Community development volunteer roles

Love driving? Make a difference by helping blind and partially sighted people get to local activities—enjoy good company while exploring your area!

Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people?

 As a FriendshipDriver, you’ll do more than give a lift — you’ll help blind and partially sighted people get out and about, enjoy social activities, and feel more connected to their community. Along the way, you’ll share conversation, companionship, and maybe even make a new friend.

Where?

Chalfont St Giles

What you will be doing:

·Driving members to and from BucksVision social groups and activities using your own vehicle

·Offering a friendly chat and companionship on the journey

·Providing light sighted guiding support when needed

·Choosing the level of involvement that suits you — some volunteers simply drop members off and head home, while others stay to join in with activities such as lunch clubs, reading groups, tai chi, Pilates, or walking groups

What skills and experience are needed?

·A warm, friendly, and reliable nature

·Punctual and responsible

·Ability to work independently

·Full UK driving licence, valid MOT, and insurance

What will you gain from the role?

·The joy of making someone’s day easier and brighter

·A sense of purpose and fulfilment

·New friendships and connections in your community

·The chance to learn more about living with sight loss

What support will be given?

·Full induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing support and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·A friendly network of volunteers and your Volunteer Manager for guidance

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (working with adults), as you’ll be supporting vulnerable people on a one-to-one basis.

COULD YOU BE SUNSHINE’S FIRST PROGRAMME MANAGER?

We are SUNSHINE Charity a brand new start-up charity aiming to make a huge difference in reducing loneliness in peoples lives across London and beyond.

Help Us Build Something That Could Change Lives

• What if one conversation could change someone’s life?
• What if one cup of tea, one smile or one new friendship could remind someone that they matter?

At SUNSHINE, we believe nobody should have to face loneliness alone.

We’re creating a brand new start-up loneliness charity that will provide welcoming spaces where people can make friends, feel connected and discover that they belong.

But we can’t build it without the right people.

We’re looking for a creative, organised and people‑focused Volunteer for the role of Programme Manager to design, lead and manage our very first pilot programmes — and to co‑produce a future range of meaningful activities that build human connection across London and beyond.

This is one of our earliest and most impactful volunteer roles. You’ll help shape the heart of what SUNSHINE will offer.

About the Volunteer Role: Programme Manager

As our Programme Manager, you’ll work closely with our Founder & CEO to create programmes that bring people together, spark friendships and reduce loneliness in real, human ways.

You’ll help us design and test our first pilot activities — from small community gatherings to connection‑building workshops — and then develop a wider programme of meaningful experiences co‑created with the people we serve.

You don’t need decades of experience. You just need creativity, empathy, organisation and a passion for building spaces where people feel they belong.

You might help with:

• Designing and delivering SUNSHINE’s first pilot programmes.

• Co‑producing future activities with participants, volunteers and community partners.

• Creating safe, welcoming environments where people can connect.

• Managing programme logistics, scheduling and volunteer involvement.

• Gathering feedback and learning to help shape our long-term programme strategy.

• Bringing warmth, imagination and structure to everything we build.

Even a few hours each week could help create programmes that change someone’s life.

Why Join SUNSHINE?

• Shape the core programmes of a brand-new charity from day one.

• Work directly with the Founder & CEO.

• Gain hands-on experience in programme design, delivery and community engagement.

• Help create places where friendships begin.

• Join a small, compassionate team who believe in kindness and human connection.

• Make a meaningful difference to people experiencing loneliness.

Most importantly…

You’ll help ensure fewer people have to face loneliness alone.

A Personal Message From Our Founder

“I started SUNSHINE because I watched someone I love experience a loneliness that no one should ever have to endure.

That experience taught me something I’ll never forget: everyone deserves friendship, belonging and to feel seen.

SUNSHINE is my promise that we’ll create places where people feel welcomed, valued and connected — but I know I can’t build that future on my own.

I’m not looking for experts.

I’m looking for kind people who believe that together we can make a real difference.

If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.”

