Education volunteer roles

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Commitment: Approx. 8 - 10 meetings per year preparation
Type: Voluntary position (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed)
 
Make a lasting difference as a Trustee at St Elizabeth’s
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact? Do you have strong financial expertise and a desire to use your skills to support a charity with a 120-year legacy of transforming lives?
 
St Elizabeth’s is looking for a committed and values-driven Trustee (Finance) to join our Board and play a vital role in shaping our future. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership of a specialist organisation supporting children, young people and adults with epilepsy and a wide range of complex needs.
 
Set within 60 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, St Elizabeth’s includes a non-maintained Special Education School, seven registered Children’s Homes, a Sixth Form, a specialist Further Education College, Supported Living services, adult learning and Day Opportunities, and 24-hour health provision delivered by expert nurses and therapists.
 
As we continue to grow and evolve, your insight and expertise will help us ensure our services remain safe, sustainable, and outstanding.
 
What will you be doing?
As a Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and help drive our long-term vision.
• Use your financial skills to support our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, and Investment Committee
• Offer constructive challenge and strong governance.
• Help monitor performance, risk, investment decisions, and financial sustainability.
• Champion our values of Joyful, Aspirational, Compassionate and Collaborative
• Act as an ambassador for our mission and Catholic ethos.

 
This is a rewarding role where you will work alongside talented Trustees and leaders who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for the people we support.
 
What we’re looking for
We welcome applications from individuals who can bring:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, audit, banking, or investment
• Strong strategic thinking, independence of mind and sound judgement
• A commitment to good governance and ethical leadership
• The ability to collaborate, support, question, and influence at Board level.
• A willingness to embrace and support our Catholic ethos.
• Time and dedication to prepare for and attend meetings.

 
Professional finance qualifications (e.g., accountant or auditor) are highly desirable, particularly for the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
 
Your commitment

• Around 5 Board meetings per year (4 half-day, 1 full day)
• Membership of at least one Board committee (4–6 meetings annually)
• Occasional monitoring visits to site
• Preparation time for reading papers and training.
• Meetings are normally held in Much Hadham, with remote attendance available where necessary.

 
This is a voluntary role, and we reimburse reasonable travel expenses.
 
Why join us?
By becoming a Trustee at St Elizabeth’s, you’ll be part of an organisation with deep roots, strong values, and an unwavering commitment to enabling people with complex needs to thrive. Your contribution will directly support the sustainability, quality, and impact of our services — and help shape the next chapter of a remarkable charity.
 
Interested in joining us?
We would love to hear from you. Apply now!
 
#INDVOL
 
REF-228 849

For many of the children in our programme, OOEF is the first time they have ever seen a live musician or held an instrument. We bring guest musicians into school to perform for them and help them try instruments from our own collection. It is one of our most popular sessions — and one of the most memorable things you are likely to do as a volunteer. Any instrument welcome. Any genre. Amateur or professional. We will sort the instruments — you just need to bring yourself and your music.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

You might visit once or come back regularly. You might play solo, with a colleague, or as part of an ensemble. Sessions are supervised alongside OOEF staff and volunteers throughout — you will never be alone with children. The children's reaction — curiosity, delight, the moment a sound comes out of an instrument for the first time — is something volunteers consistently describe as one of the most joyful experiences of their lives.

What you'll bring

• The ability to play an instrument or sing to a standard you are comfortable demonstrating

• Warmth and confidence engaging with groups of primary-school-age children

• A love of sharing music — the enthusiasm is as important as the skill

Time commitment

Guest musician sessions are fully ad hoc — we confirm dates that suit you. A typical visit is around 1-2 hours. Some musicians come individually; others come as part of ensembles, university music societies or via employer volunteering programmes. There is no minimum commitment — one visit is genuinely valuable.

