Policy volunteer roles

SHASBAH is in need  of a  Volunteer Treasurer to help continue our 60 year old charity and ensure smooth running of the charity finances while providing the  trustee board and staff with appropriate budgetary and financial information on the activities of the charity including organising annual accounts. 

A Treasurer maintains effective governance of the organisations affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper processes and procedures exist for assuring all financial records, decisions and delegations are maintained. Ensuring  our mission statement is being fulfilled. SHASBAH charity has trustees with a range of skills and lots of lived experience and has a small staff team. 

The Treasurer role will include:

•  Ensuring  that all accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies including Charity Commission.

• Providing guidance and reviews of financial grants, loans and investments. 

• Recommending to our trustees and staff appropriate accounting procedures, controls and policies.

• Becoming a joint account holder and signatory. 

•  Working in close partnership with the Director of services in executing their responsibilities and achieving the charity goals.

• Ensuring that appropriate financial policies are in place. 

As a Treasurer you will be required to provide monthly updates on the charity finances to the trustees and attend quarterly meetings via zoom or in person. Approx 8 hours a month in total.  All are welcome to attend any events or meetings. 

Why we want you
As a food bank warehouse team leader, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the food bank warehouse, supporting volunteers, coordinating activities and being the main point of contact for handling queries for the duration of the session. In this role you can make a real difference to both the people you serve and the volunteers you lead, ensuring a positive experience for all.
 

What you will be doing

• Supervise and motivate a team of volunteers.

• Support the recruitment and induction of new volunteers as required.

• Oversee and delegate tasks to ensure the smooth running of the food bank warehouse.

• Uphold safeguarding, health and safety and hygiene policies, reporting any concerns to your Main Contact.

• Ensure food bank policies and procedures are followed.

• Create a welcoming, caring and friendly atmosphere for volunteers and people coming to the centre.

• Lead a volunteer debrief at the end of each session.

• Attend team leader meetings as required.

• Regularly report to your Main Contact / Food bank Project Manager.

The skills you need

• Strong team player.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Empathetic.

• Organised and self-motivated.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Drivers License (preferable).

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference.

• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community.

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support to primary aged pupils in Maths and English and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.

"My student's confidence has come miles forward and my favourite part of the week is working with her on her maths and English!" - Primary Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS1 and KS2 Maths and English. 

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of Primary Maths and English Curriculum. 

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• Experience working with SEN learners is an advantage

• Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• Enhanced DBS will be provided

• Safeguarding Level One Training

• Skill Development opportunities

• Direct experience working with children and young people

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity specialising in enterprise and financial education. Our vision is that every young person, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through enterprise and financial education programmes, including 1.1 million who have started Young Enterprise businesses. As a founding member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, we are part of a global network spanning more than 100 countries, preparing young people for success in a global economy.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become Chair of our Board of Trustees at a pivotal point in our journey. This is a highly influential role, offering the opportunity to lead our Board, support our CEO and senior leadership team, and champion our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy.

This strategy aims to ensure that every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed, while deepening our impact on those facing the greatest barriers.

We are looking for a strategic and well-connected leader who can:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse Board of Trustees

• Strengthen relationships with government, policy makers, funders, and corporate partners

• Support fundraising and advocacy through strategic introductions and influence

• Ensure excellence in governance, safeguarding, compliance, and financial sustainability

• Act as a visible ambassador for Young Enterprise nationally and internationally

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who bring:

• Significant leadership experience at Board or executive level in charity, corporate, or public sectors

• A strong personal commitment to improving life chances for young people

• Credibility and networks among senior decision makers, funders, or policy influencers

• Strategic leadership and governance expertise

• Experience in fundraising, public affairs, or policy advocacy (desirable)

• An interest in education, youth development, enterprise, or social mobility

Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our vision and values and is passionate about helping young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, build successful futures.

The successful candidate will chair six Board meetings per year (primarily London-based), participate in events, visits, and stakeholder engagement, and commit approximately 1–2 days per month. This is an unpaid role, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term of three years.

