Housing and support services manager volunteer roles in Sidcup, greater london

Who is Quaker Social Action?

QSA works with people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

The services that QSA deliver are varied but all are about building respectful and dignified relationships with people who need support in some way. We address issues around food insecurity especially for asylum seekers, the dearth of support on the streets for people who are homeless, and the financial struggles many people experience when arranging a funeral. As well as these direct services we convene an advocacy group of hundreds of grassroots charities tackling child poverty in London. 

Some of our services operate in person, in London, some are national and delivered online or through a telephone helpline. Across all services, we seek to share our learning with others, through advocacy, campaigning or training; or by having a voice with policymakers and in the media on issues where we have credibility.

QSA was founded in 1867 by Quakers troubled by the social injustices of the time and keen to tackle them. This sense of taking practical action to address societal challenges has stayed with us over our 150-year history, and our organisational values are aligned with Quaker values of equality, truth and peace.

QSA is the largest independent Quaker charity and Quakers across the UK support our work –approximately 20% of our £1million+ income comes from Quaker sources. We are proud of our Quaker heritage and our place within the Quaker community, while also clear that our services, jobs and trustee roles are open to all.

“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”

- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller.

What are we looking for?

The Charity Commission defines trustees as "the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run".

Therefore, we need new trustees who are:

1. Passionate about the aims of QSA and excited to contribute to our work

2. Empathic and understanding of the issues affecting people living in poverty, and keen to learn more

3. Wanting to make a positive contribution to our commitment to increasing inclusion, including giving voice to those with relevant lived experience

4. Willing to take on this responsibility and committed to learning more about charity governance

5. Able to commit the time needed to be a trustee and to take this responsibility seriously, for an initial term of three years.

While previous trustee experience is not necessary, we need trustees who have the confidence to actively contribute to the work of our charity from their appointment date, and who have capacity to engage with the governance task. The trustee task is more than attending meetings: we estimate it represents 1-2 days per month in total, accounting for board preparation, engaging with emails, and taking up opportunities to see the work and meet QSA staff.

Some of our trustees are Quakers but most are not, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all faiths or none. We are looking for trustees who will be in sympathy with Quaker values of peace, equality, integrity and simplicity.

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How do I contribute as a trustee?

Trustees meet four times a year. Usually, two of these meetings are in person in London, on an afternoon; the other two are online and in the evening.

Each trustee is expected to join one committee: finance & fundraising, governance & nominations or people & wellbeing. These meet quarterly, online, and are arranged to meet the needs of their members.

There are also formal and informal opportunities to meet with fellow trustees and with the QSA staff team, including online meetings, away days and special events. We encourage trustees to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.

As well as this, trustees contribute by playing an active part in the life of the charity and by being responsive, supportive and committed to the fulfilment of QSA’s charitable purposes.

Trustees as a whole are responsible for:

· Setting the strategic direction of QSA

· The financial oversight of QSA

· Ensuring we comply with relevant legislation

· Supporting the paid staff of the charity to deliver our mission.

Being a trustee for a charity as diverse and energetic as QSA offers an exciting opportunity for people who are passionate about tackling poverty.

“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”

- Visitor to Turn a Corner library van for people experiencing homelessness.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at QSA

QSA has been working hard on equity, diversity and inclusion and see it as a golden thread which runs through our organisation. We are still learning and we invite new trustees to join us on that learning journey.

Inclusion is important to us – the arrival of new trustees brings fresh perspectives and we are excited that our culture will expand and be enhanced by new people joining the board.

We are particularly keen on recruiting trustees who are closer to our cause. By this we mean people who have current or previous experience of living on a low income. We're aware that poverty disproportionately affects people with disabilities and also people who are black and others from global majority communities. Therefore, we'd particularly like to encourage you to apply if you're from one of these groups.

We are committed to addressing any barriers to inclusion, so do speak to us if there are changes we might need to make to enable you to participate.

Discussion and challenge are at the heart of good governance, so we need people who are different from each other to make that happen. We know this requires full engagement from all our trustees and commitment from us to make it work.

