Recruitment volunteer roles

Volunteer Role: HR & Volunteering Manager

Location: Hybrid / London (Must be based in London)

Time Commitment: Flexible (approx. 3–5 hours per week), with occasional attendance at unit nights, interviews, or recruitment events.

The Heart of Our Growth

Do you have a gift for bringing out the best in people? The Ranger Cadets are expanding rapidly across England, and we are seeking a dedicated HR & Volunteering Manager to lead the full volunteer lifecycle in London—ensuring we attract, onboard, support, and retain the exceptional adults who mentor our cadets.

Whether you bring professional HR experience or a natural talent for people leadership, this role sits at the very centre of our mission to ensure every young person is truly “Prepared for Life.”

Your Strategic Leadership

As HR & Volunteering Manager, you will oversee the entire volunteer experience—from first enquiry to long‑term engagement. You will shape the culture, set the tone, and ensure every volunteer feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive.

You will lead on:

Talent Attraction & Recruitment

• Designing and managing compelling recruitment campaigns for Uniformed Adult Volunteers and Non‑Uniformed Support Staff.

• Coordinating interviews, information sessions, and recruitment events.

Onboarding & Compliance

• Managing the full onboarding journey, including interviews, references, DBS checks, safeguarding steps, and welcome communications.

• Ensuring every new volunteer receives a smooth, professional, and reassuring introduction to the organisation.

Volunteer Support & Experience

• Developing initiatives that keep volunteers engaged, motivated, and recognised.

• Providing ongoing pastoral support and acting as a trusted point of contact for volunteer wellbeing.

Strategic Workforce Planning

• Working closely with the Chief Ranger and Launch Teams to identify staffing needs in new and existing units.

• Helping shape the volunteer structure as the organisation grows.

What We Are Looking For

A Warm, Confident Communicator

You will often be the first voice new volunteers hear—professionalism, kindness, and clarity are essential.

Organised & Reliable

You can manage multiple applications at once and ensure every volunteer receives timely communication.

Discreet & Trustworthy

You are comfortable handling sensitive information with absolute confidentiality.

Passionate About People

You care deeply about matching the right volunteers to the right roles, ensuring long‑term success for both the individual and the unit.

Why Become Our HR & Volunteering Manager?

Shape the Future

You will directly influence the calibre, culture, and character of the adults who mentor the next generation.

Build Professional Expertise

Gain hands‑on experience in HR, recruitment, safeguarding, and volunteer management within a growing national youth organisation.

Flexible & Meaningful Volunteering

Most of the role can be done remotely, making it ideal for those who want to make a real impact without weekly parade‑night commitments.

Help Us Build a World‑Class Volunteer Team

Behind every confident, capable cadet stands a team of dedicated adults who believed in them. Help us find, support, and empower those volunteers.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Hopscotch Women's Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees at an important and exciting moment in our journey.

We are a values-led organisation working at the intersection of violence against women and girls, gender justice and equity, and we are now looking for an experienced and dynamic Chair to support our next phase of development.

This role would suit someone who has previous experience as a Chair, or substantial senior governance leadership, and who is confident in providing strategic oversight, strong governance, and supportive challenge. The incoming Chair will line-manage a first-time CEO and work alongside a Board that includes several first-time Trustees—all of whom are deeply committed, passionate, and motivated to learn and lead well.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who:

• Bring a strong intersectional feminist lens to governance and leadership
• Understand the realities of trauma-informed practice within the VAWG sector
• Have lived experience of minoritisation and can bring this insight meaningfully into Board leadership
• Are attuned to the current political, funding and policy climate affecting specialist women’s organisations
• Lead with empathy, clarity and confidence, and enjoy supporting others to grow into their roles

This is a rewarding opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an organisation doing vital work, while nurturing a committed Board and leadership team at a formative stage.

Candidates can get in touch for an informal chat with the current Chair.

Please send us your CV and Cover Letter.

Volunteer Role: HR & Volunteer Recruitment Team

Location: Hybrid / London (Must be based in London)

Time Commitment: Flexible (approx. 3–5 hours per week) with occasional attendance at unit nights or recruitment events.

The Heart of Our Growth

Are you a people person with an eye for talent? The Ranger Cadets are expanding rapidly across England, and we need a dedicated HR & Volunteer Recruitment Team in London to ensure we find, onboard, and retain the best possible mentors for our cadets.

Whether you have a professional background in Human Resources or simply love connecting people with great opportunities, this role is vital to our mission of ensuring every young person is "Prepared for Life."

Your Strategic Impact

You will be the first point of contact for potential volunteers, guiding them through their journey into the organization. Your team will lead on:

• Talent Attraction: Creating and managing adverts for both Uniformed Adult Volunteers and Non-Uniformed Support Staff.

• The Onboarding Journey: Managing the "end-to-end" process, from the initial enquiry and interview to reference checks and DBS clearances.

• Welcome & Induction: Ensuring every new volunteer feels supported and informed before they even step foot into a unit.

