Information volunteer roles

Volunteer Safeguarding Lead
Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) & Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd (GLE Ltd)

Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote / Hybrid (as required)
Time Commitment: Approximately 8–12 hours per month

Role Overview

The Volunteer Safeguarding Lead will be responsible for ensuring that Guardian Light Foundation and Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd maintain the highest standards of safeguarding for children and vulnerable individuals. This role is critical in creating a safe, compliant, and supportive environment across all services and activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures

• Act as the main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns or incidents

• Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters

• Ensure all team members understand and follow safeguarding protocols

• Manage and document safeguarding reports, ensuring appropriate action is taken

• Liaise with external agencies (e.g. social services, local authorities) where required

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and best practice

Requirements

• Experience in safeguarding, social care, counselling, or a related field

• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practices

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and confidentiality

• Good communication and organisational skills

• Commitment to the mission and values of GLF and GLE Ltd

Additional Information

• An Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role

• Training and support will be provided where necessary

• This is a voluntary role, but it offers valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact

How to Apply

Please submit a short expression of interest outlining your experience and why you are interested in this role.

About Us

Our Vision is to be the leading provider of therapeutic care, education and treatment for children and young people who have experienced early childhood trauma.  ​

​​Our Mission is to transform the lives of children and young people who suffer severe emotional and psychological difficulties, so they can relate well to others and fulfil their potential. ​

​​Our Approach is a form of psychotherapeutic group living and learning modelled on healthy relationships, adapted to the developmental needs of children and young people suffering early childhood trauma. We call this Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST). ​

Role descriptions and person specification

Role description attached provides more information on the role and responsibilities.   For this Trustee role we are particularly seeking individuals with demonstrable  experience in Child protection from the perspective of the Family Court, in particular with insights into safeguarding.

For more details about Childhood First, please visit our website. 

Commitment

• Each year, our Trustees are expected to attend four regular board meetings, from 5 to 7 pm in Central London. In addition, Trustees would attend potentially four meetings of any sub-committee of which they are a member. Further time is required for reading of papers before meetings.
• You would also receive invitations to various Childhood First events in the communities, which are optional but strongly encouraged to help better understand the work and feel a connection to the charity.
• We are particularly cognisant of the need to be flexible in the demands we make of Trustee colleagues. Each year there is an opportunity to meet with the Chair for mutual feedback and to discuss ways in which Trustees might wish to develop their roles.​

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting will be on 15 September 2026 in Central London.

We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would like an informal conversation before applying please contact Michael Joseph, Director of Finance and Corporate Services.

All trustee roles will be subject to background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks) which will be maintained by Childhood First for the duration of their term.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Newcastle under Lyme.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

The network meets on a Tuesday evening (1930-2100)

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:
- Date, time and location to be advised
We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:
-  Date, time and location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, time and location to be advised
Training for role - Date, time and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Purpose / Summary of the Role

Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support children, young people, adults, and families through

prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused services.

The Youth Ambassador role offers aged 16 + students the opportunity to represent Aquarius within their school and local community. You will help raise awareness of substance use, mental health, and wellbeing in a way that feels relevant to young people.

As a Youth Ambassador, you will use your voice to support positive change. You will help challenge stigma, promote healthy choices, and encourage young people to seek support early. The role supports leadership development, confidence, and real world experience in a respected charity setting.

