Health policy volunteer roles

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

Join our Board and help us support Asian mothers who are fleeing domestic abuse.

About Maa Shanti

We offer practical support, advocacy, emotional support, and activities tailored to the needs of South Asian mothers. Services are available in person, online, or in a blended format, and the team speaks Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to ensure culturally sensitive engagement.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities: 

· Ensure the charity fulfills its purposes as outlined in its governing document.

· Ensure compliance with the governing document, charity law, and other applicable laws.

· Act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and informed decisions. Contribute to the Board’s strategic direction, policy-setting, and goal definition, including performance evaluation.

· Provide guidance based on experience, supporting new initiatives.

· Ensure effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Monitor Maa Shanti’s financial, strategic, and operational performance. 

In addition to general trustee responsibilities, we're particularly interested with in candidates who have the following skills:

· HR

· Charity Governance

· Legal expertise (family law/immigration)

Time Commitment:

· Quarterly Board meetings.

· 2 away days a year.

· In addition to Board meetings, there may be some ad hoc work support required in between meetings.

· Remote/hybrid working offered if needed.

What are we looking for?

You do not need previous governance experience to join the board. We will provide an induction an ongoing support.

Personal skills and qualities:

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· Enthusiasm for the work of Maa Shanti.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. As a woman only and led-by-and-for organisation, all board members must be women, and at least 90% of the board must come from South Asian backgrounds.

What difference will you make?

Joining Maa Shanti’s Board is an opportunity to be part of a values-led, survivor-centred organisation making a real difference in the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. As a trustee, you will help shape the future of a trusted, community-rooted charity at a time of growth and increasing need. You’ll work alongside a thoughtful, supportive Board and leadership team, contributing your perspective, skills and lived experience to ensure survivors’ voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!

Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London. 

Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence. 

Your Role as a Trustee:

• Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
• Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
• Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects. 

Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:

• Finance & Business Development
• Human Resources (HR)
• Retail & Social Enterprise
• Housing Law
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Time Commitment:

Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.

There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you! 

Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Treasurer for Age Concern Twyford & District

Do you have an interest in helping our charity that supports older people in our community?

If you have a head for financial matters, you could add to and assist our trustees’ management of our finances.                      

Initially set up in 1988, we are an independent local charity (Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 11163722) that promotes and maintains independent living for older residents in and around our local community. We are not affiliated with any similar organisations, but work closely with other Wokingham Borough-based charities and support organisations.

We provide a Day Centre with activities, lunches and optional take-home meals, activities including arts, singing and dancing, plus a range of support services including assistance with form-filling, handypersons and a listening ear to support families.

In 2024/25, our income was £250k, a small rise on previous years, and our services and facilities remain well-used and very well-appreciated in our community.

The Role

We are a small and collaborative trustee team, working closely with the staff in the centre to provide a service to our local community. Our Board includes some people with experience and skills in the services we provide to older people or other professions, and we’d expect trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

Although we’d welcome your financial qualification, that’s not a requirement, as our finances aren’t complex. An understanding of how charity finance works would be beneficial of course, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly, especially to other trustees, being important. Support from our employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day finances.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as advice from local charity-support organisations is always available. Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist help as a new trustee, including access to external training.

​We are a charity not a commercial business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

​The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

​We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc., although that time commitment will rise at year-end and for our AGM.
You will need access to digital communications, as some our charity’s business is run that way.

This appointment is being assisted for us by involve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who can supply you with a detailed Role Description and Skills Specification, and offer advice about trusteeship, even assist your application. Click "Apply Now" below to find out more.

Volunteer Role: Deputy Chief Ranger (Senior Officer)

Location: National (England) / Hybrid

Rank Insignia: One Crown and Two Pips

Reporting to: Chief Ranger

About the Role:

Ranger Cadets is seeking a visionary and disciplined leader to step into the role of Deputy Chief Ranger. As a Senior Officer, you will serve as the "second-in-command" for the entire organisation across England. This is a high-impact, uniformed role designed for an individual with significant management experience and a passion for youth development.

