Policy volunteer roles

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

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

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

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

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

Who we are looking for

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

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

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

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

What would you get as a PACT trustee?

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

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

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

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

· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

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

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

Help shape the future of hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting across the UK.

The Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is an opportunity to use your financial skills and strategic insight to support a national charity that helps more than 140 hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting organisations develop, collaborate and thrive.

What you'll do

As Treasurer, you will work closely with fellow Trustees to oversee the charity's finances and support effective decision-making. Responsibilities include:

• Providing financial oversight and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Working with the Board to develop annual budgets and longer-term financial plans.
• Monitoring financial performance and presenting reports to Trustees.
• Preparing the annual accounts and financial review for inclusion in the Trustees' Annual Report.
• Liaising with the charity's Independent Examiner.
• Overseeing financial systems, controls and banking arrangements.
• Maintaining and reviewing financial policies and procedures.
• Supporting the Board to ensure the charity's long-term financial sustainability.

About you

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in financial management, accounting, bookkeeping, finance leadership or a related discipline.
• Can interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Understands, or is willing to learn, the responsibilities of charity trusteeship.
• Can think strategically and contribute to the long-term direction of the organisation.
• Is organised, reliable and able to work to agreed deadlines.
• Is comfortable using digital collaboration tools, including Microsoft 365, Teams and SharePoint.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a volunteer-led team.
• Shares our commitment to supporting hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting.

Previous charity trustee experience is welcome but not essential, and we encourage applications from people with transferable financial expertise gained in the private, public or voluntary sectors.

Trustee responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance, financial sustainability and strategic direction of the HBA.

The HBA is an entirely volunteer-led charity with no paid staff. As a result, our Board operates as a working Board, with Trustees contributing not only to governance and decision-making but also, where appropriate, to the delivery of the charity's objectives. This may include supporting projects, overseeing volunteer teams, working with external stakeholders and providing professional expertise in your area of knowledge.

We're looking for someone who is comfortable balancing strategic oversight with practical involvement in the organisation and who wants to play an active role in helping the charity grow and succeed.

Meetings and commitment

The time commitment is approximately 4 hours per week on average, with some busier periods throughout the year.

The Trustee Board meets formally, in-person, every two months, usually on the third Saturday, with informal catch-up meetings taking place via Microsoft Teams on a weekday evening in the intervening months.

Location and travel

This role can be carried out from anywhere in the UK, with most Board business conducted online.

Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings and may occasionally be asked to attend sector events, including the HBA Annual Conference and Awards, meetings with stakeholders and visits to member organisations.

Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with the Association's expenses policy.

We are currently looking for a volunteer to help support our bi-weekly Link Group meeting.

The Link Group is a group of approx. 6 – 8 people with learning disabilities and one Speak Out staff facilitator who meet every two weeks on a Tuesday morning. We work with the Learning Disability Partnership Board, a group of LD providers and BHCC decision makers, to represent the views of the learning disability community in Brighton and Hove. We run surveys and consultations with the LD community to get their views on local issues and policy, as well as working directly with Council teams to design good policy and deliver accessible events.

Recent examples of this are the survey we did about the state of activities and services in Brighton and Hove post-Covid; and working with the Council's Healthy Lifestyles team to make their annual sports and physical activities festival. TakePart, more accessible for people with learning disabilities.

What the role involves:

• Being available for 2 hours every other week to provide self-advocacy group support at Speak Out offices or an alternative venue in the community
• You will be present to support people in a group setting
• You may be required to attend the Learning Disability Partnership board quarterly
• You will adhere to Speak Out’s Code of Practice
• You may be required to help clear up at the end of sessions.

Role description for Safeguarding Champion (Voluntary role)
“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.
What you will be doing
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding.
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
Interested
If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.
Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.
Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.
 

The Sociological Review Foundation, a registered charity that exists to advance public education on the subject of sociology and related disciplines, is looking to appoint an individual to join the Board of Trustees during an exciting time of organisational growth and development.

Our work is partly supported by Gift Aid donations from The Sociological Review journal. As publishing models change and royalty income declines, the Foundation is working to diversify its income through donations and other sources of support so that it can continue delivering its charitable work.

We have therefore developed a range of income-generating initiatives, including a ticketed annual public lecture, paid podcast production and hosting packages, and specialist training workshops. These initiatives are intended to supplement our Gift Aid income and help ensure that we can continue to offer most of our activities and resources free of charge.

What We’re Looking For

We are inviting expressions of interest from individuals with experience in marketing and communications who can help us reach and engage existing and new audiences across our work. This will include advising on the promotion of our income-generating events, training workshops and other initiatives.

As a very small charity, we are looking for a trustee who understands the practical realities of working with limited staff time and resources. The successful candidate will provide strategic guidance and, where appropriate, practical insight into areas such as market positioning, audience engagement and effective, proportionate communications.