Responsibilities

· Act as a positive and visible representative of Aquarius

· Help raise awareness of drug, alcohol, and wellbeing issues among young

people

· Support campaigns focused on prevention, harm reduction, and early support

· Encourage open, respectful conversations within your school or college

· Share information accurately and responsibly

· Signpost peers to appropriate support and trusted adults

· Follow Aquarius safeguarding and confidentiality guidance at all times

Description of Tasks

· Promote Aquarius messages through school events, campaigns, or

assemblies

· Support awareness days and wellbeing activities

· Take part in peer led discussions or youth voice opportunities

· Share approved information through school or local channels

· Attend training sessions and check ins with Aquarius staff

· Maintain clear boundaries and understand your role limits

Time commitment

Minimum 2 hours per month

Flexible around school and study commitments

Training and support

· Mandatory volunteer induction

· Youth Ambassador training

· Safeguarding guidance

· Named staff contact

· Ongoing support and supervision

Skills and qualities

· Currently studying in sixth form or equivalent

· Interest in wellbeing, social issues, or youth voice

· Confident or developing confidence in communication

· Reliable and organised

· Respectful and non-judgemental

· Able to maintain confidentiality

· Willingness to learn and develop new skills

Benefits to the volunteer

· Opportunity to represent a national charity in your community

· Development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills

· Experience valued by universities and employers

· Increased confidence and responsibility

· Training and development opportunities

· Contribution to meaningful social change

Reimbursement of expenses

Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed

· Public transport

· Mileage costs at 0.45p per mile

Local Information

Service Name

Aquarius

Service Model / Project

Young People’s Prevention and Early Intervention Services

Responsible Manager / Supervisor

To be confirmed

Location

School or college settings and local community venues

Application procedure

· Application form

· Informal assessment meeting

· Parental consent where required

· Induction and training

Person Criteria

Approachable and professional

Reliable and organised

Able to communicate respectfully with peers and adults

Able to maintain confidentiality

Able to understand and maintain boundaries

Interest in youth wellbeing and social issues

Ability to work with guidance and supervision

Good level of self-awareness

All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Regional Clinical Officer (South West)

As a Regional Clinical Officer (South West), you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a Regional Clinical Officer (South West) you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is 05/06/2026.

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Regional Clinical Officer (West Midlands)

As a Regional Clinical Officer (West Midlands), you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a Regional Clinical Officer (West Midlands) you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is 05/06/2026.

Looking for a meaningful way to gain experience, meet new people, and make a real difference?

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're looking to volunteer occasionally between lectures, gain hands-on experience, or simply spend your free time doing something rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Sense as an Events & Activities Volunteer and help create memorable experiences for disabled people with complex needs, their families, and carers across Peterborough. 

Whether you're a student looking to build your skills, enhance your CV, connect with your local community, or simply give back in your spare time, this flexible volunteering opportunity can fit around your studies, work, and other commitments.

What You'll Be Doing

No two events are the same! You could be:

• Welcoming visitors and helping create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
• Supporting disabled people and their families to take part in activities with confidence.
• Getting involved in arts, crafts, games, and creative activities.
• Helping set up and pack down event spaces.
• Running activity stalls, information stands, or family-friendly games.
• Sharing information about Sense and the support we provide.
• Assisting with fundraising activities at community events.
• Working alongside staff and fellow volunteers to ensure events run smoothly.

We'll regularly share upcoming volunteering opportunities with you, and you can choose the events that match your interests, location, and availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

This role is ideal for students and community-minded individuals who are:

• Friendly, approachable, and confident engaging with people from all backgrounds.
• Passionate about making a positive impact.
• Reliable and committed to events they sign up for.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• Flexible and happy to support with a variety of activities.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

 What's In It For You?

As a Sense volunteer, you'll receive:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule
• Valuable experience for your CV and future career
• Opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and event management skills
• Full training, briefings, and ongoing support
• Reimbursement of agreed volunteer expenses
• A volunteer reference for future employment or education applications
• The chance to meet new people and become part of a supportive community
• Access to support from our Mental Health First Aiders
• Most importantly, the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs and their families

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 3 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake client assessments following triage by Clinical Lead, followed by counselling / therapy (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus a check in and 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in monthly group supervision support of 1.5 hours a month

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principles

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration and attending group supervision for 1.5 hours a month. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

As an Object Handling Volunteer, you will engage visitors with objects from our Object Handling Collection. These are objects similar to those displayed in the museum that visitors can pick up and examine. From Kodak brownie cameras and magic lantern slides, to optical toys and Gameboys, hands‑on encounters ignite curiosity and bring to life the story of how sound and vision technologies impact our lives.

By engaging visitors with our Object Handling Collection, you will spark conversations and develop visitors’ interest in the museum’s collections. Along the way, you’ll develop your understanding of visitor experience and museum learning, while sharing your enthusiasm for historical and STEM stories with visitors of all ages. You’ll also be a friendly point of contact for anyone wanting to know more about the museum and what’s on. Full training will equip you to handle objects with care, and learn and share engaging information.

By facilitating safe, accessible object handling, you’ll enrich the visitor experience and inspire our visitors.

This role will operate 7 days a week during school holidays, starting with the upcoming summer break (Sat 18 July-Sun 30 Aug), then weekends only during term time. A rota will be made on a rolling basis based on everyone’s availability and preferences.