You will work directly alongside the Chief Ranger to steer the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring every unit is supported and every cadet is "Prepared for Life."

Your Strategic Responsibilities:

• Organisational Leadership: Assist the Chief Ranger in the overall management, governance, and operational running of Ranger Cadets nationwide.

• National Oversight: Provide high-level support and guidance to regional and unit leadership teams to ensure consistency in the cadet syllabus and safety standards.

• Strategic Growth: Help lead the expansion of Ranger Cadets, ensuring that new units are sustainable and aligned with our core values.

• Representational Duties: Act as a key ambassador for the organisation at national events, ceremonies, and meetings with external stakeholders and partners.

• Mentorship: Provide senior-level mentorship to adult volunteers, fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and inclusion.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven Leadership: Experience in senior management, ideally within a uniformed organisation, the military, emergency services, or the charitable sector.

• Strategic Thinker: The ability to look beyond the day-to-day operations and help plan the long-term future of the organisation.

• Commitment to Values: A deep alignment with the Ranger Cadets' mission to empower young people and boost their confidence.

• Presence & Authority: Comfortable wearing the rank insignia of a Senior Officer and leading with integrity, empathy, and professional standards.

Why Take on This Command?

• Executive Impact: Play a defining role in the history and growth of a national youth organisation.

• Professional Prestige: Hold a senior rank (One Crown, Two Pips) that reflects your responsibility and expertise.

• Legacy Building: Help shape the framework that will support thousands of young people on their journey to adulthood.

How to Apply:

This is an appointment for those ready to lead at the highest level. If you have the experience and the drive to assist in commanding the Ranger Cadets, we invite you to apply.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

TRUSTEES @ REMIX

Shape the vision. Back the movement. Help young Londoners rise.

REMIX is a youth charity with energy. We’re bold. We’re positive. We’re community-first. We back young Londoners with confidence, skills, networks, and opportunities to rise — on their terms, in their voice, with their power.

Now we’re looking for Trustees who bring heart, hype, and purpose to our leadership team.

We want Trustees who are:

• Positive role models with real warmth and authenticity

• Motivational, inspiring, and full of good vibes

• Passionate about youth voice, culture, and system change

• Ready to bring fresh ideas, lived experience, and community energy

• Committed to inclusion, representation, and building belonging

What you’ll actually do:

• Help guide REMIX’s vision, strategy, and long-term direction

• Champion youth voice and make sure young people lead the vibe

• Support decisions that strengthen our programmes, culture, and impact

• Bring your insight, creativity, and lived experience to the table

• Protect the mission, the values, and the energy that makes REMIX special

• Help build a charity that feels youthful, bold, and community-powered

This isn’t a dusty boardroom role. This is movement leadership.

Why this role matters:

Trustees shape the future. They open doors. They fix systems, not young people. They help build spaces where young Londoners feel seen, valued, and unstoppable.

Your leadership becomes part of the story young people rise from.

Who this is perfect for:

• People who believe in young people’s brilliance

• People who want to help build a youth movement, not just a charity

• People who care about justice, opportunity, and community

• People who want to leave a legacy of empowerment and belonging

If you’re ready to lead with heart, hype, and vision — REMIX wants you.

Let’s build something powerful together.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 
   

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

This Role Holds the Line Where Community Meets Trauma

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is building survivor-centred, community-owned digital spaces where truth-telling, learning, and healing take place. These spaces are powerful — and without strong moderation, they can also become unsafe. The Community Moderation & Safety Lead exists to ensure that our online and digital communities remain safe, boundaried, respectful, and trauma-informed, without becoming policed, silencing, or extractive.

This is not a passive moderation role. It is a systems and safety leadership role.

Purpose of the Role

This role is responsible for:

• Protecting members from harm.
• Preventing retraumatisation.
• Upholding community standards.
• Supporting moderators and volunteers.
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed in real time

The role-holder ensures that the community does not drift into chaos, harm, or uncontained disclosure.