Your responsibilities as a trustee will include the following:

• To work with other trustees to ensure that the Foundation complies with its articles of association, pursues and works within its mission and charitable objectives, functions within relevant legal and financial requirements, and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives;
• To provide guidance on the Foundation’s marketing and communications activities;
• To offer insight into market positioning and audience engagement;
• To be aware of, and conform to, the responsibilities of a trustee and company director;
• To participate in at least three Board meetings each year, as well as the Annual General Meeting. Some of these meetings will take place on Zoom, others in person (in London or other cities in England);
• To commit up to one hour per week on average to the role, including Board meetings;
• To play an ambassadorial role and promote the Foundation;
• To act in the best interests of the charity and to comply at all times with its policies and procedures.

This is not a paid position; however, travel and any childcare expenses while on trustee business will be covered in line with our expenses claim policy.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is desirable but not essential. You will receive training on the duties and responsibilities of trustees at the beginning of your appointment.

To apply, please send your CV and a one-page covering letter to Operations Director Attila Szanto, outlining your interest in the role and what you would bring to it. The deadline for expressions of interest is the 24th of August 2026.

Remote Volunteer Technical Support Role 

Job description 

This is a volunteer role (approx. 4 hours per week) based remotely. The Volunteer Technical Support is responsible for the oversight of the NGO’s digital infrastructure, maintaining security protocols, and responding to critical technical emergencies. They will report directly to the CEO and work to formalize IT procedures to ensure long-term organizational continuity. This role is a fixed one-year term and includes a one-month handover period for their successor. 

Role specification 

Infrastructure and Security Management: 

• Act as the primary administrator for the Microsoft 365 environment

• Perform regular security audits to manage permissions, remove dormant accounts, and ensure the principle of "least privilege" across the team. 

• Help with offboarding protocol to ensure all digital keys and account ownership are transferred back to the NGO when staff or volunteers depart. 

• Consult with the team to ensure all technical systems adhere to organizational safeguarding policies, specifically regarding data privacy and the protection of member information. 

• Maintain a secure digital environment for staff and members by identifying operational risks and reporting potential vulnerabilities or breaches immediately to the CEO. 

Critical Support and Strategy: 

• Act as the on-call point of contact for critical system failures (e.g., total email loss, or security breaches). 

• Utilize a structured ticketing or request system to streamline technical support

• Advise the CEO on technical "vetting" and trust markers for future IT volunteers to safeguard the organization’s power and data. 

Knowledge Transfer and Communication: 

• Act as a technical mentor to the staff, explaining the logic behind security policies (the "why") rather than just issuing instructions. 

• Help foster an empathetic security culture where technical guardrails are seen as tools for mission success rather than roadblocks. 

• Lead a 1-month handover period at the end of the term to train the incoming volunteer, ensuring a seamless transition of power and knowledge. 

IAPWA is seeking an experienced HR Volunteer to provide strategic guidance and independent oversight of our people practices. This role is focused on supporting good governance rather than delivering day-to-day HR operations.

Working alongside the CEO and relevant staff, the volunteer will help ensure the charity's HR policies, procedures and practices remain compliant with UK employment legislation, reflect best practice, and support a positive and inclusive working environment.

This is an advisory role requiring a couple of hours per week, with flexibility around when those hours are completed. The volunteer will act as a trusted source of HR knowledge, helping the charity identify potential risks, strengthen governance, and continuously improve its people practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent advice and guidance on HR matters to support good governance.
• Review HR policies and procedures periodically, recommending updates to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.
• Support the charity in maintaining compliance with UK employment law and relevant Charity Commission expectations.
• Provide advice on people-related risks and help identify appropriate mitigation measures.
• Offer guidance on employee relations matters where required, whilst recognising that operational HR activities are undertaken by others.
• Support the development of fair, consistent and inclusive HR practices.
• Review and advise on staff handbook content and employment-related documentation as required.
• Provide input into organisational culture, employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives where appropriate.
• Help ensure appropriate HR records, governance processes and documentation are maintained.
• Provide guidance on safer recruitment, equality, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, performance management and other HR best practice.
• Attend occasional meetings (virtually or in person) as agreed.

Essential Experience/Skills

• Previous experience working within Human Resources, People Management or a related HR profession.
• Good knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience developing or reviewing HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide balanced, pragmatic and confidential advice.
• Understanding of good governance and organisational risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage a small voluntary time commitment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• A commitment to the values and aims of the charity.

Desirable

• Chartered membership or associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector.
• Experience supporting small organisations with HR governance and compliance.

Being a trustee at IVAR is about more than governance oversight. We want a board of different voices and perspectives that will challenge our thinking and push us to be bolder

With the support of the staff team and professional associates, trustees at IVAR are expected to:

- Set and maintain the strategy and values.
- Ensure IVAR complies at all times with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Maintain proper financial control and ensure IVAR applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects, as defined in the governing documents.
- Support the operational management of the charity.

In addition to these, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees are also actively encouraged to become involved in specific projects outside of board meetings, drawing on their own networks and experience to help support staff in their work.

