Crime volunteer roles

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire, Portsmouth, East Sussex and Worcestershire. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become Trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of, or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
• For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for legal and safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check and a registered Director Verification Digital ID Code.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Application and further details will be sent to candidates. 

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Science tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 Science 

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Science concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate counsellor to volunteer their time to facilitate weekly emotional support groups for people living with sight loss. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for members to share experiences, build resilience, and reduce isolation.

You will lead one or more specialist peer groups, which may include:
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Support Group
• Sight Loss After Stroke Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Support Group
• Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Support Group

Each group brings together individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual understanding and connection. Your skills as a counsellor will help guide conversations, support emotional wellbeing, and foster a caring, inclusive environment.

You will:
• Facilitate a weekly 2 hour emotional support group.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and non judgemental atmosphere.
• Encourage group discussion and peer support while managing boundaries.
• Offer emotional support and signposting where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines.

What We Offer:
• Full induction and training related to visual impairment awareness.
• Ongoing support and supervision.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by sight loss.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references and a criminal record check.

Location

Region

• Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, South West, South East, North West, North East, Greater London, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, East Midlands, East of England

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• This is an online/remote role.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• We are looking for someone who is: • A qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). • Warm, empathetic, and confident in group facilitation. • Passionate about supporting people affected by sight loss. • Comfortable working with individuals who may be newly diagnosed or adjusting to changes in their vision. • Able to commit to 2 hours per week on a regular basis. Experience working with visually impaired people is beneficial but not essential - training and guidance will be provided.

Recruitment blurb

The Vavengers is looking to expand its Board of Trustees.  We are The Vavengers. We are a women and survivor-led movement working to end FGM and intersecting Violence Against Women and Girls. We campaign, convene and connect to end Gender-Based Violence.

As a led by and for movement, we encourage female candidates and candidates who have lived experience of Gender-Based Violence, migration, war and poverty to join our movement. 

The Vavengers is a proud Living Wage Employer, Certified Halo Workplace and member of the Sunflower Network for Hidden Disabilities.

The Vavengers Board

As Trustee terms come to an end, we are seeking a number of new Board members. We are a small charity, and our Board provides a vital role in supporting the CEO, including providing specialist expertise in areas such as fundraising, Human Resources, charity/donor finance, events and volunteer management. We are also seeking specific Legal, Treasurer and Co-Chair roles (see below).      

All Trustee Candidates must have 

• Personal integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to robust governance

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships

• A leadership style that reflects empathy, accountability and the values of The Vavengers, which underpin everything we do

• Strong commitment to social and racial justice, gender equality and ending all forms of Gender-Based Violence 

In return, we will provide you with a comprehensive induction and the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team of staff, ambassadors and volunteers, to gain experience in a governance role and to contribute towards the goal of ending FGM and intersecting violence everywhere. 

Time commitment:  As a Trustee, you will commit to attending 4 Board meetings per year and providing ad hoc support if required between meetings. You will leverage your professional networks to support the goals of the charity. 

The Vavengers Co-Chair designate

The Vavengers has recently transitioned to a Co-Chair approach to better support our small but dedicated team, and in recognition of the heightened risk of isolation and burnout in small charities. This dual-leadership model allows the Co-Chairs to prioritise staff well-being and offer more robust, active support to The Vavengers staff.  Our Co-Chairs and CEOs work as close partners, using frequent, informal check-ins to ensure rapid decision-making and a collaborative culture.

One of our Co-Chairs will step down in the coming months; therefore, The Vavengers is seeking a new Trustee to join the Board and step into the Co-Chair role.  A full handover will be provided.

The Co-Chair will:

• Co-led the Board of Trustees, planning and chairing meetings, setting agendas and ensuring all trustees contribute to effective and inclusive decision-making

• Ensure the Board meets the highest standards of governance and compliance in line with charity law and Charity Commission requirements.

• Lead the board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and monitoring implementation of The Vavengers ' 3-year strategic plan, which was launched in July 2025

• Support the CEO, acting as a critical friend and leading the CEO’s annual appraisal process.

• Oversee Trustee recruitment and ensure Board effectiveness through regular performance review.s

• Represent the charity in external forums, as directed by the CEO

The ideal candidate will bring integrity, diplomacy and emotional intelligence to this Co-Chair role.  They will have previous Board experience, ideally as a Chair or Vice-Chair and a strong understanding of charity governance and the distinction between governance and operational management.  They will have a proven ability to build strong relationships with the CEO, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.  They should have experience in navigating risk and uncertainty at the organisational and sector level.  They must be committed to building an open, collegiate co-leadership relationship with their Co-Chair.

Time commitment:  The role involves working with your Co-Chair and CEO to prepare and deliver 4 Board meetings per year, regular check-ins with the CEO, routine check-ins with Trustees, a strong partnership and open communication with your Co-Chair to divide tasks and ensure The Vavengers team is supported.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers Treasurer

We are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and oversee financial governance. The Treasurer will:

• Provide strategic financial support to the CEO

• Establish and chair a new Audit and Risk sub-committee

• Monitor financial performance, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance are in place and advising on risk.