— Scott, Founder, SUNSHINE Charity

Interested?

Apply through CharityJob.

Together, we can create a future where nobody has to face loneliness alone.

SUNSHINE

Connection. Belonging. Hope.

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Aviemore

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Sunday (times tbc)

Location: Unit 7, Grampian Road, Aviemore

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter Scotland? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter Scotland’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter Scotland. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter Scotland will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter Scotland’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter Scotland…

• Supporting Shelter Scotland in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you'd like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, contact us at Shelter

Charity Trustees (volunteer) – North West, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Staffordshire

This is an opportunity to join a Board engaged in real strategic decisions, where your contribution will have direct and lasting impact. 

About us

Adoption Matters is a children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train and support individuals, couples and families looking to adopt and offer ongoing support and training. We also offer a support service for adopted adults and birth families, and a specialised therapy service.

In 2024, we launched our not for profit fostering agency, Foster Care Matters. As a non profit provider, the service is committed to reinvesting resources to deliver high quality support and ongoing training for foster parents. More recently in 2026, we acquired 1st Affinity Fostering Service in Wrexham, securing a not-for-profit future for the agency in Wales.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking Trustees to join our purposeful and dedicated Board of Trustees and contribute to our organisation and the lives of children and families. We are looking for individuals who share our ambition and have the skills and ability to make a meaningful contribution.

This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of a children’s charity that transforms the lives of children who cannot live with their birth families. For many of the children we support—often older, in sibling groups, or with complex needs - adoption can be life-changing.

For further information, please refer to the Person Specification in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Term commitment 

The term of appointment will be three years initially, with a review of performance for renewal for a further three years and again after this period, up to a maximum of nine years. In exceptional circumstances, the term may extend beyond this period.

Remuneration and expenses 

This position is unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why become a Trustee? 

Make an impact, gain experience, expand your network, and enhance your skills and knowledge. If you are passionate about what we do and believe you can add value to the current Board of Trustees, we would be very interested to hear from you. 

What we offer in return 

• Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together — which we hope align with your own. 
• The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement 

At Adoption Matters, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our ambition is to create a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures inclusion for all. 

We are open to discussions about any adjustments or flexible arrangements you may need at any stage of the process. If you join us, we will support you to reach your full potential. The only aspect we assess in your application is how you have demonstrated your ability to meet the essential requirements of the role. 

Together, we can build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future.

Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together - which we hope to align with your own.

The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted.

What’s next? It’s easy!

How to apply

Apply with your contact details and we will be in touch with the full Recruitment Pack and Application Form.

 Purpose of the Role

We are looking for a volunteer, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential doners. As a Corporate Fundraising Volunteer for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.

Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities. This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Identify potential corporate doners and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values.

• Approach local and national businesses over the telephone to inform them of the work of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing

• Keep accurate records of all approaches and outcomes.

• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.

• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of corporate fundraising, including challenges and opportunities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organised, reliable and able to manage time effectively.

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.

• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational 

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with corporate funders and local businesses.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirement

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy where appropriate.

Make a Difference. Shape Futures. Join Us as a Co-opted Governor!

Are you ready to play a vital role in shaping the future of young people in your community? The Special Partnership Trust is looking for passionate, committed individuals to join our Local Governing Bodies at Nancealverne School.

This is your opportunity to bring your voice, skills, and perspective to a role that truly matters.

What You’ll Do

As a Co-opted Governor, you’ll be part of a team that makes a real impact by:

• Helping set the strategic direction of the school
• Supporting and constructively challenging school leaders
• Contributing your unique experience to strengthen governance

Your Focus Will Be On

• Pupil and staff wellbeing
• The quality of education and school provision
• Pupil progress and outcomes
• The school’s role within the local community

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Care deeply about education and making a difference
• Share our values and commitment to inclusion
• Are willing to engage in meetings and ongoing training

No prior governance experience is required—just enthusiasm and commitment.

