Lead volunteer roles

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

 Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

You can 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:

· overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations

· recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters

· researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’

· sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 

· sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 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.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Operations Manager of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Operations Manager of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Operations Manager of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of ethics or graphic design for data visualisation).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex analytical tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy.

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a community champion volunteer you’ll be supporting Sense’s fundraising team, playing a vital role in helping Sense to raise funds and awareness to support people with complex disabilities. 

You’ll engage with individuals, local businesses, and regional press to share our mission, organise events, and inspire others to take action. Whether you’re great at planning events, researching opportunities or connecting with your community, this role has something for you.  

This is a flexible role, with the opportunity to volunteer either virtually or in your local community. We are looking for volunteers able to offer a minimum commitment of 2 hours per month. 

We’re looking for people who are passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs and who have a calm, kind and friendly personality.

Please note that you will not be providing care for the people Sense supports as part of this role.

Due to the nature of the volunteer role, we cannot accept applications for anyone under the age of 18.

The four areas of the role:

As a Community Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, organised into four main role categories. You can choose to get involved in one or more of these areas, and we’ll discuss your preferences with you as part of the application process. Please note, we don’t expect volunteers to take on every area. Instead, we’ll focus on what interests you most and shape the role around your strengths and skills.

Event volunteer:

Support Sense’s Community Fundraising team by:

• Organising your own fundraising events in aid of Sense.
• Supporting and participating in fundraising events at your local Sense services, and shops.
• Supporting with fundraising admin, for example sourcing prizes for Sense fundraisers.

Skills needed:

• Creative, with fresh fundraising ideas and enthusiasm.
• Organised, with the ability help co-ordinate multiple aspects of an event.

Local public relations (PR) volunteer:

Boost Sense’s profile in your local community by:

• Writing content for local press releases.
• Building a network of local media contacts.
• Supporting regional output of national campaigns. 

Skills needed:

• Strong written communication
• Able to follow branding and messaging guidelines.
• Self-motivated and proactive in seeking opportunities. 

Fundraising researcher:

Help boost Sense’s regional income by researching available grants, partnerships and other local connections. Responsibilities include:

• Researching local grants and business partnerships.
• Researching networking events.
• Helping us to source prizes for Sense fundraising events.

Skills needed:

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• Organised, ensuring new leads are accurately recorded and shared. 

Community connector:

Act as an ambassador for Sense, attending events across your community to thank supporters, and forge new partnerships.

• Attending cheque presentations, thanking our supporters.
• Giving presentations about Sense to local schools and community groups.
• Engaging with local businesses and groups, to forge new relationships for Sense.

Skills needed:

• Strong communication skills and enjoys public speaking opportunities.
• Well-connected in their local area, and love engaging with people.

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a community champion volunteer you’ll be supporting Sense’s fundraising team, playing a vital role in helping Sense to raise funds and awareness to support people with complex disabilities. 

You’ll engage with individuals, local businesses, and regional press to share our mission, organise events, and inspire others to take action. Whether you’re great at planning events, researching opportunities or connecting with your community, this role has something for you.  

This is a flexible role, with the opportunity to volunteer either virtually or in your local community. We are looking for volunteers able to offer a minimum commitment of 2 hours per month. 

We’re looking for people who are passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs and who have a calm, kind and friendly personality.

Please note that you will not be providing care for the people Sense supports as part of this role.

Due to the nature of the volunteer role, we cannot accept applications for anyone under the age of 18.

The four areas of the role:

As a Community Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, organised into four main role categories. You can choose to get involved in one or more of these areas, and we’ll discuss your preferences with you as part of the application process. Please note, we don’t expect volunteers to take on every area. Instead, we’ll focus on what interests you most and shape the role around your strengths and skills.

Event volunteer:

Support Sense’s Community Fundraising team by:

• Organising your own fundraising events in aid of Sense.
• Supporting and participating in fundraising events at your local Sense services, and shops.
• Supporting with fundraising admin, for example sourcing prizes for Sense fundraisers.

Skills needed:

• Creative, with fresh fundraising ideas and enthusiasm.
• Organised, with the ability help co-ordinate multiple aspects of an event.

