Policy development volunteer roles

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has been at the heart of Islington since 1913, where we were set up to address 10% rates of infant mortality. More than a century later, we're still pioneering: our Dahlia Project is the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for FGM survivors, our award-winning Surplus Café, and leadership of the Islington Food Partnership have made us a serious force in community food justice, our advocacy work supports some of the boroughs most vulnerable residents in 16 community languages, and our youth services work with young people at risk of gang violence and exploitation in one of London's most deprived boroughs. We own three Grade II listed buildings in Upper Holloway, directly support over 2,500 people a year, and reach 10,000 more through outreach and partnerships. 

What we do

From multilingual advocacy and community wellbeing to youth work, therapeutic services, and food security, we work across the intersections of disadvantage, with particular expertise in supporting refugee and minoritised communities, survivors of FGM and sexual violence, young people at risk of exploitation, and people facing mental health challenges. We are a small organisation with an outsized impact, and we take seriously our responsibility to influence policy as well as deliver services.

What we're looking for

We're seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the below areas:

Fundraising and income development — You will have significant experience leading or overseeing fundraising strategy, with a strong track record across trusts and foundations, statutory commissioning, or other income streams relevant to a charity of our size and complexity. You understand what sustainable income looks like for a community health organisation navigating a difficult funding environment.

Services and community leadership — You will have deep experience leading or developing services for under-represented, minoritised, or marginalised communities, ideally in the voluntary and community sector. You understand what excellent, culturally competent, trauma-informed practice looks like — and how to govern it well.

Human resources — You will have significant HR expertise and an understanding of what good people management looks like in a complex, mission-driven organisation. Whether your background is in-house, consultancy, or the voluntary sector, you'll be able to bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to workforce questions at board level and contribute to our HR and Communications sub-group, as well as the wider board.

In either case, you'll bring strong communication skills, genuine commitment to equity and inclusion, and the strategic clarity to contribute meaningfully at board level.

What you'll join

Our board of six trustees brings expertise spanning third sector leadership, asset management, law, HR, finance, and communications. We meet five times a year, with three sub-groups (Fundraising and Services; HR and Communications; Finance and Facilities) that meet as needed. The time commitment averages around six hours per month. Trustees are appointed for three-year terms, with the potential for renewal.

Knowledge

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustees.

Qualities and Behaviours

Strategic vision;

Commitment to inclusion, equalities and diversity and to the vision and mission of our charity;

Commitment to MGWT’s values;

Interpersonal and communication skills;

Collaborative approach;

Honesty and integrity;

Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues we address, and from those who are under-represented in charity governance more broadly.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You expect us to

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

What we need from you

You’ll be:

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

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

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

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

Our Values

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

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

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

For more than a century, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood beside the RAF Family; through
war and peace, hardship and change. From the first day in uniform to the final years of life,
we have been a constant source of emotional, practical and financial support. Today, our work
reaches serving personnel, veterans, families and the bereaved in more than 30 countries.

We are seeking an individual to join our Finance, Audit and Investments Committee which
provides advice, guidance and support to our Board who has Investment management / portfolio
experience.

The successful candidate will:

• advise on matters relating to the Fund’s investment policy and strategy; 
• assist the Committee in monitoring and advising on the performance of the Fund’s Investment Managers; and 
• offer advice and guidance on investing funds on behalf of the Fund

The full role description can be found on our website. These roles are voluntary, however
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are paid. We will provide the successful candidate with a bespoke
induction programme and relevant training / development.

Interested?

If you have the experience we are seeking and are as passionate about the RAF Family as we are, we 
would love to hear from you. 

Please send an up-to-date CV and covering email / letter outlining your background, skills, 
experience and interest in the role to the email address noted on our website.

We welcome applications from anyone who has the experience we are seeking, irrespective of 
background, community, industry or protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable 
adjustments as part of your application process, please let us know. We operate safer selection 
practices; this will involve the successful candidate being required to have a Disclosure and Barring 
Service check. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and this position will remain open until we have
found our ideal candidate. No agencies please.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Aviemore

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Sunday (times tbc)

Location: Unit 7, Grampian Road, Aviemore

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter Scotland? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter Scotland’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter Scotland. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter Scotland will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter Scotland’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter Scotland…

• Supporting Shelter Scotland in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you'd like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, contact us at Shelter

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership operates in the borough of Watford and Three Rivers district, providing support to refugees and others without status in the UK. The partnership has a full-time caseworker and two part-time support staff in addition to around 80 volunteers. It currently serves around 350 families and individuals.

The charity provides:

· A weekly drop-in session – currently Tuesdays 11:00-13:30 – for existing and new clients to see us

· Casework supporting applications for leave to remain and related issues

· A weekly social hub – concurrent with the drop-in – for any client to join us for company and activities

· Education for our clients, mainly in the English language but including help with literacy and numeracy.

The operations manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity, reporting to the committee and trustees, ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and resources are used effectively to achieve its mission.  They will provide a line management and mentoring role for the case worker and office administrator. The successful candidate would have had managerial experience, possibly in the charity, education, healthcare or related sectors. The role is a part time one – expected to average 2 days per week, and likely to suit someone retired from employment.

Specific roles for the operations manager are:

· Support of communication within the charity

· Supervision of the weekly (currently Tuesday, 11:00am-1:30pm) welcome desk, drop-in, social hub and casework operation

· Line management of our full-time caseworker and part-time office manager

· Support of elements of casework by allocating other volunteers, logistics etc.