Time Commitment

• Around 3 meetings per year (one per term, ~2 hours each)
• 1 Governor Development Day annually
• Safeguarding training (statutory requirement)
• 1 school visit per term

�� Why Join Us?

• Make a lasting impact on children and young people
• Develop new skills and gain governance experience
• Work alongside a supportive, purpose-driven team

�� Get Involved

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

To express your interest, please complete the application form on My New Term via our website.

Safeguarding:

The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All volunteer roles are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all candidates.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

Unfortunately, thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a trap, neuter and return (TNR) volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.

You can expect us to 

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Trapping cats using humane methods
• Taking cats to local vets to be neutered 
• Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative

The role might also include:

• Regular feeding of feral colonies
• Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
• Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering 

Time expectation 

This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

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

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

Volunteer Gym Buddy

 About the Role

As a Volunteer Gym Buddy, you will support people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities to attend and enjoy gym sessions. You will provide encouragement, help build confidence, and support people to achieve their fitness goals.

No gym expertise is required – just a positive attitude and a willingness to support others.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help people to:

• Improve their health and wellbeing.
• Build confidence and independence.
• Access fitness opportunities in their community.
• Achieve personal goals in a supportive environment.

 What You Will Do

• Attend gym sessions with the person you support.
• Provide encouragement and motivation.
• Help people feel comfortable and confident in the gym.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Follow SeeAbility's safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Report any concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly and reliable.
• Patient and supportive.
• Good communicators.
• Enthusiastic about helping others.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Experience of autism, sight loss, or learning disabilities is helpful but not essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer training and induction.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and procedures.

Interested?

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organisations, at work in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Europe, helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to deliver funding, policy and practice change, and programming. We are dedicated to supporting people across the arc of crisis – from conflict to refuge to resettlement – and since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK. We aim to centre the voice of our clients in all our work, including by working with a Community Advisory Board of 12 refugees and asylum seekers in the UK to ensure their experience and expertise shapes our UK programmes.

IRC UK’s Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK and supporting us to deliver against our strategic plan in areas such as programmes, fundraising, policy and advocacy, communications, people and culture, finance and operations. As of May 2026, we have 11 Trustees with a broad range of experience and expertise across areas relevant to IRC UK’s work, ensuring as a collective they can perform their strategic, supervisory and governance duties well.

The roles

In 2025, we saw a dramatic collapse in international aid and a retreat from global cooperation, despite unprecedented levels of humanitarian need. This trend is continuing at pace in 2026 with rapidly escalating global conflict amplified by climate change and entrenched poverty. In the UK, we are working to protect the rights of refugees in an increasingly challenging media and political environment.

In this context, we are seeking two new Trustees to lend skills and expertise in areas which we have identified as critical to strengthening the Board’s capability for the years ahead. These will replace Trustees nearing the ends of their terms. The successful candidate(s) will have:

Essential experience:

· Senior leadership experience within a complex international and matrix-structured organisation (charity, NGO, public, private);

· Strong leadership skills, and the ability to support and challenge executive leadership (including the ability to think critically and ask the right questions);

· Strong cross-cultural awareness and a commitment to role-modelling and advancing diversity, equality and inclusion;

· High standards of integrity and accountability;

· Ability to understand and interpret complex information pertaining to IRC UK’s financial position, risk and performance;

· Ability to work collaboratively with others; and

· An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to successfully deliver this role.

Desirable experience:

· Experience in or understanding of the international development or UK charity sector;

· Experience operating at Board or equivalent strategic level;

· Strong networks and willingness to make connections which advance IRC UK’s charitable purpose, particularly in high-value fundraising.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who can demonstrate any of the following: 

• Strategic understanding of refugee issues in the UK, including asylum, resettlement and integration, to support IRC UK in deepening the impact and reach of its programmes and advocacy. 

• Digital expertise and networks, including an understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape and networks across technology, social media and digital marketing. 

• Philanthropy and partnerships experience, including strong connections across UK foundations, trusts and the wider philanthropic sector.