The ideal candidate will be a senior finance professional with strong experience in governance, audit and risk. Candidates should be comfortable operating at the Board level, providing constructive challenge and communicating financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. Knowledge of charity finance and the SORP would be an advantage, but is not essential.  

A full handover will be provided by our current Treasurer, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, Finance Committee meetings 4 times per year and some ad hoc support between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers, Legal Trustee

We are seeking a legal trustee for the Vavengers Board.  The legal trustee will already have or will be willing to develop a strong understanding of charity governance and will be eager to grow and amplify the charity’s significant public advocacy work.   

The right candidate would bring professional legal experience from one or more areas relevant to our work, which may include human rights, immigration and asylum, media and communication, employment and equality, defamation, risk management, compliance and data protection.  Experience in charity law and governance would be an advantage, but is not essential.

A full handover will be provided by our current Legal Trustee, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, with additional meetings should the Trustee join one of the charity’s committees.  Some ad hoc support may be required between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

To apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter which answers the following questions:

• Why do you want to become a Trustee of The Vavengers

• What expertise and experience will you bring to the Vavengers Board

You can read full job descriptions at our website under get involved - join our board of trustees.

—

"When women and girls rise, we all thrive."

The Vavengers is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales | Registration number: 1184202 | The Vavengers Headquarters: 59-60 Cornhill House, First Floor, London EC3V 3PD United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

The Role:

Are you passionate about food and want to make a meaningful difference in your community? Join us as a Cooking Volunteer at our Day Centre, where we provide support to individuals who are rough sleeping and/or with a history of homelessness.

In this role, you’ll be preparing and cooking hearty meals for our clients, helping to bring comfort, routine, and nourishment to their day. You’ll also be responsible for cleaning up as you go and ensuring the kitchen is left tidy afterwards.

What you’ll be doing?

You’ll be preparing delicious meals for our clients and making a real difference in the lives of people who need it most. Your time, care, and cooking skills can bring comfort and support to those on their journey to a better future.

You'll also be:

• • Meal planning with clients
  • Stock-taking and ordering
  • Preparation and cooking
  • Clearing and cleaning

Desirable skills and qualities:

Your enthusiasm for our cause and your willingness to get stuck in are the most important, along with a calm and friendly manner, good listening skills and having empathy for our clients.

A food hygiene qualification is desirable but it can also be completed as part of our induction training.

What’s in it for you?

• • The feel-good factor that comes from doing something worthwhile
  • Learning new skills and access to further training
  • Work experience
  • Using & developing cooking skills, preparing wholesome, home-cooked meals.
  • You’ll receive a warm welcome and full induction to help you settle into the role and get to know more about our Day Centre and the people we support.
  • Your time & care will directly impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness

DBS Checks and references

Our services aim to reflect the diversity of the communities they’re based in. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly people with lived experience.

All applicants who volunteer with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a volunteer, the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role.

If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator using the link below. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy. We also request contact details for us to obtain references, ideally we need two.

Get in touch

To find out more, just click on the Application tab above and submit your contact details, so we can call you for an initial chat, we don't need a CV or letter. 

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

The aim of face-to-face Individual Support is to provide in-person supportive social contact for people who are hurt by loneliness.

Volunteers support Friends (people who use our services) on a one-to-one basis. After completing training, volunteers will be linked with a Friend who they will phone for around one hour every two weeks. This is arranged at a mutually convenient time. 

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage or costs for coffee out with Archway Friend).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

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

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

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

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

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

 Fundraising Volunteer – Isle of Wight

 Our Vision for Volunteering

 Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful, inclusive, and rooted in partnership. Together, we transform the lives of cats, people, and communities.

 The Difference You Will Make

 With thousands of cats relying on our care each year, the generosity of the public is vital. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise essential funds that help cats and kittens in need. Whether you enjoy engaging with the public, organising events, managing stock, or supporting behind the scenes, there is a place for you in this flexible and rewarding role.

What You Can Expect From Us

• A warm, inclusive, and respectful welcome, aligned with our values and behaviours.
• Support to have a positive, meaningful, and enjoyable volunteering experience.
• Reimbursement of agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy.
• Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities.

Role Responsibilities

You can choose the areas that best suit your skills and interests. The role is flexible, and volunteers may opt to support one area or several.

1. Stock & Donations Management

• Sort donated items to ensure they are appropriate for sale or event use.
• Organise and manage stock ahead of upcoming events.
• Monitor stock levels and identify when outreach or additional donations are needed.

2. Event Support

• Attend fundraising events, engaging confidently with the public and sharing information about our work.
• Assist with setting up equipment and displays and help with packing away after events.
• Ensure stalls are well presented, welcoming, and visually engaging.
• Support sales of merchandise and the running of games/activities.
• Take photographs throughout the event for promotional use and reporting.
• Observe and record visitor numbers, engagement levels, and which stall features attract attention.
• (Optional) Act as a Stall Leader, taking the lead on the day to coordinate volunteers and ensure a smooth event.

3. Transport & Logistics

• Transport equipment, displays, and stock to and from event venues (using your own vehicle if appropriate).
• Help with stall setup upon arrival at the venue.