Young Enterprise is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds reflect the diverse communities and young people we serve across the UK.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

If you would like to play a transformational role in shaping the futures of young people across the UK, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 21 June 2026. Interviews will be held between 29 June and 3 July 2026.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to review Young Enterprise’s Annual Report & Accounts and Transforming Futures Strategy.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us at this exciting moment and help empower the next generation to succeed.

The e-Assessment Association Ltd. (eAA) is seeking committed and experienced members to join its Board of Directors and help shape the future of e-assessment. 

Following the Association’s incorporation as a company limited by guarantee in 2025, the Board plays a critical role in providing strategic leadership, governance and oversight, ensuring the eAA continues to deliver positive impact for members and the wider assessment community. 

Three Director positions will become vacant in September 2026: 

• Two Ordinary Director roles, to be filled by Ordinary Members 

• One Organisational Director role, to be filled by an Organisational (Sponsor) Member. 

Directors are appointed for a three-year term, as part of the eAA’s annual rotation system, which balances continuity with fresh perspectives.

The Role of a Director 

Directors collectively support the delivery of the eAA’s objectives, including professional support for the sector, positive advocacy for technology in assessment, the development of good practice, and awareness-building across the global assessment community. 

The role involves: 

Always acting in the best interests of the Association 

• Contributing to Board discussions, decision-making and strategy 

• Providing constructive challenge and assurance 

• Contributing in practical ways where appropriate 

The expected time commitment is approximately 4–6 hours per month, including Board meetings and preparation. 

A Skills-Led Recruitment Approach 

The eAA Board operates on the principle of collective capability. No individual Director is expected to cover every skill or area of expertise. 

Recruitment is therefore skills-led and informed by the Board’s Skills Matrix, which identifies areas of strength, gaps and emerging risks at a collective level. Each recruitment round focuses on strengthening priority capability areas, ensuring the Board remains effective, balanced and future focused. 

Applicants are encouraged to be open and proportionate when describing their skills and experience, focusing on how they would complement the existing Board. 
 
How to Apply 

Applications and nominations are submitted via an online form.

• Depending on membership type: 
  Ordinary Members must be nominated by two other Ordinary Members
• Organisational Members may nominate an employee to apply as an Organisational Director   

The application form includes: 

• Background and eligibility information 
• A personal statement (up to 500 words) 
• A structured skills and experience section aligned to the Board Skills Matrix
• Availability and commitment information
• A high-level declaration of interests 

Key Dates 

• Nominations close: 26 June 2026 (12 noon GMT) 

• Interviews: 16 or 17 July 2026 

• Outcome announced: September 2026 

• Appointment start date: 25 September 2026 

Application process

All applications are reviewed by the Nominations Committee, which: 

1. Verifies eligibility and completeness 

2. Reviews applications against the agreed skills priorities 

3. Invites shortlisted candidates to meet a selection panel 

4. Takes up references 

5. Makes recommendations to the Board 

The Board makes the final appointment decisions, and all applicants are informed of the outcome.

Fundraising team leader 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 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!

If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch.

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.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided
2. Safeguarding Level One Training
3. Skill Development opportunities
4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

Location 

Remote/Online

Time 

1 Hour per Week 

 Duration: 14 Weeks minimum

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed

Job description

The Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa (PENHA) is an African-led and inspired charity, established in 1989.  Its mission is to reduce poverty among the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa through the empowerment of communities and to foster sustainable and dignified livestock-based and non-livestock-based livelihoods. In the UK, it works with the Horn diaspora community through youth mentoring and leadership programmes. 

PENHA’s Aims and Objectives

• Sustainable livelihoods require a coordinated approach at the grassroots and policy levels. PENHA, therefore, commits itself to two goals:
• The social, cultural and economic integration of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa
• Dynamic, diversified and sustainable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods, with expanded access to information, technology, education and training
• A full and equal role for pastoral and agro-pastoralist women in public and economic life
• Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
• Development of links with the diaspora in the UK

PENHA has a team in the London Office and country chapters in the Horn of Africa region – in Ethiopia and Somaliland but works with partners in Sudan, Eritrea and Uganda as well as international partners outside the Horn of Africa.