What support will I get?

We know that new trustees will need to get to grips with the role, and we offer support:

• New trustees receive an induction where they meet key staff and other trustees, and learn how our trustees work together.

• We have a buddying system in place for new trustees, providing support and reassurance from a more experienced trustee, especially for the first few months.

• New trustees receive all the information needed about QSA: governing documents, organisational chart, plans and recent trustee papers.

• We support trustees' learning and development and encourage our trustees to take opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

• We do not want cost to be a barrier for trustees. Expenses are covered to ensure trustees can fulfil their obligations, such as travel, accommodation, and childcare.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

If you are a history buff, a lover of London or are passionate about museums then we want to hear from you!

London Canal Museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring our visitors with the history of London’s canals – how they’ve shaped London’s development, the ordinary people that lived and worked on them, as well as the entrepreneurs who profited from them. We want to pass on the heritage of the canals so that future generations can learn about London’s industrial and social past. 

Role Location:

London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, London, N1 9RT. We are a 5-10 minute walk from Kings Cross St Pancras tube and rail stations.

Role hours:

- One shift a fortnight, from 9.45am until 4.45pm

- The Museum is open Tuesday - Sundays

Role purpose:

The role of the Front of House volunteer is vital to the life of London Canal Museum – in small teams, volunteers in this role ensure the building is open and ready to welcome visitors each day, greet visitors and educate them about the museum’s exhibits and history, keep visitors safe and answer enquiries to keep the museum running smoothly across the day.

Key Tasks:

- Open and close the museum and ensure it is presentable and ready to receive visitors
- Greet visitors, welcome them into the museum and engage with them about the exhibits and history of the building
- Sell admissions, gifts and books, and ensure the till procedures are followed correctly
- Answer telephone and in-person enquiries
- Provide refreshments and assistance during group visits
- Maintain the various museum areas and ensure they are presentable
- Follow museum policies and procedures to ensure the building, volunteers, staff and visitors are safe and well at all times
- Training and support

All volunteers are line managed by the Volunteering and Training Manager, who provides comprehensive inductions and training to all Front of House volunteers in core areas including: 

- Visitor Engagement
- Customer Service
- Health & Safety
- Accessibility in Museums
- Child Protection
- Retail Skills (including using the till)

Benefits to you:

- Learn about the history of London’s canals, the people who lived and worked on them, and their place in the industrial revolution, as well as the ice trade and history of the building

- Meeting new people and having opportunities to socialise with fellow volunteers at events – you will be a part of a community of over 70 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds

- Build your experience of working in museums, heritage and visitor engagement

- Develop your skills in customer service, team work, communication and other key workplace skills

- Opportunities for further involvement with the museum – including archiving and collections care, events, administration, education and guiding walks and boat trips.

- Free entry to the museum and museum events, 10% off in our shop, discounted venue hire and 50% off museum entry for up to 4 friends and family at a time.

- We also have volunteer events, parties and trips that you can enjoy!

- References can be given for all volunteers who volunteer regularly for 6 months or more

The Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of the Ocean Estate in Stepney. As a legacy successor for the NDC regeneration of the area, we work hand-in-hand with residents and stakeholders to ensure the social, economic, and physical regeneration of our vibrant community. 

About the Roles

We are currently recruiting for two types of Board Members:

Independent/Specialist Members: Professionals who do not live on the estate but bring specific expertise to strengthen our governance.

Community Members: Local residents living within the Ocean Regeneration Trust core area who want to represent their neighbours and guide local improvements.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:

Financial Management & Accounting.

Legal Advice & Governance.

Human Resources & Organisational Management.

Neighbourhood Renewal / Management.

Enterprise & Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Help deliver ORT’s vision to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Stepney and the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets. 

Community Impact: Support 10 year objectives i.e. the implementation of NHS/Public Health initiatives such as neighbourhood health and wellbeing, capacity building for the local Voluntary and Community sector, employment and skills and strategic expertise in housing and welfare changes.