Local public relations (PR) volunteer:

Boost Sense’s profile in your local community by:

• Writing content for local press releases.
• Building a network of local media contacts.
• Supporting regional output of national campaigns. 

Skills needed:

• Strong written communication
• Able to follow branding and messaging guidelines.
• Self-motivated and proactive in seeking opportunities. 

Fundraising researcher:

Help boost Sense’s regional income by researching available grants, partnerships and other local connections. Responsibilities include:

• Researching local grants and business partnerships.
• Researching networking events.
• Helping us to source prizes for Sense fundraising events.

Skills needed:

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• Organised, ensuring new leads are accurately recorded and shared. 

Community connector:

Act as an ambassador for Sense, attending events across your community to thank supporters, and forge new partnerships.

• Attending cheque presentations, thanking our supporters.
• Giving presentations about Sense to local schools and community groups.
• Engaging with local businesses and groups, to forge new relationships for Sense.

Skills needed:

• Strong communication skills and enjoys public speaking opportunities.
• Well-connected in their local area, and love engaging with people.

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

Get involved today and join our amazing team of volunteers who are offering a lifeline to some of the most isolated people across London and the southeast. The digital world has changed at such a fast-paced leaving many feeling disconnected due to the lack of technical ability and knowledge. Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! We’d love to find a resident in Haringey, but this is not essential for the role.

What you will be doing

• Supporting people to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting people to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting people to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre is looking for confident speakers based in West London who can act as ambassadors for the charity and speak to corporates, companies, local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of the charity and inspire financial support, sponsorship and donations.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a community champion volunteer you’ll be supporting Sense’s fundraising team, playing a vital role in helping Sense to raise funds and awareness to support people with complex disabilities. 

You’ll engage with individuals, local businesses, and regional press to share our mission, organise events, and inspire others to take action. Whether you’re great at planning events, researching opportunities or connecting with your community, this role has something for you.  

This is a flexible role, with the opportunity to volunteer either virtually or in your local community. We are looking for volunteers able to offer a minimum commitment of 2 hours per month. 

We’re looking for people who are passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs and who have a calm, kind and friendly personality.

Please note that you will not be providing care for the people Sense supports as part of this role.

Due to the nature of the volunteer role, we cannot accept applications for anyone under the age of 18.

The four areas of the role:

As a Community Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, organised into four main role categories. You can choose to get involved in one or more of these areas, and we’ll discuss your preferences with you as part of the application process. Please note, we don’t expect volunteers to take on every area. Instead, we’ll focus on what interests you most and shape the role around your strengths and skills.

Event volunteer:

Support Sense’s Community Fundraising team by:

• Organising your own fundraising events in aid of Sense.
• Supporting and participating in fundraising events at your local Sense services, and shops.
• Supporting with fundraising admin, for example sourcing prizes for Sense fundraisers.

Skills needed:

• Creative, with fresh fundraising ideas and enthusiasm.
• Organised, with the ability help co-ordinate multiple aspects of an event.

Local public relations (PR) volunteer:

Boost Sense’s profile in your local community by:

• Writing content for local press releases.
• Building a network of local media contacts.
• Supporting regional output of national campaigns. 

Skills needed:

• Strong written communication
• Able to follow branding and messaging guidelines.
• Self-motivated and proactive in seeking opportunities. 

Fundraising researcher:

Help boost Sense’s regional income by researching available grants, partnerships and other local connections. Responsibilities include:

• Researching local grants and business partnerships.
• Researching networking events.
• Helping us to source prizes for Sense fundraising events.

Skills needed:

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• Organised, ensuring new leads are accurately recorded and shared. 

Community connector:

Act as an ambassador for Sense, attending events across your community to thank supporters, and forge new partnerships.

• Attending cheque presentations, thanking our supporters.
• Giving presentations about Sense to local schools and community groups.
• Engaging with local businesses and groups, to forge new relationships for Sense.

Skills needed:

• Strong communication skills and enjoys public speaking opportunities.
• Well-connected in their local area, and love engaging with people.

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

About Healthwatch Barnet

Healthwatch Barnet is the local independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We exist to find out what matters to people and to help make sure their views shape the services they use.