What you'll get from it

• A genuinely joyful experience — children are the most honest, enthusiastic audience you will ever play to

• The chance to inspire young people who may go on to play themselves

• A place in a growing community of musicians supporting OOEF's work across Bath

• Complete flexibility — one visit or many, entirely on your terms

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Join the Brigantia Learning Trust – Make a Difference in Your Community

At Brigantia Learning Trust, governance looks a little different—and that’s what makes it so effective. Our approach brings together local voices, strong leadership and a shared commitment to delivering the very best for our academies and communities.

How Our Governance Works

Our governance model is built on four connected layers:

• Academy Advisory Councils (AACs) – representing local voices
• The Board of Trustees – providing strategic oversight
• The Trust Leadership Team – delivering day-to-day executive leadership
• Trust Members – ensuring accountability at the highest level

Supporting this structure are specialist committees covering Finance, Risk & Audit, HR, Education & Standards, and Remuneration, alongside our four Academy Advisory Councils at:

• Brigantia Hill Fort
• Hinde House (2–16)
• Yewlands
• Longley Park Sixth Form

As our Trust grows, our AACs are playing an increasingly vital role, with opportunities for greater responsibility and influence over time.

The Role of the Academy Advisory Council

Each AAC is made up of dedicated individuals—parents, staff, and members of the local community—who work closely with academy leaders and Trust representatives.

This is your opportunity to:

• Have your voice heard at Trust level
• Support and challenge academy leaders
• Represent your community and its interests
• Help shape the experience of young people locally

You’ll meet with senior academy leaders, alongside Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team, ensuring your insights directly inform decision-making.

What You’ll Do

As an Academy Advisor, you will:

• Act as a critical friend—supportive, encouraging, and constructively challenging
• Provide local insight to inform Trust decisions
• Support safeguarding understanding at academy level
• Build strong links between the academy and its community
• Review academy performance and discuss key priorities
• Help ensure Trust values and ethos are lived day-to-day

Unlike traditional governing bodies, you won’t be burdened with financial or staffing decisions. Instead, you’ll have the time and focus to look at what really matters—impact, experience and community voice.

What’s Expected of You

We understand this is a voluntary role, and we aim to make it meaningful and manageable:

• Three meetings per year, usually held after school
• Preparation by reading papers and contributing to discussions
• Occasional focused academy visits to understand life on the ground
• Completion of a simple annual skills audit
• Commitment to safeguarding training and DBS clearance

Why Get Involved?

Becoming an Academy Advisor is a rewarding way to give back, develop your skills, and help shape the future of education in your community.

Your perspective matters—whether you’re a parent, professional, or community member. Together, we can ensure every academy continues to thrive.

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one.

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

OOEF runs two different music clubs at our primary schools: a lunchtime club for younger children who are just discovering instruments, and an after-school club for older children who have had some experience and want to take it further. Both are relaxed, informal settings — very different from the classroom — and both need volunteers to support the children and the lead practitioner. Experience playing an instrument is helpful, but not vital. If you are patient, reliable and love music, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As a club helper you will support the lead practitioner and the children — helping set up and pack away instruments, encouraging children who are hesitant, celebrating small breakthroughs, and being a warm, reliable adult presence in a setting where that matters enormously. The lunchtime club is for younger children's first experiences with the instruments; the after-school club has a slightly older group who have been learning for longer. Both need volunteers who can adapt to the mood of the room. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times.

What you'll bring

• Patience and warmth with children, including those with SEND

• Reliability — familiar faces build trust, and that trust is the foundation of everything we do

• Flexibility to support whatever the session needs

• A love of music

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — current sessions run on Wednesday lunchtimes and after school for around an hour each, with more days planned. Some come via company or organisation rotas, others as University of Bath students. One-off sessions are very welcome too. We will shape the commitment entirely around what works for you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children build confidence in a way that rarely happens in formal settings

• Flexible, impactful volunteering that fits around work or other commitments

• A supportive team with training and mentoring provided

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF

Are you an enthusiastic organiser with a flair for bringing people together? TVS is a small charity working with rural schools in South Africa to empower vulnerable young people through education. We are recruiting a team of volunteers and are searching for a volunteer events organiser to help plan and deliver fundraising events that will make a real difference for our beneficiaries.