4. Admin Coordination

This is a key support role that helps keep the fundraising function organised and running smoothly.

• Booking events and completing relevant forms.
• Maintain a current contact list of volunteers.
• Manage and update volunteer availability rotas.
• Keep the fundraising project spreadsheet accurate and up to date.
• Update the “cat book” or event information pack ahead of each event.

What We’re Looking For

• Friendly, confident communicators who enjoy speaking with the public.
• Organised, reliable volunteers who can work both independently and as part of a team.
• Individuals happy to support practical tasks such as setting up stalls or sorting stock.
• Volunteers with basic administrative skills (for those taking on admin coordination).
• A willingness to try new things and get involved in a variety of event activities.
• Ability to carry light–moderate items for event setup (helpful, but not essential).

Time Commitment

This is a highly flexible role and can fit around your other commitments. Whether you can spare occasional hours for events or prefer a regular admin-based role, your contribution will make a meaningful difference.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a friendly, compassionate team raising vital funds while having fun and supporting a cause you care about. Cats Protection is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and help make a better life for cats — because life is better with cats.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Child Action Northwest in their search for new Trustees.

About Child Action Northwest (CANW)

CANW has been in existence for over 130 years since the founding of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886, we’ve been caring for children and young people from some of the most deprived areas of the region.

CANW exists as a modern charity providing quality services to children, young people and families across the Northwest.

The inequality that exists up and down the country means that many communities face complex challenges -simply getting by is tough. 

Our mission is to support children, adults and families across the country, ensuring that when life presents difficult circumstances, we’re there every step of the way to make sure they get the support they need.

About the Trustee roles

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with skills in one or more of the following areas:

Finance and Commercial: we welcome applications from candidates who are financially astute, can read a set of accounts, and bring business acumen and commercial exposure. You will bring senior strategic finance experience developed in the voluntary, public, or private sector to help ensure that CANW is financially sustainable over the long term so we can continue to deliver vital services to children, young people and families across the Northwest.

Fundraising: whilst the majority of CANW’s income comes from commissioned services, we are still working to make sure that our income streams are robust and well diversified. Part of this strategy involves building up our efforts with respect to trusts, foundations, and major donors. 

Children’s Services: from the criminal justice system and residential services to support for neurodivergent children and young people and residential services, CANW operates a broad portfolio of services designed to give families the best chance at success in life. It is important that our board has deep expertise in these and other services. 

If you feel that you have skills, experience and a background that may add value to CANW’s Board but are not listed above, this doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t be happy to hear from you. Please get in touch.

About the Trainee Trustee opportunity

Given our focus on children and young people, CANW is deeply committed to representing those who use our services at Board level. We recognise that there are many young people out there at the forefront of professional skills development and we give equal value to recent experience as much as seniority in a field. 

Anyone from the age of 16 can become the Trustee of a Charitable Company such as CANW and we welcome applications from young people with skills in the following area:

Digital Communications: in an increasingly digital world, it is vital that CANW is effectively reaching people who need our services with our communications. We would love to hear from people who understand search engine optimisation (SEO), AI search, and raising brand awareness through digital channels.

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

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

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

If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch.

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.

Caritas Young Parents’ Service offers accommodation-based support to young parents and their children who have experienced chaotic and/or unsafe lifestyles. We aim to keep families together and equip them with the tools they need to move on to independent living. We provide a safe space for parents to confidently parent their child.

We show parents how to play with their babies and toddlers to help them to develop new skills through guided play sessions and story times. We run skills and wellbeing sessions for the parents to help them develop independent living skills, such as how to cook on a budget.

We are excited to advertise for a new volunteer that can help deliver these activities, so if you have any skills that you are not utilising, you might be just who we are looking for.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the staff-led delivery of creative age-appropriate activities for the children, wellbeing-focused sessions for the parents and getting involved with the activities and sessions organised by staff.
• Supporting staff led activities focused on day-to-day tasks that will increase confidence, such as basic cookery sessions
• Empathising with young people experiencing parenthood for the first time.
• Volunteers are required to follow all Caritas safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies at all times. Any concerns about the welfare of any of the children or adults who use the services must be acted upon in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Volunteers be responsible to the Service Manager who would organise their induction and ongoing supervision.
• Volunteers would be expected to ensure the confidentiality of the people who use the service, and not share any information relating to them outside of the service team.
• Volunteers will be working alongside a member of staff - either the service manager or a project worker. Once a volunteer is confident and the manager is happy with their approach then they may be left to complete a play session, for example, but they would not be working alone in the building.
• This role requires a commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week. The role is open ended not fixed term.

The skills you need

• Empathy
• Good listener
• Good communication skills
• Patience
• Respect
• Some residents may have experienced trauma, homelessness, abuse or family breakdown. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a sensitive and supportive environment.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to use your experience and skills to support people in your communities to whom your support matters.
• Growing confidence and esteem
• Full induction and training
• Further training opportunities

Disclaimer

Please read before applying: As part of the safer recruitment process, we will be requesting an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two references for this role. Having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering within the organisation. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and the background of the offences. Prior to starting with us you will be required to complete mandatory online training modules.