Governance: Attend Board meetings (at least 4–5 times per year) and contribute constructively to decision-making.

Time Commitment & Location

Meetings: Held at the Harford Street Multicentre, E1 or online (hybrid) 

Duration: Meetings typically last 1–2 hours and preparatory reading. 

Remuneration: These are voluntary positions; however, legitimate expenses (such as travel) will be reimbursed

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has been at the heart of Islington since 1913, where we were set up to address 10% rates of infant mortality. More than a century later, we're still pioneering: our Dahlia Project is the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for FGM survivors, our award-winning Surplus Café, and leadership of the Islington Food Partnership have made us a serious force in community food justice, our advocacy work supports some of the boroughs most vulnerable residents in 16 community languages, and our youth services work with young people at risk of gang violence and exploitation in one of London's most deprived boroughs. We own three Grade II listed buildings in Upper Holloway, directly support over 2,500 people a year, and reach 10,000 more through outreach and partnerships. 

What we do

From multilingual advocacy and community wellbeing to youth work, therapeutic services, and food security, we work across the intersections of disadvantage, with particular expertise in supporting refugee and minoritised communities, survivors of FGM and sexual violence, young people at risk of exploitation, and people facing mental health challenges. We are a small organisation with an outsized impact, and we take seriously our responsibility to influence policy as well as deliver services.

What we're looking for

We're seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the below areas:

Fundraising and income development — You will have significant experience leading or overseeing fundraising strategy, with a strong track record across trusts and foundations, statutory commissioning, or other income streams relevant to a charity of our size and complexity. You understand what sustainable income looks like for a community health organisation navigating a difficult funding environment.

Services and community leadership — You will have deep experience leading or developing services for under-represented, minoritised, or marginalised communities, ideally in the voluntary and community sector. You understand what excellent, culturally competent, trauma-informed practice looks like — and how to govern it well.

Human resources — You will have significant HR expertise and an understanding of what good people management looks like in a complex, mission-driven organisation. Whether your background is in-house, consultancy, or the voluntary sector, you'll be able to bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to workforce questions at board level and contribute to our HR and Communications sub-group, as well as the wider board.

In either case, you'll bring strong communication skills, genuine commitment to equity and inclusion, and the strategic clarity to contribute meaningfully at board level.

What you'll join

Our board of six trustees brings expertise spanning third sector leadership, asset management, law, HR, finance, and communications. We meet five times a year, with three sub-groups (Fundraising and Services; HR and Communications; Finance and Facilities) that meet as needed. The time commitment averages around six hours per month. Trustees are appointed for three-year terms, with the potential for renewal.

Knowledge

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustees.

Qualities and Behaviours

Strategic vision;

Commitment to inclusion, equalities and diversity and to the vision and mission of our charity;

Commitment to MGWT’s values;

Interpersonal and communication skills;

Collaborative approach;

Honesty and integrity;

Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues we address, and from those who are under-represented in charity governance more broadly.

Behçet’s Disease is an auto-immune disorder which is incurable but can be managed by specialist consultants. It is very rare and can affect any part of the body. It often takes years to diagnose and can be debilitating to the patient. 

Behçet’s Patients Centres (BPC), a charitable company, was formed in 2011 to provide the specialist, multi disciplinary care for patients.

We are seeking to recruit a Finance Director to our Board in order to both increase our experience and skills base and to facilitate effective succession management. This is a volunteer role that offers rewarding experience and the chance to make a difference in the lives of those who are affected by this rare condition.

This is a highly autonomous role that will make a big difference to the Board of Directors and their purpose to provide a service to one of the rarest patient groups in England. We’re looking for someone who can come in and help us build on our achievements and do things even better. You will be responsible for the financial management of the charitable company to ensure we successfully deliver our contractual commitments and thus influence the future of our funding, (we have a contract which runs until March 2028). You will play an important role as a member of the Board of Directors, ensuring they are guided by your financial expertise. This will involve preparing budgets; paying salaries and finances owing to HMRC and invoicing the NHS. We also work collaboratively with Behçet’s UK, the registered charity for patients with Behçet’s Disease and you’ll be building relationships with that charity. 