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  - Nantwich

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00

Location: 44 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop 
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  

Canterbury Shop

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development: To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Beverley

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-4

Location: Shelter, 28 Saturday Market, Beverley

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager / Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role   

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, contact the Shelter Volunteering Team.

About IDEMS

IDEMS is a UK-based social enterprise developing the novel human-centred technology infrastructure and products needed to affordably, sustainably scale expert-developed social interventions in variable low-resource communities globally for the greatest social impact. 

IDEMS is now at an inflection point of innovation and growth. 

Our innovation emerges from applied R&D in long-term multidisciplinary innovation collaborations. IDEMS impact-trained mathematical scientists and applied technologists partner with field-leading experts, UN agencies, global and local NGOs and researchers, and affected stakeholders to address grand challenges in areas including education, public health and climate resilience. 

Across variable multiyear, multidisciplinary grand-challenge collaborations, IDEMS has validated the need for and is piloting impact-enabling socio-technical innovation to address a major unmet challenge: How to enable local stakeholders to adapt, take ownership of, and continuously improve, in collaboration with global experts, impact programming to meet the needs of their communities–and do this affordably, sustainably, at scale across variable low-resource contexts? 

IDEMS is developing the novel socio-technical frameworks, infrastructure and products to address this challenge. At the heart of our work is pioneering “meaningful semantic interoperability”. Grounded in the application of frontier mathematical theory and made possible by advances in AI, IDEMS innovation transforms impact programme code and content into structured, reusable atomic data elements that can be malleably reordered, recombined or replaced to create unlimited, entirely new programme applications, interoperable down to the structured atomic data element level. 

IDEMS innovation unlocks impact at scale by enabling: 1) local programme adaptation to meet the highly variable digital, social and economic realities of low-resource contexts, 2) multidirectional data sharing and sensemaking for continuous systemic and local programme improvement, and 3) local ownership and control for a new model of affordable, sustainable, and community-accountable impact innovation. 

In this context, IDEMS faces the challenge of being a deeply innovative technology company, requiring significant mission-aligned impact financing to develop pioneering innovation, with an uncompromising mission to serve the public good. 

The Opportunity
IDEMS is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to join its Board at this exciting stage of growth.

Role Purpose
The Non-Executive Director will provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive challenge, helping ensure IDEMS delivers on its social mission while strengthening organisational sustainability and impact.

While IDEMS operates at a deep academic and technical level, the role does not require deep technical or mathematical expertise. The Non-Executive Director’s value lies in their ability to develop an understanding of the systemic barriers to responsibly, inclusively scaling social impact in low-resource contexts–and of how existing approaches to scaling impact with technology at best often fail to deliver meaningful impact and at worst introduce new harms and dependencies. 

From that understanding, the Non-Executive Director will bring clear strategic perspective that includes offering high-level challenge and insight to help shape direction, identifying funding and partnership opportunities, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring alignment with social mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation
• Provide independent scrutiny and governance oversight
• Support the executive team through challenge and advice
• Help ensure alignment between mission, impact, and sustainability
• Act as an ambassador for IDEMS, supporting fundraising, partnerships and visibility

Person Specification
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a combination of the following (we do not expect any one person to have all of these):

• Senior leadership or board-level experience
• Interest in social impact, international development, or education
• Strong understanding of, or experience with, social and non-equity-based enterprise investment (of particular interest)
• Understanding of technology, data, or innovation ecosystems (desirable)
• Experience in governance, finance, scaling organisations, partnerships, or impact evaluation

A commitment to IDEMS’ values is essential, including collaboration, respect for complexity, and a focus on long-term impact.

Time Commitment
Approximately 5–10 days per year, including Board meetings and at least one full day at an in-person team meeting.

Why Join IDEMS?

• Be part of a globally recognised social enterprise addressing complex challenges
• Work with a diverse, international team
• Contribute to innovative approaches to technology for public good, including advancing new models for responsible, accountable AI
• Help shape an organisation focused on long-term, meaningful impact