The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities including securing venues, managing budgets, recruiting volunteers, and promoting events, while cultivating relationships with donors and stakeholders to maximize income. We would expect you to start small but build up to the creation of a sustainable funding stream on which the charity can rely.

If you’re experienced in event management and have the contacts needed to make events successful, we’d love to welcome you aboard. This is a brilliant opportunity to make a positive impact, gain valuable skills, and work with other volunteers to support the work of the charity.

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

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

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

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

Volunteer recruitment dates

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

Training:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why we want you

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

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

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.

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

Becoming a Trustee with Brigantia Learning Trust is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Trustees are central to our mission. You will be part of a committed group helping to shape the future of education across our academies. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals, community leaders, and educators to ensure that every learner thrives, regardless of background, barriers, or circumstance. This is a chance to support transformative work, promote fairness, and be part of creating excellence together. 

As a volunteer Trustee, we are committed to ensuring your time with us is meaningful and rewarding. As a Trustee, you will receive:

• A personalised induction and ongoing CPD
• Mentoring from experienced Board members
• Access to Trust-wide networks and national conferences
• Opportunities to build your governance experience
• Strategic engagement with our Executive Team
• The chance to shape young lives and strengthen communities.

Trustees play a critical leadership role to ensure the Trust meets its charitable purpose and remains focused on the communities it serves. As a member of the board, you will:

• Set and safeguard the ethos and strategic direction
• Monitor performance and hold the CEO to account
• Represent the voice and needs of our diverse communities
• Oversee financial and legal compliance
• Ensure decisions are made with equity, integrity and purpose.

We are building a Board that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome people from all walks of life who care about education and social justice.

• A shared belief in our mission and values
• Integrity, curiosity, and strategic thinking
• A sense of civic duty and community commitment
• Willingness to learn and grow as part of a team

We ask for: 

• 4–6 Board meetings per year
• Participation in at least one committee or working group
• Occasional attendance to school or Trust events (encouraged)

At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. You will be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, your interaction with them and the information that you provide on the canoe safari and guided boat tours. 

No previous experience is required as training will be provided.  However this role will suit you if you have a love of wildlife and the outdoors and are:

• Confident or experienced in talking to the public
• Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers
• Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service
• Experience in canoeing is an advantage.

Please note that unfortunately this role is not suitable for under 18's.

Please apply for this role via the WWT website.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English 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 English

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 English 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.ed

Art UK seeks to appoint three new Trustees to support this dynamic and entrepreneurial charity, which democratises access to the UK national collection of art and shares it with a global audience.

The charity is looking for Trustees with experience and expertise in three particular areas: fundraising, higher education and digital innovation.

All Trustees should be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Will have an understanding of, and commitment to, the vision and values of Art UK and its future development
• Will have experience of using sound judgement in strategic decision-making, with good communication and interpersonal skills
• Will have a passion for the visual arts and be able to articulate compellingly how digital technologies democratise access to culture
• Will help develop and maintain robust relationships with external stakeholders and serve as an ambassador for the charity, expanding its network, profile, and impact

To learn more about the organisation and the three Trustee roles, please see the Information Pack.

We welcome and encourage applications from people who are under-represented in the creative industries and those who have faced barriers to accessing the arts. We value the different perspectives and experiences that a diverse leadership brings to our work.

To apply, please read the Information Pack and then send a CV and covering letter/email about the specific Trustee role that interests you to Lauren Colley, Art UK's Head of People and Culture by 5pm on Monday 29th June 2026.

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

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

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

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

Volunteer recruitment dates

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

Training:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why we want you

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

What you will be doing

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

The skills you need

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

What's in it for you

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

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.