Role:

Are you keen to give something back to the community and make a real difference to local people? Are you looking to develop new skills and close any gaps in your CV, or to build on existing experience and knowledge?

By volunteering with us, you could:

• Help ensure that people using services are listened to, involved, and empowered to influence local services
• Make a positive difference within your community
• Feel valued as part of a team
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Build your health and social care skills and knowledge
• Gain valuable experience within the non-profit sector
• Improve your health, well-being and quality of life

Role Description: 

We regularly run stalls at local events in Barnet. We are seeking volunteers who are passionate about tackling health inequalities, to support our team with delivering events and recording people’s feedback. Our events take place in a wide range of settings, including food banks, community centres and with faith groups. Our volunteers help to document resident feedback, and this directly supports our work to change and improve health and social care in Barnet.

Key tasks:

• Assisting with setting up information stalls at local events 
• Supporting event attendees to complete surveys, gathering their feedback
• Encouraging residents to use Healthwatch Barnet’s service as their independent health and social care champion 
• Attending training and volunteer meetings as needed 

In addition to the roles set out above, from time to time we recruit volunteers to support specific projects. Project groups are led by a member of the Healthwatch Barnet staff team. They are time-limited and come to an end when a piece of work is completed.

Note: All events take place in Barnet, during the weekday, between 9-5.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can 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:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four 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.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

HELLO SUNSHINE!!!

SUNSHINE exists to tackle loneliness by building connection, community and hope. We are creating a charity where people feel seen, valued and included, and where kindness and human connection can make a real and lasting difference to lives across London.

We are now looking for an inspiring and committed Head of Volunteering to help us build our volunteering programme from the ground up. This is a key role in shaping the future of SUNSHINE and creating a vibrant, welcoming and supportive volunteer community that reflects our values and mission.

Our Volunteer Opportunity

This role is about much more than volunteer coordination. It is about creating a strong culture of belonging, team spirit and shared purpose. You will help us recruit, onboard, support and retain volunteers, while ensuring they feel appreciated, confident and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our work.

You will play a central role in developing a volunteering programme that goes above and beyond good practice — one that feels positive, uplifting and genuinely rewarding for everyone involved. From first welcome to ongoing support, you will help create a volunteer experience that feels like joining a caring, motivated family with a shared mission to change lives.

What you’ll do

You may support SUNSHINE with:

• Designing and developing our volunteering programme from scratch.

• Recruiting volunteers who share SUNSHINE’s values and mission.

• Creating welcoming onboarding processes that help volunteers settle in with confidence.

• Building systems to support volunteer retention, engagement and progression.

• Developing ways to reward, recognise and thank volunteers for their time and contribution.

• Ensuring volunteers are trained, supported and equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

• Helping to create a positive team culture rooted in trust, encouragement and continuous improvement.

• Supporting the development of a highly recognised volunteering programme that reflects SUNSHINE’s ambition and spirit.

• Working closely with the Founder and wider team to strengthen volunteer involvement across the charity.

What we’re looking for

We would love to hear from you if you are:

• Passionate about volunteering, community building and helping others thrive.

• Organised, approachable and able to create structure while keeping things human and uplifting.

• Confident in recruiting, supporting or managing volunteers.

• A strong communicator who can inspire others and build positive relationships.

• Someone who values recognition, belonging and team culture.

• Able to take initiative and help shape a programme from the very beginning.

• Committed to creating a volunteering experience that is supportive, rewarding and meaningful.

Why this role matters

Volunteers will be at the heart of SUNSHINE’s work, helping us reach more people, create more connection and build a stronger sense of community. A well-designed volunteering programme will not only help the charity grow — it will help volunteers feel proud to be part of something purposeful, inspiring and life-changing.

By leading our volunteering strategy, you will help create a community where people are valued, supported and encouraged to do their best work in service of a cause that truly matters.

When applying, please tell us:

1. What your approach to volunteer leadership and management is.

2. How you would go about building a volunteering programme from scratch.

3. How you would help create a positive, supportive and motivated volunteer community.

4. What experience, strengths or ideas you would bring to SUNSHINE.

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to design and lead a volunteering programme from the beginning.