• Strategic Growth: Working with the Chief Ranger and Launch Teams to identify recruitment needs in new areas.

• Volunteer Experience: Developing initiatives to keep our volunteers engaged, rewarded, and motivated.

What We Are Looking For

• Excellent Communicators: You are the "face" of the organization for new applicants; a warm, professional, and helpful manner is essential.

• Organisational Skills: Ability to track multiple applications and ensure no one "falls through the cracks."

• Discretion & Integrity: Comfortable handling sensitive information and background checks with the utmost confidentiality.

• Passion for People: A genuine interest in finding the right "fit" for our units to ensure long-term success.

Why Join the HR & Recruitment Team?

• Shape the Culture: You have the unique opportunity to choose the leaders who will mentor the next generation.

• Professional Experience: Enhance your CV with high-level HR, recruitment, and safeguarding experience within the charity sector.

• Flexible Volunteering: Much of this role can be done remotely, making it perfect for those who want to help but cannot attend every weekly parade night.

Help Us Build a World-Class Team

Behind every successful cadet is a team of dedicated volunteers. Help us find them.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We’re looking for someone who believes deeply in the power of creativity and who can help steward the organisation with care, imagination and strategic oversight. It’s a voluntary role, but a hugely meaningful one and a chance to make a lasting difference to the future of the Super Power Agency.

I’ve attached our Chair of Trustees recruitment pack, which gives more detail about the role, the moment we’re in as an organisation and the kind of person we’re hoping to find . You might know someone brilliant who would be a great fit – or you might even feel curious yourself, please get in touchle

Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) - Interview Management Team!

�� Help Shape Our Humanitarian Team! Join the IHF Interview Management Team ��

Are you organized, empathetic, and passionate about connecting people with meaningful roles? Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) as a member of our remote *Interview Management Team*. Play a critical role in recruiting volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the world.

What You’ll Do:

- Coordinate Interviews: Oversee and conduct interviews with potential volunteers, guiding them through our application process and creating a welcoming experience.

- Promote IHF’s Mission: Clearly communicate IHF’s values and mission, ensuring that volunteers understand the importance of their role.

- Match Talents with Needs: Work closely with other teams to ensure that volunteers are placed in roles that align with their skills and interests.

Why Join IHF?

- Impactful Recruitment: You’ll be helping us find passionate individuals who will carry out important humanitarian work.

- Skill Development: Gain experience in human resources, recruitment, and cross-cultural communication.

- Work Remotely: Enjoy the flexibility to make an impact from wherever you are.

Requirements:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Experience in recruitment, interview management, or HR is beneficial.

- A positive attitude and a commitment to IHF’s mission to help communities worldwide.

Be a Part of Our Mission– Join IHF’s Interview Management Team and help us build a community of dedicated volunteers committed to making a difference.

We are delighted to be looking for two new Trustees to join the Devon Wildlife Trust Board. 

Whether you are an experienced board member or seeking your first Trustee role, we welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences.  We will provide a comprehensive induction programme and tailored support based on individual candidates’ experience.

What matters to us is that candidates have a keen interest in the work of Devon Wildlife Trust, the ability to commit the time needed to fulfil the role, and a wish to use your skills and experience to help make a difference for nature in Devon.

More information on Devon Wildlife Trust, the role and recruitment process can be found on the Jobs page of our website, where a Trustee Candidate Information Pack can be downloaded.

Please apply via our recruitment portal by 23:59 on 22 February 2026. 

If you would like to find out more about the opportunity, we will be hosting an online open briefing with Trustee Koy Thomson and Chief Executive Nick Bruce-White, at 16:00 on 16 January 2026.  Information on how to register for this is given in the pack.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT

Join us to make a difference

The Coutts Foundation is seeking a new Trustee to support our journey as a thoughtful and progressive funder across England, Scotland and Wales.

We are particuarly seeking individuals with grant-making expertise and/or experience working in the women and girls' charitable sector.

Find out more details and how to apply on the Coutts Foundation webpage.

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position

GFS is a charity dedicated to enabling girls and young women to become unstoppable. We are seeking people who are committed to gender equality, passionate about youth development, and who value safe, inclusive spaces for girls and young women. 

Roles: Various Trustee positions, including Safeguarding, HR and Treasurer

As a Trustee you will provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS.

We are looking for Trustees who care deeply about our mission and who bring experience, skills and enthusiasm to help steer the charity into its next chapter.

• The Treasurer is a member of the GFS Board of Trustees and is responsible for leading the Board’s oversight of the organisation’s financial strategy, governance, and sustainability.
• The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities.
• We are also looking for Trustees with experience in Human Resources and being part of People teams.
• See Treasurer and HR Trustee roles for more details.

