Housing services manager volunteer roles

Allotment Volunteer

Location: Belburn Allotments Darlington

Timing: 3 hours per week, every Thursdays

Training: Volunteers have access to Waythrough’s training platform, LearningKind, and will be asked to complete 1 day Induction Workshop prior to start

The role:

Allotment Volunteers will support with the running of a weekly allotment group. This is an active volunteer role that will include a range of gardening related tasks as well as being a friendly, welcoming face to people who join the group.

Tasks may include:

• Help with setting up and packing away before and after each session
• Providing support and guidance on all things allotment and gardening related; including what to plant when and how to look after the growing plants
• Suggesting how to cook the produce and sharing potential recipes

Personal qualities:

• An interest in gardening and the outdoors
• Knowledge of how to plant, grow and cook seasonal produce
• Professional, Honest and Committed
• Basic IT skills – some eLearning-based training will need to be completed

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

About Us:

We aim to offer ways for local people with a housing need to secure/maintain accommodation and to live independent. We offer a drop-in service daily for anyone who has a housing need.

Our services include the following:

• Support for all – anyone over the age of 25 who needs support to secure or maintain their accommodation.
• Darlington Intensive mental health team – 18 plus who have a mental health diagnosis and have an intensive housing need.
• Positive Support Pathway – Young persons service where we offer floating support as well as having 9 dispersed units in the Darlington area where YP will be allocated a support worker for the time they reside in their supported accommodation.

We aim to offer ways for local people with mental health challenges to become more independent and confident through gardening. As a charity, our project offers housing solutions for those with mental health having trouble with their housing situation. In addition to our regular support, we provide a gardening allotment group in partnership with First Stop.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

How to apply 

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Make a Difference – Become a Group Work Support Volunteer

Location: Stafford

Commitment: 4–6 hours per week on Wednesdays

At Change Grow Live, we support people to overcome challenges related to dependency and recovery. As a Group Work Support Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals on Probation feel supported, included, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Group Work Support Volunteer  - Stafford

What You’ll Be Doing

• Welcome and support individuals attending group sessions
• Encourage participation and build confidence
• Help plan and prepare engaging group activities
• Take accurate session notes and write up feedback
• Co-facilitate sessions alongside experienced staff
• Provide compassionate support to individuals within a group setting
• Help people connect with local support services (e.g. housing, mental health, food banks)

(please see attached volunteer role description for full role and person specification)

 What You’ll Gain

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills. You’ll benefit from:

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience in group facilitation and support work
• Confidence in working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Opportunities to progress towards leading your own group sessions
• Valuable experience for careers in criminal justice, health, or social care

Please note before applying for this role -

• The volunteer role is based at Approved Premises in Stafford on Wednesday for 4 – 6 hours
• Some of the training for this role is eLearning and so access to a laptop in order to complete this will be beneficial
• This role will require you to complete an Enhanced DBS check and Enhanced Level 1 vetting clearance for the Probation Service
• We welcome applications from those with and without Lived Experience of drugs, alcohol and the criminal justice system.
• Please remember to complete the Personal Statement part of the application as this forms part of the shortlisting process

To find out more about this exciting opportunity please read the attached role description.

We’re excited to offer a new, rewarding volunteer opportunity in our Day Patient Unit (DPU) at the Hospice in Winsley, Bradford on Avon. If you’re caring, compassionate, and love connecting with people, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Nursing Support Volunteer, you’ll bring comfort and companionship to patients in our Friday respite group. You’ll help create a welcoming space where patients can enjoy activities, laughter, and support.

No two shifts are the same! You’ll be part of a friendly, dedicated team, helping with a variety of tasks and making a real difference to patients and their families. Respect, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

We’ll give you a full induction, top-quality training, and ongoing support. All we ask is your energy, kindness, and commitment to person-centred care.

Why we need you

To assist the team in providing nursing and personal care to our patients and support to their families and friends.

What you will be doing

• To provide personal care for the patients as required
• To prepare and serve refreshments and meals during your shift and assist with eating as needed
• Connect and chat to patients and families – led by them
• To inform the nurses of care you have provided and handover at the end of your volunteer shift

The skills you need

• Good communication skills and ability to be led by the patient
• Empathy & understanding
• Friendly and approachable
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliability
• Awareness of you own support needs
• Experience of caring / nursing 
• Volunteers must be over 18 years of age for this role

What's in it for you

• Help a local charity and give something back
• Learn new skills
• Gain more confidence
• Make new friends
• All training and induction to Dorothy House provided
• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Please note

This role will requires a DBS check

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides support to women, mostly on licence from prison, who have a range of complex needs. Through our work, we help women to begin to address the issues they face, improve their lives and reduce the likelihood of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Elizabeth Fry Charity provides a 25-bed Approved Premises in Reading, enabling women to access accommodation, support, and monitoring.

As the Charity continues to grow and develop its services, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by recruiting a Trustee with experience in property, estates, or facilities management.