In this role you will:

• Become familiar with objects from our Object Handling Collection
• Use objects from the handling collection to initiate conversations with our visitors about sound and vision technologies and how they impact our lives
• Signpost visitors to related content to explore further around our museum and galleries.
• Work with our Object Handling Collection in a safe manner for visitors and yourself
• Answer general enquiries and act as a friendly point of contact for our visitors

What you’ll bring to the role: 
This role is perfect for people who:

• Are friendly, approachable and enjoy conversing with a wide range of museum visitors
• Have an interest in our museum collections and themes
• Enjoy learning new information and sharing your passion and/or knowledge with others

It would be good if you:

• Have an appreciation of what good customer service looks like
• Are proactive and are happy to perform tasks independently

What you’ll get from volunteering:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. This means:

• Meeting new people with similar interests
• Gaining valuable experience in a working environment
• Perks such as free cinema tickets
• References on request

Key dates:

• All applicants must be available to attend our Object Handling Recruitment Event on Saturday 27 June, 10.30-12.30.

If you are offered the role, you must then attend the volunteer induction and role training.

• New volunteer induction: Saturday 4 July, 10.00-13.00
• Role training: Saturday 11 July, 10.00-13.00

Additional Information:

• To volunteer in this role, you must be 18 or over. 
• If successful, we’ll request a basic criminal record check for you. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying. SMG is unable to act as a sponsor organisation if you do not have a visa that allows you to volunteer.
• We reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses of up to £6.00 per day.

Looking for a meaningful way to gain experience, meet new people, and make a real difference?

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're looking to volunteer occasionally between lectures, gain hands-on experience, or simply spend your free time doing something rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Sense as an Events & Activities Volunteer and help create memorable experiences for disabled people with complex needs, their families, and carers across Birmingham. 

Whether you're a student looking to build your skills, enhance your CV, connect with your local community, or simply give back in your spare time, this flexible volunteering opportunity can fit around your studies, work, and other commitments.

What You'll Be Doing

No two events are the same! You could be:

• Welcoming visitors and helping create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
• Supporting disabled people and their families to take part in activities with confidence.
• Getting involved in arts, crafts, games, and creative activities.
• Helping set up and pack down event spaces.
• Running activity stalls, information stands, or family-friendly games.
• Sharing information about Sense and the support we provide.
• Assisting with fundraising activities at community events.
• Working alongside staff and fellow volunteers to ensure events run smoothly.

We'll regularly share upcoming volunteering opportunities with you, and you can choose the events that match your interests, location, and availability.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need previous experience—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

This role is ideal for students and community-minded individuals who are:

• Friendly, approachable, and confident engaging with people from all backgrounds.
• Passionate about making a positive impact.
• Reliable and committed to events they sign up for.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• Flexible and happy to support with a variety of activities.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

 What's In It For You?

As a Sense volunteer, you'll receive:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule
• Valuable experience for your CV and future career
• Opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and event management skills
• Full training, briefings, and ongoing support
• Reimbursement of agreed volunteer expenses
• A volunteer reference for future employment or education applications
• The chance to meet new people and become part of a supportive community
• Access to support from our Mental Health First Aiders
• Most importantly, the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs and their families

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

Fight for Home Group Member [Bristol]

Are you keen to use your creative energy or organisational skills to bring people together to fight for home?

Information about the role

This role gives you the chance to work as part of a team to come up with ideas, plan, organise and deliver fundraising events. As well as raising funds, you’ll also be sharing awareness of the local housing emergency within your local area. 

Location: Bristol

Suggested contribution: It’s flexible, but at least once a month, with potential for more volunteering in the lead up to an event. 

Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with meetings and events likely to take place in evenings and weekends.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

• Support with planned Shelter activity including fundraising in your community 

• Generating fundraising ideas with the group

• Organising and hosting your own fundraising events

• Inspiring your network of contacts to support the fight for home

• Attending local events, such as Rotary meetings or community fairs, to raise awareness of Shelter and collecting donations

• Speaking about what we do and promoting national campaigns in your community

• Raising awareness of our local Community Hubs

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience 

Creativity and organisational skills may be useful, and you’ll need to be willing to collaborate as part of a team. But the most important thing is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.