649 Policy volunteer roles

At Women for Refugee Women (WRW), we support refugee and asylum-seeking women who have fled persecution to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

We have an overarching vision that women who come to the UK in search of safety experience a fair and compassionate asylum system and are supported to feel free, welcome and able to rebuild their lives. We currently work in three main areas:

Power: To support women who have sought asylum to reclaim their power through opportunities to develop new and existing skills, access information and advice, and build confidence and connections.

Influence: To amplify the voices of women who have sought asylum to wide audiences through research, events, creative projects, the arts, social media, print and digital media and other means of communication.

Change: To support women who have sought asylum to influence public perceptions of refugees, and to challenge and change the UK’s asylum system so that it is fair and supportive.

Role Description 

Time commitment 

• 2-hour quarterly Board meetings - plus pre-reading of Board papers.

• Full day annual strategy planning meeting.

• 1.5-hour quarterly Finance & HR Committee meetings - plus pre-reading of papers 

• Ad hoc events (including launches, networking events). 

• Quarterly supervision with the Co-Directors. 

Term 

An initial term of 3 years, renewable once up to a maximum of 6 years. 

Salary 

Trustee roles are voluntary. They are unpaid, though expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed.

Role Purpose 

• To ensure Women for Refugee Women delivers its vision, mission and values, and fulfils its duty to women seeking safety in the UK 

• To ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities and provides effective governance and strategic leadership 

• To act as an ambassador for the charity 

• To provide steady, values-led leadership in a complex and evolving external environment 

Responsibilities 

• Ensure WRW operates in line with its governing document and all legal and regulatory requirements 

• Fulfil the responsibilities of a trustee and company director, always acting in the best interests of the organisation 

• Lead the Board in setting strategic direction, priorities and goals, and in reviewing organisational performance 

• Work closely with the Co-Directors to guide and support the organisation’s work, while ensuring clear and appropriate accountability 

• Shape Board agendas and chair meetings to enable thoughtful discussion, constructive challenge and clear decision-making 

• Set the tone for Board culture, ensuring it is inclusive, collaborative and grounded in WRW’s values 

• Work in close partnership with the Co-Chair (where applicable), modelling collaborative and feminist leadership 

• Contribute your perspective to Board discussions to support informed and balanced decision-making 

• Ensure strong financial oversight, sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources 

• Help ensure strong and proportionate governance, systems and controls are in place 

• Safeguard WRW’s values, reputation and commitment to the women it works alongside 

• Support Board development, including recruitment, succession planning and maintaining a balance of skills and perspectives 

• Foster strong, open and respectful relationships between trustees and staff, maintaining appropriate governance boundaries 

• Represent WRW externally where appropriate, helping to build relationships and uphold its values and reputation 

• Contribute to wider Board responsibilities, including subcommittees and ambassadorial support 

Person Specification 

Personal Qualities 

• Personal integrity and sound judgement 

• Commitment to WRW’s vision, mission and values, and to the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking women 

• Collaborative approach, with the confidence to contribute, ask questions and offer constructive challenge 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and respectful relationships and networks 

• An engaged and thoughtful leadership style, with the ability to lead with clarity and confidence, including in complex or sensitive contexts 

Knowledge and Skills 

• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship 

• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term direction 

• Strong chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to guide discussion and build consensus 

• Good understanding of governance, board dynamics and the respective roles of trustees and senior staff 

• Confidence in supporting and constructively challenging senior leadership 

• Sound judgement in navigating external and politically sensitive contexts 

Experience 

• Experience of chairing boards, committees or similar forums (or equivalent leadership experience) 

• Experience working collaboratively to achieve shared goals 

• Sound judgement and the ability to make balanced, well-informed decisions 

• Experience building constructive relationships with senior stakeholders 

• Experience representing an organisation externally 

• Lived experience of seeking asylum (desirable) 

Application process

We welcome applications from individuals who are excited by our work and feel they can contribute meaningfully to the Board. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement (maximum 2 pages), via CharityJob, outlining:

• Which role you are applying for

• Why you are interested in joining WRW 

• What you would bring to the role, including any specific skills, experience or perspectives 

Purpose of the Role:

To deliver engaging and supportive Life in the UK test preparation sessions at the Baytree Centre, helping participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the test. By leading the sessions in a welcoming and inclusive environment, the role enables participants to explore British culture, history, and government, improving their understanding and readiness for the test.

