Safeguarding training
• A full induction
• Ongoing CPD and skills development (e.g., first aid, conflict management)
• Support from the wider Cadet Team and fellow leaders

Help us support young people as they grow, learn, and contribute to their communities.

As a Climate Ambassador, you would be joining thousands of volunteers supporting the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, launched in 2022.

Climate Ambassadors offer free support to nurseries, schools and colleges across England to develop and implement a climate action plan. This framework helps education settings evaluate and address key action areas – adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, climate education and green careers, and decarbonisation.

If you have: 

• A desire to create coordinated impact in your local community, while utilising your employer’s volunteering leave (where applicable); 

• Knowledge about the sustainability and climate challenges facing the world; 

• Familiarity with education settings, or the ability to inspire senior leaders, educators and young people to set out on their sustainability journey; 

• A growth and mentorship mindset to help education communities begin or progress with their climate action plan, 

… then join the growing community of Climate Ambassadors and embed climate action where it matters most! 

You will receive training, guidance and regular communications from our regional teams to make the most of the climate action opportunities on your doorstep. You can get started by volunteering just 2 hours a year. 

How can you become a Climate Ambassador? 

1. Complete an initial interest form and your regional team will be in touch to support your registration on the STEM Learning platform; 
2. Receive induction, your DBS check and your Climate Ambassador training; 
3. Identify activities you would like to support and post about them on the STEM Learning platform, or browse activities requested by your local schools! 

Your regional team will get in touch suggesting a good match to a local setting seeking support relating to your area of interest or experience. You can also upskill through the Sustainability Leadership Programme to unlock new areas of expertise. 

Please note: STEM Learning UK host Climate Ambassador profiles on their website, which requires you to register as a STEM Ambassador. Your profile will be processed as a Climate Ambassador upon selecting ‘Climate’ as your area of interest during registration.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Join us as an Emergency Responder and help provide first aid at some of Cornwall's largest events, including Royal Cornwall Show, New Years Eve in St Ives and Helston Flora Day. You'll gain accredited training, working alongside skilled clinicians to bring the highest quality of care to people in Cornwall.

We are recruiting volunteers in Truro, Camborne, Redruth, Penzance, St Ives, Falmouth, Hayle, Penryn

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 10/03/2026 details of times, location to be advised.
• Training for role - details of times, location to be advised.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10/03/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Bedfordshire is made of of 2 Networks, one based in Bedford who meet on a Monday evening and one based in Dunstable who meet on a Wednesday evening, both at 8pm.Events Bedfordshire has historically covered are Bedford River Festival, Dunstable music events, Luton Town FC, Bedford Athletic club and Bedford blues rugby.

Whilst many of the events we cover are at the weekends we do also cover mid-week events.

We are looking to run a volunteering selection and interview session in June, date and venue TBC.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - TBC
• Training for role - This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Locations and dates will be confirmed with 3 courses booked across the East Region, please note travel may be required. The earliest course will be in Norwich in July and August with further courses being planned for September/ October and October/ November.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/06/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. The beneficary enjoys playing video games, watching westerns, remote control cars and having a cuppa a chat.  They are not as agile as they once were but can go for a short walk to the cafe around the corner.   Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

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.

This Is Not a Social Media Job. It’s a Movement-Building Role. Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. exists to confront and expose the realities of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), centre survivor truth and accountability, support young people into economic empowerment, and build community-owned, open-source systems that replace silence with structure, care, and collective power. We are values-led, anti-capitalist, and community-driven. We do not exist to chase trends, inflate egos, or extract attention for profit. We exist to tell the truth, build systems that protect people, and mobilise communities at scale. The Founding Volunteer Social Media Director is a critical leadership role at the heart of this work.
 
The Purpose of This Role
The Social Media Director is responsible for shaping and leading the organisation’s entire social media vision, strategy, and execution during its foundational phase. This role exists to transform truth into reach, values into visibility, and community work into collective momentum — without diluting integrity.
You will lead the creation of a decentralised, high-volume, values-aligned content ecosystem that empowers ambassadors, volunteers, and community members to speak, share, and act with clarity and purpose.
This is about building infrastructure for voice — not chasing virality for its own sake.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience leading social media strategy, content creation or community engagement, ideally in start-up, non-profit or mission-driven contexts. 
• Set and own the CIC’s social media vision aligned to its mission, safeguarding principles and 2026 goals
• Collaborate with Fundraising, Membership, Safeguarding and Digital teams to ensure ethical, effective campaigns
• Track record of translating values, purpose or community work into compelling, authentic digital content.
• Design a scalable, decentralised content strategy across platforms
• Work with open-source digital systems to ensure efficiency and accessibility

Desirable:

• Experience building and managing multi-channel social media ecosystems or networks of contributors.
• Comfortable working in a volunteer capacity [until paid roles are introduced]
• Experience leading social media strategy, content creation, or community engagement, ideally in start-up, non-profit, or mission-driven contexts.
• Establish governance, standards, and culture from the ground up. 
• Act as a values carrier and leadership presence within the organisation
• Commitment to maintaining integrity, authenticity, and values-first communication.
• Oversee content workflows: creation → approval → storage → distribution → analysis

Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of social media platforms, trends, analytics and tools. 
• Ability to balance creative experimentation with strategic planning.
• Passion for mission-driven work and amplifying authentic community voices. 
• Familiarity with decentralised or collaborative content strategies is a plus.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Experience in planning multi-channel campaigns, content calendars and engagement strategies.
• Deeply aligned with the mission, values and anti-capitalist stance of the CIC
• Able to lead with clarity, accountability and emotional maturity
• Willingness to work in a fast-moving, foundational environment and navigate ambiguity with initiative.
• Ability to maintain consistency and authenticity in every message, interaction and campaign.
• Translating our work into clear, engaging, and authentic content that resonates across audiences.
• Genuine commitment to amplifying community voices and advancing our values.
• Ability to work closely with volunteers, ambassadors and other stakeholders to co-create content and amplify voices.
• Collaborative and empowering leadership style; able to work with volunteers, ambassadors and community members.

What You Will Gain:

• A founding leadership role shaping a national CIC from the ground up
• Real influence over strategy, systems and culture
• Deep personal and professional transformation through meaningful work
• Experience leading at scale in a decentralised, open-source environment
• The opportunity to help design future paid roles, structures and sustainability
• We do not promise comfort or quick reward.
• We offer responsibility, growth and the chance to build something that matters.

This Role Is Not for You If:

• You are looking for quick money or passive involvement
• You want brand building without accountability
• You are uncomfortable with truth-telling or safeguarding boundaries
• You prefer rigid hierarchies over collective leadership
• You are not ready to commit consistently and responsibly

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about planning, coordination, and execution

A Final Word

The old systems are collapsing.

We are building what comes next.

If you know that storytelling can be a tool for liberation,

that community is stronger than algorithms,

and that leadership means showing up before you are rewarded —

This role may be for you