About the role:

To protect members from harm, prevent retraumatisation, and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed in real time.To uphold community standards and support moderators and volunteers to prevent harm, chaos, or uncontained disclosure.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential experience

• Experience in community moderation or community management, online or offline, with responsibility for maintaining healthy and safe spaces.
• Experience working in safeguarding, pastoral care, support, or risk-aware roles, where sensitive conversations and boundaries matter.
• Experience in trauma-informed or survivor-led contexts, or demonstrated ability to communicate safely and respectfully around sensitive topics.
• Experience responding to harmful behaviour, conflict, harassment, or boundary violations, including knowing when to escalate.
• Experience maintaining clear records/logs (incident notes, actions taken, outcomes) with professionalism and attention to confidentiality.

Essential skills

• Strong ability to set and uphold boundaries and community standards consistently, without escalating conflict or causing harm.
• Excellent judgement in identifying risk indicators, prioritising urgent concerns, and following escalation pathways precisely.
• Calm, respectful communication style with the ability to handle challenging conversations and emotionally difficult content.
• Strong written skills for incident documentation, summaries for escalation, and clear guidance to moderators and volunteers.
• Ability to lead and support volunteers: coaching, clarifying decisions, improving consistency, and encouraging good practice.
• High attention to detail and commitment to privacy, safeguarding, and data integrity in all moderation activity.
• Confidence working with systems, checklists, and protocols, and improving them based on what is happening in practice.

Desirable (not essential)

• Experience with youth work, social care, mental health services, or safeguarding-led community organisations.
• Experience moderating forums or social platforms, including handling DMs, comment moderation, and reporting/flagging systems.
• Experience collaborating with safeguarding and content approval teams, or contributing to guidelines and policy development.

Training / qualifications

• Formal safeguarding training is desirable but not essential.
• Training and clear CIC-specific protocols will be provided.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and oversee community moderation systems across platforms, ensuring consistent standards, clear workflows, and survivor-centred safety practices.
• Develop and maintain community guidelines covering acceptable conduct, boundaries, tone-of-voice, confidentiality expectations, and consequences for breaches.
• Create and manage escalation pathways so volunteers can respond quickly to risk, route concerns correctly, and avoid delays or unsafe handling of disclosures.
• Lead and support volunteer moderators and facilitators through onboarding, coaching, decision support, and ensuring consistent moderation decisions across spaces.
• Monitor community spaces for safeguarding concerns, harmful or abusive language/behaviour, boundary violations, and patterns of escalating risk.
• Act as the first escalation point for high-risk conversations and disclosures that may require safeguarding action, ensuring urgent concerns are prioritised.
• Coordinate closely with key safeguarding stakeholders including the Safeguarding Officer, Content Approval & Safeguarding Coordinator, and Membership Director to align decisions and prevent gaps.
• Take appropriate moderation action in line with protocols (e.g., warnings, content removal, access restrictions, referral/escalation), while maintaining a calm and consistent approach.
• Maintain incident logs and moderation records that are accurate, timely, confidential, and suitable for internal review and accountability.
• Review patterns of harm or risk (themes, repeat users, platform weaknesses, vulnerable moments) and recommend improvements to guidelines, systems, volunteer training, and prevention controls.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Avoid conflict or boundary-setting.
• Want purely creative or social engagement.
• Are seeking unstructured peer support roles.
• Are unable to step back emotionally when required.
• Expect immediate paid employment

Important to Be Clear

This is:

• A volunteer role during the build phase.
• A role with real authority and responsibility.
• Not symbolic — decisions made here directly affect safety

Paid roles will be introduced as funding and sustainability allow.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A safeguarding and scenario-based discussion.
• A boundaries and escalation conversation.
• If you believe that community without safety becomes harm, and that moderation is an act of care, not control, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Community safety is about people, not control.

If you know that:  Boundaries are a form of care. Consistency prevents harm. Safeguarding is an active responsibility.

The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
• Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.

Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:

• Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
• Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
• Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
• Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Volunteer Role: New Cadet Unit Launch Specialist (Mobilisation Team) - LONDON

Location: London (Hybrid options for planning)

Time Commitment: Flexible during the 8-12 week setup phase; attendance at the official Launch Night is essential.