Main Responsibilities:

- Lead and deliver Life in the UK test preparation sessions.

- Prepare and set up the space, ensuring all materials and resources are available and organised for each session.

- Provide clear explanations of test content, answering questions and offering guidance.

- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable learning and asking questions.

- Encourage connections and peer learning among participants.

- Share study strategies and tips to help participants prepare effectively.

- Collect feedback from participants to improve future sessions.

- Adhere to Baytree Centre policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualities Required:

- Strong knowledge of the Life in the UK test content, with the ability to teach and explain topics clearly.

- Patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to support participants from diverse backgrounds and knowledge levels.

- Good organisational skills to ensure smooth preparation and delivery of sessions.

- Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

- Effective communication skills to provide clear instructions and constructive feedback.

- Interest in education, citizenship, or community support.

Commitment:

- Deliver a weekly Life in the UK test preparation session (day and time subject to the timetable).

- Minimum commitment of 2 terms for continuity and effectiveness.

- Location: The Baytree Centre.

Benefits:

- Gain experience in delivering educational group sessions.

- Develop skills in facilitation, teaching, and cross-cultural communication.

- Contribute to participants’ confidence and readiness for the Life in the UK test.

- Be part of a supportive and welcoming volunteer community. 

This role is open to female applicants only (Equality Act 2010: Schedule 9: Occupational Requirements). Applicants must be 18 years or older.

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.

The opportunity

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) provides BIICL’s Board of Trustees with oversight and assurance on our finances, controls, investments, and audit. We're looking for a chartered accountant or senior finance leader to chair the Committee and join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment: a new Director and CEO, a new Director of Operations in post, and a new strategy launching in 2027. You'll bring real technical credibility and the judgement to translate financial detail into confidence for a Board whose backgrounds are mostly legal and academic. In return, you'll help shape the next chapter of one of the world's most respected independent legal institutes.

The current Chair’s term ends in December 2026. We are seeking a successor to join in October, allowing time for handover and induction ahead of the November FAC meeting and the December Board meeting.

Purpose of the role

The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee provides strategic, non-executive financial oversight rather than day-to-day accounting.

As a trustee, you hold joint legal and fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s overall governance, strategic direction and financial health.

As Committee Chair, you will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Director and Chief Executive and the Director of Operations, ensuring that BIICL’s income is robustly governed, financial risks are mitigated, and resources are deployed optimally to deliver maximum social impact. BIICL outsources financial management to a specialist non-profit accountancy firm, overseen internally by the Director of Operations; you’ll evaluate how well that arrangement is working and recommend change if needed. 

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial oversight

· Budgetary scrutiny: oversee the annual £2.5m operational budget and financial forecasts provided by the executive team.

· Performance monitoring: review quarterly management accounts, analysing variances, cash flow health, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

· Reserves management: champion the regular review of a robust Reserves Policy to safeguard the charity against sudden funding fluctuations.

· Investment assets: oversee the performance of the charity’s cash reserves and any investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with ethical investment strategies.

Audit, risk and internal controls

· Statutory reporting: lead the FAC in reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with Charity SORP FRS102 and statutory filing deadlines.

· External audit: manage the relationship with the External Auditor, leading on the tender process and reviewing the post-audit management letter.

· Risk mitigation: oversee the financial section of the organisation’s risk register, ensuring internal controls are sufficient to prevent fraud and compliance failures across complex funding streams, and ensure FAC oversight of the wider Risk Register.

· Fiscal compliance: monitor compliance with complex tax regimes relevant to this scale, including VAT, Gift Aid, and trading subsidiary operations (as applicable).