Our future plans include the acquisition, adaptation and ongoing maintenance of additional properties, as well as renovation and improvement of existing premises. We are therefore particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Experience in property acquisition, development, or refurbishment
• Knowledge of building maintenance and compliance requirements
• Expertise in estates or facilities management
• Strategic insight into managing property assets within a charitable or regulated environment

Trustees, both individually and acting together as the Board, use their skills, knowledge, expertise, and contacts to govern the Charity, safeguard its assets and apply them as efficiently and effectively as possible to further its charitable objectives.

In this role, the Trustee with property expertise will support the Board and Senior Management Team in shaping and delivering our property strategy, ensuring that our accommodation is safe, sustainable, and fit for purpose as we expand.

We are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about the work we do and feels they can contribute to the success of the Charity.

The Board of Trustees meets five times annually at Elizabeth Fry House in Reading. Trustees are invited to participate in either our Finance or People and Safeguarding Committee, both of which meet four times a year. Additionally, Trustees conduct scheduled visits to the Approved Premises throughout the year.

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  - Nantwich

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00

Location: 44 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop 
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  

Canterbury Shop

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development: To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

Make a difference in the lives of children, families and women. Become a PACT Trustee.

We are seeking two voluntary trustees to join our exceptional Board of trustees: One with professional experience in Safeguarding and one with professional experience within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector, or closely aligned areas.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact and guiding a charity that makes a positive difference to hundreds of lives every year, this is an incredible opportunity to join us on our mission.

You do not need previous trustee experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise at strategic level, playing a pivotal role in ensuring we continue delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services, championing the welfare of vulnerable families, and shaping supportive policies that protect children and strengthen communities.

PACT (Parents and Children Together) has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic and trauma informed support services across Reading, the Thames Valley, and southern England. As one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, we place children with loving, permanent families (over 81 placements last year) and offer lifelong specialist support through services like our Strengthening Families Team, CATCH and Adopter Champions. Alongside our adoption service provision, we empower women facing multiple disadvantages through our Alana House women’s centre and help children and their non-abusing parents recover from trauma via our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

Who we are looking for

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with lived experience of adoption, care or disadvantage to apply. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our Board, and we value perspectives from different communities, cultures and lived experiences. Your expertise will help us deliver inclusive, high quality services for children, families and women.

These trustee roles are voluntary positions that are home-based with occasional travel to our Reading head office for in person board meetings or to collaborate with PACT colleagues relevant to your lead role (reasonable expenses covered) and support for our events. The time commitment is around one day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and input into wider charity matters. We aim to be flexible and will make adjustments where we can support accessibility and your availability.

For the Safeguarding Lead Trustee role, we would welcome applications from interested individuals who have current strong understanding and experience of safeguarding legislation, especially in children’s social care.

For the Violence Against Women and Girls Trustee role, we are looking for individuals with demonstrable experience of working in this sector, or in closely aligned areas (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual violence, women in the criminal justice system, safeguarding, trauma informed services). You will have a strong understanding of the policy, commissioning and funding landscape relating to this field.

What would you get as a PACT trustee?

· Satisfaction of helping vulnerable children, women and families, and giving something back

· An opportunity to exercise your skills and knowledge, possibly in a different environment or context

· A chance to contribute to the charity’s strategic growth

· A chance to expand your experience of charities and gain new skills

· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees

· High-quality induction, training and support from us and other charity-support organisations

· Being a Trustee can support the acquisition of valuable skills and experience that support career development

We understand that becoming a trustee is a commitment and you want to ensure that you are applying for a role that matches your values and requirements. You will find lots more information about PACT on our website and one of our trustees also kindly provided this short video with further details.

If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our Board and would like to apply, please visit the volunteer page of our website  where you will find the trustee recruitment pack and application form.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need the information in a different format or require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 01 September 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

Trustee

Age UK Lewisham & Southwark is seeking to appoint several new trustees as part of its ongoing Board development and succession planning.

Location: Lewisham & Southwark, London (Board meetings held in Southwark)
Salary: Voluntary, unpaid (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours: Approximately four Board meetings per year, one annual Board away day, participation in at least one Board sub-committee and occasional engagement between meetings.

About Age UK Lewisham & Southwark

We work to support older people and other vulnerable members of our communities, helping to reduce poverty, loneliness, exclusion and inequality, and enabling people to live with dignity, independence and connection. As demand for our services continues to evolve, we are looking for trustees who can help ensure the charity remains resilient, responsive and impactful for the people we serve.

This is an opportunity to join the Board of a well-established and respected local charity at an important stage in its development.

The Board is actively shaping the charity's future direction, strengthening governance, supporting organisational development, and helping to ensure the charity remains sustainable and effective in a changing environment. As a trustee, you will work alongside a committed Board and leadership team to improve the lives of people across Lewisham and Southwark.