• Experience shaping the culture and structure of a growing charity.

• The chance to build something meaningful, inclusive and lasting.

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around your commitments.

• The satisfaction of helping to create a community that changes lives.

WE'RE SUNSHINE Charity

Connection. Joy. Community.

Combating Loneliness Across London And Beyond

Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.

An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.

Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.

THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.

Responsibilities:

• Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
• Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
• Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
• Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries

Expectations and requirements:

• All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
• Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
• Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
• Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
• Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
• Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
• Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
• Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.

Essential skills:

• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
• Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
• High level of organisation
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma

Additional desired skills:

• Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
• Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
• Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
• Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
• First Aid training
• Creative or artistic abilities
• Sports leadership
• Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people

We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.

Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:

• Training
• Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
• Residential, in full
• Feedback & thank you afternoon

QUOTES:

• “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
• “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
• “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
• “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
• “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK

Structure:

Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.

Event Fundraising Volunteer

Role Description

Volunteers are incredibly important to Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. We cannot achieve our mission without them. They help us reach a wider audience and spread our message to a more diverse group and help us raise vital funds to help communities in Greater Manchester.

YOU will be a valued member of our team…come join us!

Role Purpose

Fundraising Volunteers help us to deliver our portfolio of events throughout the year, across Greater Manchester. This may include helping with organising in the lead up to the event or helping at the actual event, and after. There are many different ways to volunteer with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

Main Activities

Gala Dinner – every March we throw a HUGE bash for businesses in Greater Manchester, up to 400 people join us to raise funds for our work. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work and we need people to help on the night with selling raffle tickets, meeting and greeting guests, and generally ensuring the night runs smoothly.

Bus Pull – our annual Bus Pull brings together businesses and groups to pull a bus at Manchester Central to raise funds. It’s a great team building day and the element of competition always makes it a lively event. Duties may include signing in teams and ensuring they know when they are taking part, cheering on teams and generally helping the event run smoothly.

24 Hour Run – another key event on the Manchester calendar attracting over 1,000 participants to run laps of 5km around the city. We need help with signing in runners, organising the groups, cheering them on and welcoming them back and making them feel appreciated for all that they have done!

Winter Campaign – our annual Winter Campaign gains a lot of media interest locally. We are going to be growing this over the coming years with new opportunities for fundraising, this might include events, gatherings or other engagement plan.

What do we need from you?

Reliability – if you sign up as a volunteer please ensure you have the time and capacity to do so. We don’t want to add to your workload! Volunteering for Grater Manchester Mayor’s Charity should be fun and rewarding, not another thing on your ‘to do list’.

Happy to chat – our volunteers are our ‘front face’ at our events and we need to know that you are happy to do that. Of course, we will try to give you a role that takes advantage of your skills, but our events by their very nature are working with people!

Embraces a fast paced environment – events are busy places, plans change in an instant, quick thinking is needed. You will need to embrace the chaos!

Behave like a pro – whilst you are at our events or wearing our t-shirts you are #TeamGMMC, we therefore you expect you to behave in a way that does us proud, you are the front face for our brand.

What we will do for you

· ALWAYS make you feel part of the team and our mission

· We will share our Impact report to help you better understand our mission and impact

· Provide you with a GMMC contact if you have any questions, changes of plan etc

· Provide you with a cool t-shirt to wear at any event

· Make sure you have all details about events, what your role will be, where to meet and what time.

· Cover all your out-of-pocket expenses to attend the event (we will only cover Greater Manchester travel)

· Keep you fuelled – at every event we will ensure that there are appropriate refreshments available, this might not be a 3-course meal but we will do our best.

· Ask for an event debrief – we will share a form after events to ask for your feedback on what went well for you, what didn’t, we are always looking to improve how we do things. Your voice is key to this.

· Celebration event – every year we throw a celebration event to thank our volunteers and you’re on the guest list! We use tohis event to tell you ha

Key relationships with Greater Manchester Charity:

Office Lead – Laura Field

Volunteer Ambassador – a volunteer themselves that oversees our volunteers

This document is not intended to be legally binding and there is no intention to create any employment relationship, either now or at any time in the future.

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

 As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can 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:

· planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

· providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

 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.