In the UK, PENHA has a Board of Trustees, a number of research associates, volunteers and an international Advisory Group. PENHA Board of Trustees is looking for three trustees to join the London-based Board with experience in one of the following areas:

• A legal background, with financial and risk management experience;
• Knowledge of branding, marketing and fundraising, including the use of social media;
• Knowledge of the charity sector and employment law in the UK.

In addition, candidates should have an understanding of the context within which charities operate, ideally with some experience of the Horn of Africa region.

The post is unpaid and the time commitment is four to six meetings per year, with attendance at other occasional meetings and events as a representative of the charity.

The Board is responsible for submitting the Annual Report and Accounts to the Charity Commission and to Companies House. As a small charity, trustees contribute actively as part of a team in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. PENHA is currently undergoing a new strategy development process and the candidate will help steer the organisation through the challenges ahead.

In addition, Board members are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its constitution/memorandum and articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the organisation, and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Appointing the senior staff and  monitoring their performance

Application Instructions

Are you interested in the causes we stand for and in joining the PENHA Board of Trustees? Please send your CV and cover letter to our UK Office Manager before 10 August 2026. If deemed necessary, we may start actioning applications/interviewing before the closing date.

PENHA is a charity registered in England in 1992 with the Charity Commission Registration Number
1038957

About Talkthru

Talkthru is a specialist counselling charity based in Huddersfield, offering free, confidential support to individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss, baby loss and other birth-related trauma.

Our Board of Trustees oversees Talkthru’s strategic direction, governance, and financial health, ensuring that we remain sustainable, ethical, and effective. This is where you come in.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic leadership of Talkthru. Trustees ensure that the charity fulfils its mission, operates lawfully and ethically, and maintains the trust of clients, donors, and the wider community.

We are particularly keen to welcome a Trustee with a legal background to strengthen the Board’s expertise in governance, compliance, and risk management. This person will help ensure the charity’s operations, policies, and services comply with relevant laws, including charity law, counselling practice standards, safeguarding, and data protection.

See attachment for full role description.

Branch Coordinator 
Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live more independently. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As our local Branch Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, management, communication, organisation, and motivation skills to this role.
Most importantly, you’ll help disabled people to live more independent lives.

What the role involves
This role may vary depending on local needs but is likely to include:
• Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of referrals in your area
• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings
• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers
• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed
• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe
• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you need for this role 

Essential
• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting
• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email
• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work
• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

Desirable
• Self-aware of own management style and ability to lead a team, taking a supporting and coaching approach with other volunteers
• Able to communicate to different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers
• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others
• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area
• Willingness to develop skills and experience

To volunteer in this role, you will need to:
• Complete references 
• Complete induction including online and virtual training- as directed by central staff
• Undertake a DBS/PVG check if it is necessary for the role 

Additional information about our Volunteering programme:
When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. To undertake this specific role, you do not need to be an engineer/skilled craftsperson.

About Youth Advantage UK

Youth Advantage UK is a growing organisation working to improve outcomes for young people across England and Wales. Our England & Wales Local Operations Department leads local policy and research projects across counties, regions, cities and towns — identifying local challenges and developing evidence‑based recommendations that support young people to thrive.

As a young organisation, we are still building our systems and ways of working. This is a great opportunity to help shape a department at an early stage and contribute to meaningful, place‑based change.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role, with no financial compensation or future paid opportunities attached. We encourage you to apply if you have relevant/transferable skills for this role. YAUK is currently an unregistered charity, working towards gaining the registered status.