The time commitment for this role is around 2 to 3 days per month on average, with extra time needed around budgeting and year end accounts. 

Experience Required:

• Proven management and leadership skills
• Proven financial skills in budget preparation and management
• Proven communication skills
• Awareness of both Charity and Data Protection Law
• Computer literate in use of Microsoft products
• Experience of contract performance management
• Flexibility of working hours to attend quarterly Director meetings and the Behçet’s UK Annual Conference

Qualifications Required:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent financial experience. 
• Preferably a qualification with CIMA, ACA or ACCA (or working towards) 
• A UK driving licence and the ability to travel 
• A clean Disclosure & Barring Services check will be undertaken 

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

About the role: 

This volunteer role involves providing information, support and advice, particularly around welfare benefits and housing to Carers through one-to-one case work.

Our Charity: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times. 

Benefits of volunteering for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

• Learn about the work of  Wandsworth Carers’ Centre and related services in the borough 

• Obtain experience of working with a diverse group of people 

• Out of pocket expenses will be covered 

• References available upon request (after 3 months) 

• Regular supervision with the Services Manager 

As the successful candidate, you will have experience of working in front line services, giving information and advice, as well as advocating on behalf of another and providing one to one support. You will have excellent communication and IT skills, and a commitment to working in the voluntary sector.

If you would like to volunteer and want to be part of a diverse team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, this role is for you! 

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Deliver one – to – one appointments regarding benefits 

• Deliver telephone appointments where required 

• Assist Carers to complete welfare benefit forms such as; Attendance allowance, Disability living allowance or universal credit and personal independence payment

• To refer or signpost Carers to specialist staff or services where required 

• Provide information to newly registered Carers about WCC services 

• Maintain up to date database records for Carers linked with the Centre 

• Maintain the information system under the guidance of the Centre staff 

Essential Requirements Include: 

• Experience of, or ability to provide one to one support, information, advice and advocacy, including welfare benefits. 

• Developed IT skills 

• Ability and commitment to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Confident and polite telephone manner

Please see the Advice Volunteer Role description for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Trustee Opportunities

Hodan  is a small but long-established voluntary organisation in North Kensington, focusing on advice, support and wellbeing for the Somali community and other racially minoritised groups in West London. It is a registered charity operated as a company limited by guarantee.

We are looking for two new Trustees who can help us increase our reach, attract new funding, and continue to develop our services. We are particularly keen to recruit members of the local community in West London who have one or more of the following:

· Lived experience of issues faced by our service users, e.g., economic disadvantage, unemployment or unstable employment, migration, racism / discrimination, digital exclusion, and/or social isolation

· Experience in marketing, PR, or event management

· Experience in fundraising, especially non-grant approaches (e.g., corporate social responsibility, individual philanthropy, or building a supporter base)

· Experience of working with children and young people from racially minoritised backgrounds and/or in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

· Experience in charity leadership and governance

Board meetings are held every three months at Canalside House, Ladbroke Grove. The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of Hodan, and guides and supports the Executive Director and staff.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

More than one in five people in the UK are living in poverty. Millions of households are struggling to afford essentials, falling behind on bills or going without food. Financial insecurity affects people across every part of society and remains one of the defining social challenges of our time.

At Turn2us, we believe poverty is not inevitable. Every year, we support millions of people to improve their financial security through practical help, direct support and long-term systems change. Working alongside people with lived experience, we combine immediate action with ambitious efforts to address the root causes of financial insecurity.

We are now seeking a Trustee to join our Board and serve as Chair of our Finance, Investment and Audit Committee and Honorary Treasurer.

This is a significant governance leadership role at an important point in Turn2us’s journey. As we look towards our next strategic chapter, the Board will play a vital role in balancing long-term ambition with strong financial stewardship and governance. Turn2us is well positioned, with a diversified asset base including property and investments, alongside Elizabeth Finn Homes, our care home business, which contributes around one-third of the charity’s income.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with substantial experience of financial leadership, governance and risk oversight. Experience within the charity sector would be valuable, as would familiarity with areas such as investment management, property, social housing or care services.