Overall Purpose

Provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS. Assist in developing GFS’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles, Bye-Laws and legal and regulatory guidelines. Help drive the organisation forward, increasing its effectiveness for the benefit of girls and young women.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that the values and mission of GFS are upheld in all of the decisions and decision-making processes of the Board.
• Contributing actively to the Board’s discussions on the strategic plans for GFS and supporting the Leadership Team to implement them.
• Ensuring that GFS operates in accordance with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Maintaining oversight of GFS’s performance, safeguarding, finances, and risk management.
• Supporting the CEO and Leadership Team by providing constructive challenge and guidance as required.
• Acting as an advocate for GFS, promoting its work and representing the organisation externally when appropriate. 

Time Commitment

• GFS’s Board Members serve an initial three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for an additional term.
• Three Virtual Board meetings and an in person in either in Central London or a central city (meetings are currently held on Saturdays).
• Occasional strategy days, workshops or working groups.
• Quarterly Sub - Committee membership depending on skills and capacity.
• Ad-hoc support to the GFS Staff team in line with personal experience 

Closing date: Monday 16th February, 9am 

Optional Q&A Session: To be booked individually by contacting our recruitment team. 

Interviews: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 

We are currently recruiting for the following Trustees:

• Finance Trustee
• Service Delivery Trustee
• Fundraising Trustees

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of MindTHNR, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent mental health services. You will be joining a passionate and committed Board that works closely with our Chief Executive and leadership team to ensure we remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our values. To see more about our existing trustees click here.

The responsibilities for all Trustee roles are to:

• Uphold charity law, governing documents, and safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Actively contribute to setting direction, monitoring performance, and supporting/challenging the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, use your skills to inform decisions, and uphold the charity’s values of inclusion, integrity, and transparency.

See the recruitment pack for full details and information on what we are looking for each individual position.

We are hoping to interview in February but will keep the advert open until all roles are filled

Why volunteer for CARE International UK?

As the Administrative Volunteer with CARE International UK’s Supporter Care Team, you'll build hands-on skills in fulfilment processes and related tasks, all the while contributing to a global humanitarian cause. Under the guidance of the Supporter Care Team, you’ll gain meaningful experience and play a part in positively impacting vulnerable communities.

About you

Experience as an administrative assistant is preferred, but training will be provided. You should be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a team.

About the role

The Administrative Volunteer will play an integral role in supporting the execution of campaigns and appeals run by both the Mass Marketing Team and the Lendwithcare Team. This position operates within the Supporter Care Team under the supervision of one of our Supporter Care Officers. Additional administrative activities may also be assigned as required.

We anticipate that you will volunteer one day a week at our London Office in Farringdon, preferably Wednesdays. For volunteers residing within the Greater London area, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. A member of the Supporter Care team will usually be in every Wednesday, hence the usual day being a Wednedsay.

Right to Work in the UK

Following recent changes to Skilled Worker Visa eligibility, a number of roles have been removed from the immigration salary list. 

Applicants residing outside of the UK may apply for this role if it is has an eligible occupation code,  identifies as a ‘higher skilled’ job and meets the salary threshold. Before submitting your application, please review the latest Skilled Worker Visa guidance here.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to, our hr team. 

We also encourage people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or LGBT+ to apply for roles at CARE International UK. 

Please note that in compliance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all job offers at Care International UK are conditional on eligibility to work in the UK.

To Apply

To apply, please visit our website, download and read the Volunteer Recruitment Pack, including the Job Description and Person Specification. Applications are completed online. If you require a copy of the recruitment pack in large print or an alternative format please contact our hr team. Please note, Curriculum Vitae’s (CVs) will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications: 22 Feb 2026

Position Title: VLT member
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)
Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.
Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As a member of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), you will contribute to the effective delivery of core services for refugees and help support and coordinate our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. In this role, you’ll work closely with other VLT members, with a particular focus on the general support function, collaborating with volunteer teams and ensuring they are well-informed, resourced, and confident in providing person-centred support.
This is a chance to contribute meaningfully within a growing, well-regarded charity, alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities:
● Support communication between lead volunteers and central SWR services to help source equipment or assistance for families.
● Help oversee the changing needs of families, recognising that support levels will gradually reduce as independence builds.
● Collaborate with local authority support workers where families are still receiving formal assistance.
● Assist in developing and tracking Path to Independence Plans for families.
● Liaise with team leads across Education, Language, and Employment functions.
● Keep the Volunteer Lead and wider VLT informed as appropriate.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You should be:
● Compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● A good communicator, both in writing and in person
● Organised, with strong attention to detail
● Flexible and culturally sensitive to varying family needs
● Reasonably confident with IT tools (email, shared files, online forms, etc.)
Experience in teaching, social care, or charity work is useful, but not essential. A genuine interest in helping others and working collaboratively is most important.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we develop and implement our strategy, face challenges, maximise opportunities and endeavour to create an even better Union; one that continues to be flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our student members and achieve our vision.

The Person

The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills. We are looking for a trustee with the following skills/experience

Finance Experience: 

• Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
• Understanding of financial oversight
• Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
• Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements

Chairing Experience: 

• Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
• Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
• Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role

Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Further Information

Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out 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.