About the Role

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Department to support the leadership and smooth running of the England & Wales Local Operations team. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will provide additional leadership capacity, help coordinate multiple local research projects, and step in to lead the department when required.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong research or policy background who enjoys working in evolving environments and wants to use their skills to make a positive impact for young people.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the Head of Operations with day‑to‑day departmental coordination.

- Provide leadership cover when needed, including taking on delegated workstreams.

- Lead or oversee local policy and research projects across England and Wales.

- Ensure research is rigorous, ethical and relevant to local contexts.

- Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

- Help develop emerging systems, processes and ways of working.

- Build positive relationships with internal teams, volunteers, and external partners.

About You

You will have:

- Experience in research, evaluation or policy analysis.

- Strong analytical and writing skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

- Confidence working in ambiguity and helping build structure where needed.

- Experience volunteering and/or managing volunteers in a charity or community setting.

- A collaborative, supportive approach to leadership.

- Commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Why Volunteer With Us

- Shape a new department at a formative stage.

- Use your research expertise to support real, local impact.

- Gain leadership experience in a supportive environment.

- Flexible hours that fit around your existing commitments.

- Join a mission‑driven team passionate about youth opportunity.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about evidence‑based change and want to help shape a growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Join Youth Advantage UK as we build our Local Operations Department and create better opportunities for young people across England and Wales.

Volunteer Safeguarding Lead  for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary:  The Safeguarding Lead will play a crucial role in developing, implementing, and overseeing safeguarding policies and procedures. This individual will work closely with staff, volunteers, and the Committee to promote a safe environment and handle any safeguarding concerns effectively.

WTRRP is a registered charity (England, reg no 1162226) that exists to support people in the Watford Borough and Three Rivers District of West Hertfordshire, who do not yet have status in the UK, or who have specific needs related to their application process or welfare. Currently WTRRP has around 160 live cases (defined as a family unit or individual currently in need of our help).

WTRRP is run by a Committee, which includes several Trustees. The Committee meets typically every 2 months and also for an Annual General Meeting, but it also provides day-to-day support to our staff members (Casework Coordinator and part-time Office Manager) and to our ~80 volunteers.

The main roles of the charity are to run a drop-in session every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), a social hub at the same time, and to provide financial and other assistance to its clients for their application process for leave to remain in the UK.

Commitment: [ approximately 5 hours per week]

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development: Develop and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with legal and best practice standards.

Training: Organize safeguarding training sessions for staff and volunteers and review exisiting training.

Support: Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters, including responding to concerns and allegations.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of safeguarding policies and practices across the organization.

Reporting: Maintain accurate records of safeguarding concerns and incidents, and ensure timely reporting to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Review: Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding practices and make recommendations for improvements.

Key Requirements:

Experience: Prior experience in safeguarding, child protection, or a related field is preferred. Experience in a leadership or advisory role is advantageous.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practices. Knowledge of working with vulnerable individuals is essential.

Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Commitment: A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.  The role will require approximately 5 hours per week.

Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, child protection, or related areas are desirable. Training in safeguarding is a plus.

What We Offer:

Impact: The opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those we support.

Support: NCVO safeguarding Lead training and support from the Committee.

Development: Networking with other safeguarding professionals.

Flexibility: The role is flexible and can be adapted to fit around your other commitments.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about safeguarding and want to contribute to our mission, please contact us for an intial discussion about the role or application form. Please visit our website for more information about the Partnership.

Description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Researcher. The successful candidates will be allocated to lead one of our teams that either conducts, supports or progresses our short term or long term research projects. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• To lead a small team of volunteers in conducting research or developing research

• To provide oversight of a number of tasks at once while providing support on specific issues as they arise

• To provide guidance to the team

• To work with management and the team to coordinate research projects and planning

• To provide advice and guidance to more junior team members

• To conduct or oversee research projects 

• To ensure of ethical standards at all times and monitor task progress to ensure of compliance

•    Requirements:

•    Experience of leading a small team in a charity or research or policy setting
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of research methods
•    Experience of writing or contributing to research or briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing research projects
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible volunteering hours.

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.