Alongside technical expertise, we are seeking someone who brings sound judgement, curiosity, humility and a collaborative approach. You will provide constructive challenge and strategic insight, helping the Board and executive team navigate an increasingly complex financial environment while ensuring the organisation remains focused on delivering impact for people facing financial insecurity.

Our Trustees come from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of financial insecurity and those from communities currently underrepresented at Board level.

This is an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious organisation tackling one of society’s most pressing challenges, working alongside an engaged Board and executive team to help ensure everyone has enough to live on.

Time commitment

The Chair of the Finance, Investment & Audit Committee is expected to commit ten days per year on average, including preparation for and attendance at quarterly in-person board meetings (held in our London office), subcommittees and occasional strategy sessions.

How to apply

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. 

Applications should include a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages), explaining your motivation for applying for to become a trustee at Turn2us, along with how you meet the Person Specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the opportunity, or would like any adjustments made to the process to accommodate your needs, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Summary of role

We are looking for teachers with a recognised ESOL qualification to support clients on a 1:1 basis with speaking, reading and writing English for an hour or so each week.

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English outside of the classroom or interact with a British-born person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as, the employment team and digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need one-to-one support with their English, mostly around listening and speaking, fluency and confidence building. We can also offer additional sessions to clients who are accessing external ESOL classes who feel they need additional 1:1 support.

What will you be doing?

We would like you to meet a client for 1 – 2 hours each week, this can be at the Centre or in a public place such as a café or library or where possible on-line. You will provide them with individual support with their English.  

Your responsibilities:

• Be able to commit at least one hour a week to your client for up to six months.
• Create an agreed Individual Learning Plan.
• Meet with your client at an agreed time and place.
• Be able to encourage and motivate your client.
• Be able to plan an hour’s English session based on the client’s ability and need.
• Send a short progress report to the Learning & Employment Manager after every meeting with your client.
• Participate in the Centre induction and safeguarding training.
• Attend quarterly group meetings, at the Centre, with other English Learning Volunteers at an agreed time.

What are we looking for?

• You have a recognised ESOL qualification e.g. CELTA or a Trinity or Cambridge Certificate
• You have excellent listening and clear communication skills.
• You are able to encourage and motivate a person.
• You are friendly, patient and reliable.
• You will have the ability to get on with people from a wide range of backgrounds

We cover travel expenses.

We are looking for three volunteers to join our team of receptionists and cover our reception once a week for 3.5 hours. 

Our office is just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge, staff are friendly and welcoming, and volunteers tend to stay with us for long periods. Shifts are on Mondays 12:30 - 4:00pm, Tuesdays 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and on Wednesdays 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Preferably, you will be free to commit to a weekly shift for a least six months, or longer if possible. 

In this role, you will:

• use Outlook to check staff availability and whereabouts 
• screen and transfer phone calls to staff or take message to pass on by email 
• give visitors a warm welcome and ensure they sign in and out 
• respond to requests to send information out, mainly application packs and letters
• assist with outgoing mail, franking and posting 
• help with occasional admin tasks as they arise 

You will need to speak English fluently, to be a good listener and confident screening phone calls; our clients are Scottish and some have strong accents.  Reliability, commitment and good time keeping are a must. 

In return, we offer:

• Travel expenses (with proof of purchase), and access to free tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits 
• Training, induction and support, to help you feel confident in your role
• Regular newsletters and annual volunteer social events
• An opportunity to work within a small friendly team (25 staff working from home, office and in the community) 
• Opportunities to help in other areas of our work if you are interested in doing more
• A very warm welcome.

Our office can be quiet sometimes, but not always, and your support will be vital to the smooth running of our office, particular when staff are in meetings or on phone calls.

Ifyou're unsure, we can offer a trial period with a review after four weeks, and you are welcome to drop by for a coffee and a chat before you apply. 

You must be 18 or over and live in the London area. Our office has no step free access.