About the role

We are seeking to strengthen and diversify the Board's skills, experience and perspectives through several trustee appointments.

Safeguarding is a key recruitment priority. We are keen to appoint at least one trustee with safeguarding knowledge or experience to serve as the Board's Safeguarding Lead, providing strategic oversight and assurance of safeguarding governance.

We would also particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience or expertise in the following areas:

· Health and social care, public health, NHS services or related fields.

· Fundraising, income generation and donor development.

· Legal, regulatory or governance matters.

· Property, facilities, estates or building management.

We do not expect candidates to have experience in all of these areas and welcome applications from individuals who can contribute expertise or experience in one or more of these areas.

As a place-based charity, we are particularly interested in trustees who live, work, volunteer, or have strong connections to Lewisham and Southwark and can bring local knowledge and insight to the Board.

About you

We welcome applications from people with a broad range of professional, voluntary and lived experience.

Key qualities include:

· Strategic thinking and sound judgement.

· Commitment to improving the lives of older people and other vulnerable members of our communities.

· Ability to provide constructive challenge and effective governance.

· Commitment to equality, dignity, inclusion and values-led leadership.

· Ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to collective decision-making.

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We welcome applications from first-time trustees who share our values and are willing to learn and contribute to the Board's work.

Commitment

A modest but active commitment, including attendance at four Board meetings per year, one annual Board away day, participation in at least one Board sub-committee, and occasional engagement between meetings.

Board meetings are normally held in person at the Stones End Day Centre in Southwark. Whilst hybrid participation may occasionally be possible, the Board places a strong emphasis on in-person attendance to support effective discussion, decision-making and relationship-building.

Age UK Lewisham & Southwark is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those whose experiences and perspectives are under-represented in charity governance.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Trustee, Board Member, Non-Executive Director, Non-Executive Board Member, Charity Governor, School Governor, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Independent Board Member, Volunteer Trustee, Safeguarding Trustee or Board Advisor.

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 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 play an important role as a member of the Board of Directors, ensuring they are guided by your expertise.  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 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 experience. 
• 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

Romanian-Speaking Community Support Volunteer

Role Overview

Europia is looking for a Romanian-speaking volunteer to support community sessions for the Salford Central and Eastern European Health Navigators Project.

The project supports Central and Eastern European residents in Salford who may face language, digital or other barriers when accessing health and community services.

The volunteer will help welcome people, provide Romanian language support and help residents use digital services. They will work alongside Europia staff to make sessions welcoming and accessible.

What the Role Will Involve

• Interpret between Romanian-speaking residents and Europia staff during community sessions.

• Help Romanian-speaking residents communicate with Europia staff. 

• Clearly interpret information provided by Europia staff.

• Translate short written information, messages and instructions between Romanian and English.

• Help check that translated information is clear and easy to understand.

• Welcome residents when they arrive at community sessions.

• Explain how the session works and who service users need to speak to.

• Help service users use mobile phones, websites, online forms and digital services.

• Help prepare the room before sessions and tidy the space afterwards.

• Support the general running of community sessions.

• Communicate information clearly, accurately and sensitively.

• Comply with Europia’s Data Protection Policy and keep personal and sensitive information private.

• Follow Europia’s safeguarding, data protection and professional boundaries procedures.

When

• Community sessions will run until March 2027.

• The project will normally hold one community session each week.

• Each session will last around three hours.

• Volunteers will support agreed sessions as part of a rota.

• The exact days, times and number of sessions will be agreed with each volunteer.

Where

The project will be delivered across Salford. Sessions will take place at community venues, including:

• Eccles Gateway, M30 0TU

• Broughton Hub, M7 4BQ

• Together Family Centre, M44 6GX

• St Aidan’s Church, M7 3SE

• Selected Salford libraries

Volunteers may support sessions at one or more venues, depending on their availability and the needs of the project.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Speaks Romanian and English.

• Is friendly, patient and respectful.

• Has good communication and listening skills.

• Is comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.

• Can use basic websites, online forms and mobile phones.

• Is willing to help people with simple digital tasks.

• Can keep personal information private.

• Is reliable and able to attend agreed sessions.

• Is willing to learn and work as part of a team.

Previous volunteering, community work, language support or digital support experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Training and Support

Volunteers will receive:

• An induction before starting.

• Safeguarding training.

• Training on professional boundaries.

• Clear guidance about their role and responsibilities.

• Structured supervision and support from Europia staff.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Information about possible pathways towards Immigration Advice Authority Level 1 qualifications, where appropriate.

Benefits

• Use your Romanian language skills to support local residents.

• Gain experience in community support.

• Develop your communication and digital support skills.

• Build confidence and meet new people.

• Learn more about local health and community services.

• Receive regular support and supervision.

• Support Central and Eastern European communities in Salford.

• Receive agreed volunteer expenses.

• Gain experience that may support future employment, training or volunteering opportunities.