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Head of Bids and tenders to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender submissions.  Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Bids to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

Key Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Overall responsibility for delivering high-quality, accurate, compliant and commercially sound proposals on time, to budget, with inputs from key stakeholders.
• Responsible for the coordination and management of all Bid activities, for ensuring that Bid Plans are put in place and that all internal inputs are received promptly to meet Bid submission timescales.
• Responsible for the receipt, management, control and coordination of all external and internal information and documentation with respect to the enquiry and for the team acting as custodian for Bid documents, including all approved internal documentation signed by the Organisation.
• Responsible for compliance with all internal Bid policies and procedures and for passing internal and external audits.
• Contribute to the overall Bid strategy alongside other stakeholders.
• Responsible for the overall leadership of the team and ensuring that individuals within the team are given appropriate opportunities to grow and develop, and that the team maximises performance by creating and fostering a positive, can-do attitude and outlook on an ongoing basis.
• Responsibility to ensure that improvements are identified and those agreed upon are implemented continuously to support the growth and development of the team and those within it.
• There is a need to keep good records and to create and measure metrics on bidding performance to both review performance and drive continuous improvement in a key area of the business.
• Responsible for mentoring and training Bid Managers and Bid Writers to ensure they are up to date with bid requirements and improve their competence.

What are we looking for?

Education, Skills and Experience: Requirements

Essential:

• At least three years of experience in successfully leading teams within a bid environment.
• Proven track record of improvement and achievement - processes and people
• Keen understanding of numbers, spreadsheets, VOP/invoices, rates, cash flow, milestones, negotiations, and pricing audits.
• Ability to write strong proposals and experience as an estimator
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal) with local and international customers, and with an appreciation of cultural differences
• Ability to persuade and influence others
• Ability to lead team by example, with the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Strong business/commercial acumen
• Keen attention to detail
• Commercially sound judgement
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong financial skills

Desirable:

• Leadership qualification (CMI or ILM)
• Experience with an integrated project management / ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• Experience in bidding roles in the Medical, Biochemistry, Biomedical, Public Services, Global Health, Humanitarian, NGOs, Public Health and Social Care industry
• MBA, Professional Qualification or formal leadership Qualification (CMI, ILM)

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge of bids will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex, high-stakes journey.

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free.  You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of our overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

In addition, the Non-Executive Director will Chair the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, supporting the development of a thriving membership community.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

1. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
2. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
3. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
4. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships

Additional Chair of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders duties:

1. Providing strategic leadership to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring it is an effective, representative and influential voice for MHFAiders
2. Championing the value of Mental Health First Aiders
3. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Association with members, employers, partners, policymakers and the media

Person specification

• Previous experience chairing Boards or Board committees
• Knowledge of workplace mental health policy and best practice across different sectors
• Be a current, accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with a strong personal commitment to improving mental health in the workplace
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and presenting to a range of audiences
• Experience of growing and engaging membership communities
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring the Association reflects and represents the breadth of its membership
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• Desirable attributes include:
  • Media-trained, or able to demonstrate experience of broadcast, print or digital media engagement, with the confidence to act as a visible public champion for the Association and its members
  • Experience of chairing a membership organisation, professional association or volunteer-led network
  • An established professional network within HR, wellbeing, health and safety, occupational health or related sectors

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. 

Reading Coaches are paired with Readers and meet twice a week to guide them through Read Easy's phonics based Turning Pages programme.

Role of a Reading Coach:
● Developing the literacy skills of an adult Reader who has difficulty with reading
● Meeting with your Reader for two separate half hour sessions each week face to face in an approved venue or remotely on a video call or a combination of both
● Providing non-judgemental literacy support to your Reader
● Utilising your empathy and understanding to support your Reader
● Delivering the phonics based Turning Pages programme with guidance for coaches on every page and using other approved resources
● Keeping records of your meetings
● Liaising with your allocated Coordinator and Literacy Specialist
● Attending Coach meetings approximately every two months
● Working within Read Easy policies and procedures

Skills needed:
● Confident reading skills
● Clear communicator
● Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries
● Ability to talk and listen to the person you coach in a patient, positive, encouraging and purposeful way
● A non-judgemental attitude and a positive respect for others, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or age
● Ability to focus on your Reader and their needs
● Ability to work alone, seeking support when necessary
● Reliability, consistency and an ability to handle disappointment
● A commitment to maintain confidentiality and volunteer within Read Easy’s guidelines and policies
● Willingness to commit to the required training
● Ability to utilise Zoom meeting platform to attend remote coach training
● Ability and confidence to use a computer to access documents online, or the willingness to learn to do so 

You will need to make a regular commitment to meet your Reader twice a week for a half hour session.

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

· Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

· Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

· Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

· Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

· Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

· Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

· Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

· Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

· Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

· Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

· Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

· Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

· Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

· Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

· Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

· Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

· A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

· Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

· Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

· Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.

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.

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.