Committee leadership and Board reporting

· Meeting governance: set the agenda and chair quarterly FAC meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, constructive, and high-quality challenge.

· Board communication: report clearly to the full Board of Trustees, translating complex financial positions into strategic insights for non-financial board members.

Statutory trustee duties

· Legal compliance: ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law, and all other relevant legislation or regulation.

· Strategic direction: contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in setting the charity’s overarching vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.

· Asset protection: act as a responsible custodian of the charity’s assets, ensuring funds are spent solely in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

· Effective governance: attend and actively participate in full quarterly Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and strategic away days.

· Collective decision-making: maintain the principle of collective board responsibility, upholding and supporting decisions made by the wider board.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

The postholder is required to understand, uphold, and apply the following core regulatory frameworks:

· The 6 Essential Trustee Duties (Charity Commission Guidance CC3): You share collective legal liability to ensure the charity carries out its purpose for the public benefit, complies with its governing document, acts in the charity's best interests, manages resources responsibly, acts with reasonable care and skill, and remains fully accountable.

· Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Charities SORP: Because our annual income exceeds £250,000, the accounts must be compiled under the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP), transparently separating restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.

· The Charity Governance Code: Our Board intends to benchmark itself against this code. You will directly champion Principle 5 (Board Effectiveness) and Principle 6 (Risk and Control) to ensure internal controls are regularly evaluated.

Person specification

Experience and qualifications

· Financial qualification: chartered status (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.

· Senior leadership: proven experience operating as a CFO, Finance Director, or partner in a professional services practice in an organisation of similar or larger scale.

· Sector expertise: strong working knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted and unrestricted funding, and UK charity law is highly desirable.

· Governance background: previous experience as a trustee, non-executive director, or committee member is advantageous.  

Core skills and attributes

· Strategic clarity: ability to look past the numbers to see systematic risks and strategic opportunities.  

· Collaborative challenge: ability to robustly hold senior staff and third-party advisors to account while maintaining a supportive, professional working relationship.

· Communication: ability to explain intricate financial matters plainly to non-financial audiences.

· Commitment to the cause: a demonstrable passion for the charity’s core mission and alignment with its values. 

Terms of appointment

Term:

Trustee appointments are for a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Time commitment:

Trustees are required to commit approximately 8-10 days per year. There are four board meetings, four FAC meetings per year, a strategy day, plus approx. 2-3 hours per month for executive consultation. 

Location:

London/Hybrid – FAC meetings usually take place online; Board meetings and strategic away days are in-person, usually at our London office.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; however, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Reporting to:

Board of Trustees / Chair of the Board

How to apply

To apply formally, please submit a CV and supporting statement, each no more than two sides of A4, clearly outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the person specification and your motivation for applying.

Please include your home address, contact email, and mobile number.

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 2-3 days.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to interview candidates from mid-September with a view to appointing by the end of October.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Tom Asher, Director of Operations

Lead Volunteer – Winter Fundraising Bucket Collection - Oxford

Role summary

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home? We’re looking for volunteers who can join us at a bucket collection event in the community to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!

The Oxford event is taking place 10:00-17:00 on 28th November 2026 in Bonn Square.

The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!

• Availability: 10:00–17:00
• Location: City Centre, Bonn Square
• Supervised by: Community Events Assistant

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home? We’re looking for someone who can lead a team of volunteers at events in the community to help us raise money and awareness. The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here! 

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces. Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

You’ll be supporting our bucket collection by helping us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will: 

• Support and coordinate the volunteer team on the day at events. 

• Deposit cash into Shelter bank account at the end of the event or pass over to Shelter staff member 

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

• Provide you with relevant policies, induction, training and information 

• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Skills and Experiences Required

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group 

• Passionate about joining the fight for home

• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!

• Meet other volunteers locally

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

Next Steps:

To apply for this role, please click 'fill in an application'. We'll then be back in touch with applicants to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. 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.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

We're open to role sharing.

Swimming sessions are available to families on weekly or fortnightly evenings, weekends or weekdays at Chestnut Tree House. The swimming sessions allow families to enjoy life and make memories together in a safe and specially adapted environment.