· Making day-to-day decisions within agreed scope, for management of the charity

· Report to the committee (including trustees) at its regular meetings with status of cases and requests for decisions

· Advising the committee in developing the charity, helping work on core mission, vision and strategy.

· Working with our fundraisers to provide required information and guidance where needed.

The successful candidate would have experience in:

· Proven organisational and multitasking skills

· Knowledge and experience of regulatory requirements to ensure compliance (e.g. GDPR etc)

· Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders

· Management of staff and volunteers

· Working with a volunteer committee and trustees

· Development of a business, charity or equivalent organisation

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

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

Our Values

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

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

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Board Member

We are seeking committed and experienced individuals to join a trust as a Member, helping to ensure strong governance, accountability and strategic oversight.

Position: Member

Salary: This is a voluntary role however expenses can be paid in line with the allowances policy

Location: Being local to Derby, or at least having an understanding of the community is important.

Time commitment: Around 2-3 meetings a year in the evening

Closing date: 29th June

About the role:

Local Governors sit within the Trust’s overall governance structure.  The Department for Education sets out that in an academy trust, the purpose of governance is to provide:

- strategic leadership

- accountability and assurance

- strategic engagement

The board has collective accountability and strategic responsibility for the trust. It has a focus on ensuring the trust delivers an excellent education to pupils while maintaining effective financial management and must ensure compliance with:

- the trust’s charitable objects

- regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements

- their funding agreement

Members ensure that the Board of Trustees and governance generally functions well. 

Key responsibilities will include:

Directing Trustees:  In rare events, Members can, by special resolution, direct Trustees to take a specific action where Trustees are unable, or unwilling to act in the best interests of the Trust.

Appointing and removing Members and Trustees:  Subject to the Articles of Association and Terms of References, all Members and most Trustees are appointed by existing Members.

Amending the Articles of Association: Members can amend the Articles of Association (in some cases, subject to Charity Commission approval), change the name of the Trust and wind it up. Local governance arrangements.

Appointing auditors:  Members appoint auditors to carry out the annual external audit function.  Internal auditors are appointed by trustees.

About you

We are looking for individuals who can bring independent judgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance.

You will ideally have:

• An interest in education and charitable governance
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• The ability to provide constructive challenge and scrutiny
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to acting in the best interests of the organisation
• An understanding of accountability, leadership and organisational oversight

Previous experience as a trustee, governor, board member or senior leader would be beneficial but is not essential.

About the organisation

The organisation is a trust that was formed to provide opportunities for collaboration, support, and challenge for the schools of Derby while allowing each school to retain its identity and accountability to its local community. 

Areas of expertise you may have experience with could include: Finance, education, legal, estates management, compliance, charity work, health.

We’re REMIX, a Shoreditch‑based social mobility charity empowering young people to remix their lives with confidence, creativity, and real opportunities. We’re gearing up for our big launch this September — and to make it happen, we need an HR & Volunteering Manager who’s passionate about people, culture, and community.

This is a volunteer role with real influence. You won’t just help us run smoothly — you’ll help shape the environment that young people and volunteers step into.

This VOLUNTEER Role

We’re looking for a volunteer HR & Volunteering Manager who can help us put the right people, processes, and vibes in place ahead of our launch. You’ll be the heartbeat of our growing team — supporting recruitment, onboarding, volunteer experience, and the foundations of a positive, youth‑centred culture.

What You’ll Be Doing At REMIX

You’ll help us build and support our people systems, including:

• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.

• Creating simple, youth‑friendly HR processes and policies.

• Supporting team wellbeing and culture.

• Helping us shape a safe, inclusive, empowering environment.

• Making sure our volunteers feel valued, supported, and ready to shine.

• Advising on best practice as we grow.

What You'll Bring To REMIX

• A passion for people and a belief in the power of community.

• Experience in HR, volunteering management, or people‑focused roles.

• A calm, organised approach with a youth‑positive mindset.

• Confidence working with a small, ambitious team.

• A desire to use your skills to open doors for young people.

What You'll Get From VOLUNTEERING With REMIX

• A chance to shape the culture of a brand‑new charity.

• Experience building HR and volunteer systems from the ground up.

• A meaningful leadership role with real impact.

• A creative, energetic team who value your ideas.

• The knowledge that your work directly supports young people rewriting their futures.

Ready to Help Us Remix the Future

If you’re excited by people, purpose, and building something that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Share a bit about yourself and why this role speaks to you — let’s build a team that empowers young people to rise.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.

Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities

· Welcoming young people to the session;

· Helping young people to register for sessions;

· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;

· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

Essential

· To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;

· Currently resident in the UK;

- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

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.

Client Support Volunteer - Lancashire

Information about the role

You’ll support people coming to Shelter for housing, benefit or debt help. This might involve giving them updates on their case, sharing information about local services, and supporting them with form filling.

Location: Shelter Lancashire Hub, Blackburn Central Library, Town Hall Street, Blackburn. Volunteering activity could be in the Hub or in our community settings.

Availability: Volunteering will take place within our Hub service hours of Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on for more details.

Range of activities may include

• Communicating with clients by phone and email to share updates on their case or to gather information from them.
• Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing, benefits and debt.
• Supporting clients with digital skills, navigating online systems and forms.
• Researching and updating contact details for other local services and providing clients with this information.
• Providing some emotional support to clients, by letting them share their experiences and listening to them.

This role fights the housing emergency by supporting people who are struggling with housing and bringing them one step closer to a safe home.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter:

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

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

Your skills and experience

We’d love the volunteer in this role to have good communication skills and be confident with using IT. But the most important thing is that you are friendly and caring, with enthusiasm for fighting the housing emergency.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

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

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

End of document.