Employment support volunteer roles

Nearly 400,000 women experience pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work each year, with just 1% filling a complaint with the Employment Tribunal. For those that do, the process can be extremely stressful and intimidating, as they face a battle against organisations who often have the resources to afford the very best solicitors. We’ve heard from many women and parents who have shared the impact Tribunal claims have had on their mental health, with the process leaving them feeling burdened, alone and frightened.

We are looking for volunteers who have been through the Employment Tribunal process before, and would like to use that experience to support others during their claims. 

Our Tribunal Mentors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to offer peer support to their mentees for 12 weeks.  They offer a listening ear through regular calls, and kind, empathetic support to help build the confidence to face an Employment Tribunal claim. Tribunal Mentors are not legal experts and can’t give advice on claims, however they are willing to share learning and insights from their own experience. To find out more about the Tribunal Mentor programme, click here. 

About the role

Role Title: Tribunal Mentor
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

We ask that all new Tribunal Mentors can commit to at least six months of volunteering for approximately one hour a week.

Mentoring matches offer 12 weeks of support, this is usually through weekly one-hour calls. However there is some flexibility available depending on both the mentee and mentors needs.

Main Role Purpose

To offer Tribunal Mentees peer support and regular check-ins for 12 weeks. Mentors should be comfortable discussing their own experience of the Employment Tribunal process and offering emotional support to their mentee as they navigate the system and their claim.

Essential requirements

• Experience of filing an Employment Tribunal claim.
• Able to commit to at least six months of volunteering, for approximately one hour per week.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with your mentees regularly for around 12 weeks. This is usually done through a weekly one-hour call.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide guidance and support for mentees.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Connect with and support other Mentors on the programme, usually through our Volunteer WhatsApp group.
• Record all mentoring calls on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your experience to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• CPD accredited Supportive Listening training from Samaritans.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

Sound like the right fit for you? Then go ahead and click the link below to apply! We’re looking forward to meeting you. Please note that you will not be able to save your application to complete later, however you can submit your application again if you think you have made a mistake.

BOARD MEMBER – EAST MIDLANDS, VOLUNTARY, FULL EXPENSES REIMBURSED

· Do you want to be a part of a vibrant and ambitious charity that delivers services to homeless people and others with a range of support needs?

· Do you have expertise in Housing or Finance?

· Do you have ambition to Chair a Board Committee?

· Do you want to contribute to the strategic direction of our successful and expanding organisation?

· Do you have a strong social conscience and the commitment to make a difference?

· If you have the motivation, vision and enthusiasm to join us in this exciting and challenging role, apply today!

Who Are We?

Framework is a registered charity delivering housing support, health, and employment services to people with a diverse range of needs. We assist rough sleepers and those who need help to keep their home. We support excluded youngsters as they make their way into adulthood and those starting or returning to work. We provide access to treatment for people with mental health issues and those using alcohol or substances, and we join up services for homeless people with multiple and complex needs.

Our 70 services across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield support more than 18,000 people each year and accommodate more than 1,300 people at any one time. Responding to their needs, respecting their choices and empowering them to achieve, we aim to make life better for our service users and those around them.

What We’re Looking For:

We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in Housing and Finance a finance/accounting qualification is essential). At least two successful candidates will also become members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARM), with one having future aspirations to become the Chair of the ARM Committee.

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will be working alongside the Senior Leadership Team to navigate an external environment that is challenging and continually changing: budgets for support services have been drastically cut so we have to think carefully about how to create efficiency without compromising on quality.

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based applicants only)
Commitment: Approx. 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
 

About Guardian Light Foundation

At Guardian Light Foundation (GLF), we believe that every child and single parent deserves a chance to rebuild, thrive, and shine again.

We are a growing social enterprise dedicated to helping homeless and abused children/teenagers and struggling single-parent families find hope, healing, and a pathway to a brighter future.

Our mission is to provide safe housing, life-changing mentorship, legal and emotional support, and employment pathways that empower individuals to live with dignity and independence.

As we build our Future Skills & Employment Hub, we’re looking for a compassionate, empowering, and dedicated Life Skills & Confidence Mentor to join our early-stage team and help us shape lives from the ground up.

About the Role

This is more than a freelance position — it’s a calling for someone who truly wants to make a difference.

As a Life Skills & Confidence Mentor, you will guide young people and single parents through the essential tools of everyday living — communication, self-esteem, decision-making, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

You’ll be part of a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where your voice and expertise directly influence the future direction of our foundation and the lives we transform.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver interactive life skills and confidence-building workshops (online and in-person)

• Mentor participants on self-awareness, resilience, problem-solving, and positive communication

• Create a safe and inspiring space where participants feel heard and valued

• Develop session plans, resources, and engaging group activities

• Identify individuals needing emotional or practical support and refer them to our in-house wellbeing or counselling team

• Participate in team meetings via Microsoft Teams and share ideas for program improvement

• Act as an ambassador for Guardian Light Foundation at events or networking opportunities

What We’re Looking For

• Deep passion for helping children, teenagers, and single parents rebuild their lives

• Empathetic, patient, and inspiring communicator

• Experience in mentoring, youth work, coaching, or personal development training

• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches or working with vulnerable individuals

• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills

• DBS Certificate (or willingness to complete a Volunteer Enhanced DBS Check – £12.50)

• Commitment to 8–12 hours per month (flexible scheduling)

What You’ll Gain

Joining at this stage means you grow with us — and your contributions truly matter.

✨ Benefits include:

• Opportunity to become part of our Board of Directors or Advisory Board as the organisation grows

• Being a founding mentor in a groundbreaking, purpose-driven UK charity

• Direct impact on the lives of young people and families who need your guidance most

• Recognition on our website and social media for your incredible contribution

• Invitations to GLF’s future events, training, and community networking sessions

• Professional reference and certificate of contribution

• Flexible hours and remote working options

• Belonging to a warm, passionate, and supportive team dedicated to real change

We are looking for someone keen to move into the area of advising small charities on management and governance issues and working with them on other services we provide.

We are a very ambitious local grant-making charity that also offers various training, support and consultancy services to small charities and community groups in West London. Our broad-ranging plans are now beginning to bear fruit and so we need volunteers to help us in the following areas as demand for our services continues to grow:

· Supporting small groups and start-ups with basic governance and management issues

· Facilitating coordination between groups including organising events linking those with common interests

· Monitoring our grant holders and assessing the impact of our services on groups

· Outreach to new groups

· General admin support

· Possibly helping out with grant application assessments when needed

Our ideal candidates would have a good all-round management or professional background gained over a number of years, but they need not be experienced in the areas mentioned above. You'd be given full training, with the opportunity to shadow the people already working in these areas. Far more important is adaptability, initiative, an ability to get on well with people from all sorts of backgrounds, and good organisational and writing skills. Most crucially you would have a demonstrable commitment to our ideals of promoting a strong and influential civil society in West London. You will thrive on challenges and find rewards in seeing our objectives achieved.

You would ideally be able to commit an average of 1 day a week and the work would involve dealing with our clients during office hours, so you will probably be someone who is working part-time, or is perhaps retired or semi-retired, or is otherwise not in full-time employment. We would also be prepared to consider applicants only able to commit a few hours a week for some of the duties mentioned above.

Much of the work would be taking place from home, but it will also involve some face to face contact with clients, so living in or around the Ealing, Hounslow or Hillingdon boroughs would be a definite advantage.

All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments provided where suitable.

About The Marketing Academy Foundation 

At The Marketing Academy Foundation (TMAF), we create opportunities for young people (aged 18–30) from low-income backgrounds to enter the marketing industry. 

As a social mobility charity, we offer access to salaried entry-level roles and run free employability skills bootcamps, giving young talent the access, skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.

We operate with a small core team, dedicated Trustees, powerful volunteer network from across the marketing industry who step up and make things happen. 

Our culture is determined, irrepressible, kind, open and human. We are proud to work with people who care deeply about social mobility and are willing to use their experience, judgement and influence to drive real change.

About the Trustee role 

Trustees play a critical role in driving the impact and long-term success of the Foundation. They are accountable for ensuring the charity is well governed, financially sound and strategically focused on delivering real results. As guardians of our purpose, they ensure every decision accelerates social mobility for those starting their careers in our industry. 

Trustees also act as ambassadors - using their networks, influence, and expertise to open doors, advocate publicly, and strengthen our impact. 

Trustees will serve an initial three-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to two additional terms after that. The Board meets approximately four times per year, mostly virtually, with an average time commitment being around half a day per month.

The role is voluntary and unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. 

We are looking to appoint up to three Trustees, including one with strong financial expertise to support effective decision making and sustainable growth. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategy & Vision:  

• Shape the long-term direction and strategy of the charity with the Chair and CEO. 

Governance & Oversight:  

• Ensure compliance with charity law and alignment with TMAF’s constitution and charitable objectives. 

Finance & Risk:  

• Review budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure resources are used responsibly and sustainably. 

Performance:  

• Support and challenge the CEO to deliver on agreed goals and ensure measurable impact.

• Proactively support revenue and fundraising endeavors. 

• Proactively support corporate partnership acquisition.

Advocacy & Ambassadorship:  

• Represent and champion TMAF’s mission across your professional network and the wider marketing community. 

Inclusion & Culture:  

• Uphold our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion whilst also modelling our values: Determined, Irrepressible, Kind, Open and Humorous.

Support & Mentoring:  

Offer constructive advice, mentoring and practical input to help the charity grow. 

About You 

• You’ll have a burning passion for TMAF’s mission, inclusion and social mobility, with the belief that access to opportunity should be based on potential, not background. 

• Extensive experience at a senior level within marketing, communications, media or advertising, and it would be beneficial (although by no means essential) to have had exposure to or involvement within learning & development, or training sectors. 

• An understanding of governance and the legal duties of trusteeship would add huge value as would financial and/or legal expertise.We’d be thrilled if you have experience of fundraising and working within a charity. 

• A strong communicator, highly collaborative team player with integrity, independence of thought, and sound judgement

About the Application Procedure  

If you want to use your experience to help unlock opportunity and back bright, ambitious talent, we would like to hear from you. 

Please apply by sending your CV and a short supporting statement outlining how your experience will benefit The Marketing Academy Foundation and your motivation for applying.

Selection Dates:

• Applications close Feb 15th.

• Screening Feb 16th to Feb 27th.

• 1st Interviews March 2nd to March 20th.

• Final Interviews & Decisions W/C 23rd March.

At PSS, everything starts with people. We work alongside individuals, families and communities to create support shaped by real lives and real voices. Our mission is simple: to help create lives beyond limits, where everyone has choice, control and a genuine sense of belonging.

And we're looking for up to four new Trustees to join our brilliant Board as we move into an exciting new chapter. With a new Chief Executive, a fresh strategic plan for 2026–2030 and lots of ambition, now is a fantastic time to get involved.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need previous board experience to apply. What matters most to us is who you are, what you care about and the perspective you bring.

We’d especially love to hear from people with experience in:

• Finance and audit
• Social care
• Commercial or market awareness
• Lived experience of services like ours

Above all, we’re looking for people who share our values – big-hearted, open-minded, genuine, professional and determined – and who believe in social justice, equity and inclusion.

What being a Trustee involves

As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of PSS by:

• Sitting on our Board and one of our sub-committees
• Helping guide our strategy and decision-making
• Making sure we’re safe, sustainable and true to our values
• Working in partnership with our teammates and the people we support

The time commitment is around one day a month, plus four Board meetings a year and two away days.

Why join us?

Being a Trustee at PSS is rewarding, meaningful and genuinely enjoyable. You’ll:

• Be part of a warm, supportive and values-led organisation
• Learn new skills and gain board-level experience
• Meet inspiring people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Do something you can be really proud of

Ready to find out more?

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), we’d love to hear from you.

Tall Roots is supporting us to recruit our new Trustees. Applications should be made via Tall Roots (click 'Redirect to Recruiter' to navigate to their website) and include a CV and covering letter that tells us why you want to join our Board and what you would want to bring to PSS as a Trustee.

The full candidate brief is available on Tall Roots' website, where you can you can also watch a short video to hear more about what it means to be part of PSS from some of the amazing people we support and our existing Trustees. 

We appreciate that applications can feel daunting. If you’d find it useful to speak to Mark at Tall Roots about any aspect of the roles or the process ahead of applying, please reach out direct via Tall Roots' website – he will be more than happy to help. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 February 2026.

Come and help us shape a future where everyone belongs.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a dynamic, values-led, and award-winning local charity which is passionate about creating a fairer society for all.

We do this by helping people to resolve a wide range of problems they’re facing, so that everyone can achieve a good quality of life.Every year, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues such as debt, housing, benefits and employment advice to people across the Winchester district, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn. We may also suggest to our clients' other agencies that may be helpful to them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees, who also advocate for lasting policy change both locally and nationally. To help us in our work, we are seeking an additional 3-4 trustees to complete our board and help us lead the charity over our next phase of strategic development.

The role  

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. Previous experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee (or equivalent), would be advantageous, but the commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity is essential. 

We would be particularly interested to hear from people with experience in HR (especially those with current CIPD membership), Charitable Trust and Foundation fundraising, and change management.

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and open a pathway to employment for people who have asylum here. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. Plateful Cafe are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers and team members. We are an equal opportunities provider and actively encourage applications from people with a refugee background.

What will the role involve?

• Looking for partnership opportunities with the private sector.
• Assisting with the development and ongoing work of Businesses Fundraising Action Group.
• Assisting in planning fundraising strategies with local businesses.
• Reporting on businesses partnerships and recent developments at Plateful Café.
• Working in partnership with the Plateful Café fundraising team.

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of working with corporates.
• Expertise in new project creation and developing business links.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in fundraising and/or marketing.

What difference will you make?

• Helping to establish a new Business support group and a sustainable long-term funding structure.
• Developing and maintaining a funding mix, not relying on only one stream of funding.
• Helping local refugees find employment and enter the workforce much sooner than they otherwise might.

Outreach Worker

Through your outreach, you’ll provide advice, advocacy and direct frontline support to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. You will connect them with survival essentials, safe accommodation and guide them toward vital services that improve wellbeing and independence.

What will you be doing?

You’ll carry out outreach across the community, building trust with people experiencing homelessness or crisis. The role includes distributing essential items, offering advice and signposting around housing, benefits, healthcare and employment, and supporting access to education and training. You’ll also assist with project coordination, fundraising activities and help promote our work and values through social media and community engagement.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people who are comfortable working hands-on in the community and are enthusiastic about supporting vulnerable individuals. You’ll be a good listener and communicator, able to build positive relationships and offer guidance with empathy and respect. A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset is important. Experience in outreach or working with vulnerable groups is not essential; the right attitude and caring nature matter the most.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

This role involves leading on HR within the organisation. This involves ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward, and recognition, as well as staff and trustee development.  It is the responsibility of the HR trustee to assess risks and measure the impact of HR interventions, implement organisational policies and practices in the context of furthering charitable objectives and evaluating how they impact beneficiaries and staff.  The HR trustee also needs to ensure the long-term strategic oversight of the organisation’s personnel and staffing requirements in relation to the overarching goals of the charity. 

 Key tasks:

• To review and recommend current and future strategic resourcing, training and development and annual budgets and plans to the Trustee Board 

• To actively contribute to policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives 

• To ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the organisation’s charitable objectives and complement the organisational culture 

• To ensure the Trustee Board monitors and reviews the performance of staff and identifies appropriate development opportunities 

• To monitor whether the service complies with its governing document and standards and if the needs of the beneficiaries are being met

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:  

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.

• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.

• To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.

• To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.

• To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 

• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.

• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities etc.

• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.

• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.

• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.

The Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

About you: 

Warrington Foodbank are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the foodbank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees, including lived experience of hardships which led to needing emergency food provision. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of Warrington Foodbank. 

• Experience of working in a HR role.

• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.

• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity. 

• Sound, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively. 

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop.

Benefits of volunteering: 

• Use your existing skills to make a difference. 

• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community. 

• Make a real difference to the running of the food bank. 

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Impact of your role: 

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Warrington Foodbank. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.

Bournemouth Foodbank is looking for committed and skilled individuals to serve as trustees.

The Foodbank is at an exciting time as we have just secured funding to develop a whole new branch of initiatives. We are a Pathfinder Foodbank, piloting new programmes for the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network.

Food poverty is a complex issue that requires a range of joined-up approaches to solve. Frontline services are vital; however, people need more than food for the next three days; they need to feel that they are seen and heard, and they need to know that they have a legitimate place in society. That’s why we are developing these new more than food initiatives and working to prevent dependency and the need for foodbanks in the future.

In order to meet the challenges ahead we are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with legal experience, fundraising, strong administrative skills and, availability to attend the Foodbank on an ad hoc basis (at least fortnightly) during weekdays. Lived experience using Foodbanks or similar crisis services, as well as anyone with a background in Health and Well Being services, or Hospitality would all be extremely valuable additions to our board of trustees.

Vital is to be committed to the vision of Bournemouth Foodbank and concerned about our local communities in BCP as well as social justice equal opportunities. You will want to be giving your time and skills to work alongside our board to shape the future services on offer to our local community and support our few paid staff team and over 150 volunteers.

The time commitment would be a few hours a month, the expectation to attend the Foodbank at least fortnightly during weekdays and some flexibility to support occasional events would be wonderful (but entirely optional).

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of Bournemouth Foodbank and all decisions made by the trustee board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable.

Key Tasks

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives;
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity;
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for (including creating agendas, taking minutes etc) and regularly attend and participate in trustee meetings and subcommittee meetings.

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 3 May 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 4 May and 15 May 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:

• 27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 1 July 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.

Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.

What you could be doing:

• Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
• Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
• Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
• Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
• Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
• Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Christmas Fairs and the Winter Ball

What you’ll need:

• Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
• A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
• Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in

What’s in it for you:

• Induction, training and support
• New people, new experiences
• Skill-building and personal development
• A reference for employment or education
• A chance to help cats and dogs in your community