About the Role:

Are you a natural organiser with a "get-it-done" attitude? We are looking for dynamic New Cadet Unit Launch Specialists to be the driving force behind the expansion of Ranger Cadets.

While our permanent unit leaders focus on the long-term journey of our cadets, you will be the architect who builds the foundation. You will lead the setup, recruitment, and official opening of new units, ensuring that when the first whistle blows, everything is in place for success.

Your Mission:

• The Foundation: Secure and risk-assess local venues for weekly parade nights.

• The Team: Assist in the initial recruitment and onboarding of the local Uniformed Adult Volunteer team.

• The Launch: Coordinate "Open Evenings" and the official Launch Night to welcome new cadets and their families.

• The Handover: Ensure a seamless transition by providing the permanent Unit Leadership Team with the tools, rotas, and training they need to take the reins post-launch.

What We’re Looking For:

• Project Management Skills: You enjoy taking a project from an idea to a reality.

• Leadership: Ability to motivate a brand-new team and set high standards from day one.

• Communication: Comfortable engaging with local councils, schools, parents, and community stakeholders.

• Efficiency: A focus on creating sustainable processes that the permanent leadership team can easily follow.

Why Join the Mobilisation Team?

• High Impact: You are directly responsible for opening doors to new opportunities for young people in underserved areas.

• Flexibility: Once a unit is successfully launched and handed over, your mission is complete! You can choose to help launch the next unit or take a break.

• Strategic Experience: Perfect for those looking to build professional experience in operations, project management, or charity growth.

Help Us Reach More Young People:

Join us in our mission to ensure every young person is "Prepared for Life" by helping us plant the seeds of new Ranger Cadet units across the country.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

About YAUK

We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

Responsibilities may include

• To complete research tasks in line with timelines and agreed deadlines

• To help plan, write, edit and proofread reports, literature reviews and related writings

• To work alongside others in managing a workload, and actively communication 

• To analyse and interpret research data (mainly qualitative, secondary data analysis)

• To support and be accountable to the senior researcher 

• To assist in the design and planning of projects and research work

• To follow ethical guidelines

Requirements: 

• To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas

• To have experience as a Research Assistant or Researcher or equivalent role in related areas

• Experience in qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus

• To be able to work well as part of a team and independently

​Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our emotional support volunteers offer vital emotional support to woman, girl and AFAB non-binary survivors of sexual violence and abuse by providing our helpline, email support and live chat services.

We are the only specialist service in Cambridgeshire providing dedicated support to woman survivors of rape and sexual violence.

These confidential and anonymous services would not exist without our amazing volunteers, who provide life-changing support to survivors in their local community.

Who are we looking for?

Women of all ages (18 years +) and backgrounds who are:

• Empathetic, non-judgemental and good listeners.
• Self-aware and emotionally resilient.
• Interested in discussing and learning about sexual violence and its impacts on women and girls.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.
• Able to work independently using initiative and also be part of a team.
• Share CRCC’s survivor-focused ethos.
• Ideally able to commit to three shifts a month (shifts are Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings).
• Ideally able to commit to volunteering for at least 18 months.

We especially welcome enquiries from women from minoritised and under-represented groups and communities. This includes AFAB non-binary individuals who feel comfortable volunteering within a service run for women by women.

We can contribute to childcare costs and reasonable travel expenses to enable women to volunteer with us.

Comprehensive training and support will be provided for this role. Training starts on the 20 April 2026.

Details about the role

Location: CRCC's office in Cambridge and remotely (the latter only possible if volunteer has access to a private, confidential space to volunteer from that isn't their bedroom)

When: After the initial training period (starting 20 April 2026):

• Shifts: Wednesday 7-9.30pm and Sunday 10am-12.30pm
• Monthly reflective practice: Monday or Tuesday 6-7.30pm

Commitment: After the initial training period:

• 3 shifts per month on helpline/email/live chat (we operate a flexible rota)
• 1 reflective practice session per month
• Volunteer meetings once every 6 months
• Regular ongoing training
• Regular 121s