You will be supporting staff and families, helping to set up the equipment needed and making everyone feel at home. You will be trained to spot if there are problems and act accordingly alongside qualified staff.

Please note a car is required to access Chestnut Tree House due to it's location.

Please note this role is to start in September when additional training will be required.

Bespoke training is provided by the hospice so we ask for volunteers who would be willing to give a longer term (1 year +) commitment to the role.

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

Fundraising volunteer

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

AD – USE PDF COPY

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

Role Profile

Located at

Shop Based

Department

Mind Retail 

Hours

Flexible – we value any time that you can give us, this can be a few hours, half days or full days. It’s important that within the time you give us, that you can meet all of the responsibilities of the role, outlined in the role profile.

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

About the role

Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops. Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do.

Key tasks

Our Lead Volunteers are responsible for all of the following tasks:

· Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop management team’s absence, which could include but not limited to:

o Setting up the till and cashing up at the end of the day

o Conducting a shop floor walk

o Conducting health & safety compliance checks, such as inputting information into our H&S system

o Checking shop emails and cascading key messages to the team

o Securing the shop

o Making sure housekeeping and cleaning is completed

· Works with the shop management team to meet sales targets and supports with ensuring that the volunteer team understand and are working to meet and exceed the agreed targets.

· Supports with ensuring the optimum price point for all stock items and promotional merchandise for seasoned and windowed themes, following the principles outlined in Mind Retail’s Pricing Guide

· Follows all company policies, shop standards and operating procedures and supports with the communication of these to other shop volunteers.

· Supports with the preparation and completion of shop administration inclusive of cash handling and banking functions to the highest standard, accurately and on time, always adhering to Company Policies and Procedures.

· Performs management till functions such as refunds.

· Provides direction and support to shop volunteers, following instructions from the shop management team.

· Supports with ensuring all Security, Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered to in order to provide a safe and secure shop environment for our customers and colleagues.

· May support the shop management team with the recruitment of shop volunteers, planning volunteer cover and training.

Like our other volunteers, Lead Volunteers also support with the below key tasks:

· Supports with the presentation and maintenance of the highest standards of shop merchandising and visual layout.

· Supports with ensuring maximum stock availability through effective stock control and shop replenishment, adhering to Mind Retail’s merchandising guidelines.

· Actively promotes Gift Aid to maximise contributions from donations.

· Supports with the rotation, quality and replenishment of stock in order to maximise sales.

· Answering the shop telephone and taking messages from customers and our internal teams

· Ensures excellent shop standards at the end of the trading day and following closedown procedures

What you’ll gain from being a Lead Volunteer

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management and retail management experience

· Key holder experience

· Opportunity to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

About you

· Commitment to our values & behaviours

· Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets

· Flexible and adaptable approach

· Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative

· Able to build good working relationships

· Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures

· Willingness to learn

· Good customer service skills

· Good communication skills

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Regional Communications Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role helping local volunteer groups connect with and engage with MS communities. Working with volunteers across the region, you will support activities such as producing newsletters, responding to information enquiries, or developing engaging content for regional social media.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

This role is suitable for role sharing.  It would be most suitable for those based in Lincolnshire.

We are looking for 1 Helpline Volunteer to play an essential role in ensuring service users (SUs) receive timely, empathetic, and confidential support, as well as clear signposting to relevant services.

You will support the SBS Helpline in providing high-quality, trauma-informed advice, information, and emotional support to Black and minoritised women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Treasureyou will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Treasurer Specific Duties

• Liaising, where applicable with the CEO (or other appropriate member of staff)
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial position of the charity
• Creating in conjunction with relevant financial senior instruments for the control of charity assets
• Ensuring that staff create sound financial instruments for the control of charity assets
• Advising on the financial implications the Charity's Strategic Plan
• Ensuring that the annual accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP
• Ensuring close working relationships with the internal audit team and any Committees of the Board
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects
• Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques and any applications and receipts of funding (if mandated)

Trustee Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies