Safeguarding volunteer roles

Volunteer Role: Volunteer- Connect Service

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: Approximately six to ten hours per month 

Reporting to: Children and Young Peoples Service Manager 

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS

What you will be doing

As a volunteer with the Connect Service, you will work with the Lead Workers to support delivery of the Children and Young People Service, across South Wales. You will support the Lead Workers to maintain agreed levels of contact with young people and their adoptive family during their registered time with the service and support other Connect activities as agreed with you.

During the monthly sessions you will help with general tasks such as room set up, refreshments and general duties involved with group sessions as well as supporting the children and young people to engage in the group activities/workshops.

In between the monthly sessions it will be important to keep up to date with adoptive parenting issues through reading Adoption Today, Adoption UK publications and information, and other relevant background material. 

As a Volunteer with the Connect Service, you will attend volunteer induction training and ongoing training and development. As well as talking to, or meeting with, relevant Adoption UK staff for the purpose of supervision and review. It will be essential to comply with Adoption UK’s health and safety, equal opportunities, child protection and vulnerable adult, data protection, confidentiality and other policies. 

The Skills and Experience you need 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to relate to children and young people 

• Ability to work as part of a team 

• The capacity to understand and to empathise with the issues of concern for adopted children and young people and their parents 

• Awareness of, and dedicated to, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities 

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the aims and objectives of Adoption UK. 

• Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

• Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

• Positive and motivated attitude to work 

• Professional approach 

• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable and respect for the Welsh language is essential 

What’s in it for you

• Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

• Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

• Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

• Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Caritas Young Parents’ Service offers accommodation-based support to young parents and their children who have experienced chaotic and/or unsafe lifestyles. We aim to keep families together and equip them with the tools they need to move on to independent living. We provide a safe space for parents to confidently parent their child.

We show parents how to play with their babies and toddlers to help them to develop new skills through guided play sessions and story times. We run skills and wellbeing sessions for the parents to help them develop independent living skills, such as how to cook on a budget.

We are excited to advertise for a new volunteer that can help deliver these activities, so if you have any skills that you are not utilising, you might be just who we are looking for.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the staff-led delivery of creative age-appropriate activities for the children, wellbeing-focused sessions for the parents and getting involved with the activities and sessions organised by staff.
• Supporting staff led activities focused on day-to-day tasks that will increase confidence, such as basic cookery sessions
• Empathising with young people experiencing parenthood for the first time.
• Volunteers are required to follow all Caritas safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies at all times. Any concerns about the welfare of any of the children or adults who use the services must be acted upon in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Volunteers be responsible to the Service Manager who would organise their induction and ongoing supervision.
• Volunteers would be expected to ensure the confidentiality of the people who use the service, and not share any information relating to them outside of the service team.
• Volunteers will be working alongside a member of staff - either the service manager or a project worker. Once a volunteer is confident and the manager is happy with their approach then they may be left to complete a play session, for example, but they would not be working alone in the building.
• This role requires a commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week. The role is open ended not fixed term.

The skills you need

• Empathy
• Good listener
• Good communication skills
• Patience
• Respect
• Some residents may have experienced trauma, homelessness, abuse or family breakdown. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a sensitive and supportive environment.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to use your experience and skills to support people in your communities to whom your support matters.
• Growing confidence and esteem
• Full induction and training
• Further training opportunities

Disclaimer

Please read before applying: As part of the safer recruitment process, we will be requesting an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two references for this role. Having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering within the organisation. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and the background of the offences. Prior to starting with us you will be required to complete mandatory online training modules.

Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us crowdsource our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?

What will you be doing?

To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll help recruit, support and coordinate our growing UK‑based volunteer community. You’ll provide administrative oversight for current volunteers, support ongoing recruitment, and help develop volunteer and HR processes.

 Over time, you’ll contribute to policies, engagement programmes, crowd‑sourcing initiatives, and local pilot volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for UK‑based volunteers with experience in HR, volunteer management, or people operations. You’ll help lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding and training; develop HR and volunteer policies; support engagement and wellbeing; and maintain confidential records. 

You’ll need strong organisational and interpersonal skills, knowledge of safeguarding and data protection, and the ability to support a diverse, remote volunteer team.

What difference will you make?

You will lead and/or support the volunteer recruitment and engagement needed to sustain and grow the organisation, and develop the network of experts and contributors that will power E-Save.

You will be at the forefront of innovation, bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living part of everyday life.

The Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader leads the local volunteer team by motivating and supporting members to deliver agreed objectives. The role provides strategic direction, management, and guidance while ensuring a positive, inclusive, and effective team environment. 

What will you be doing?

To lead, motivate and support the local volunteer team in developing, delivering and monitoring a yearly local strategy that aligns with Crimestoppers's vision, mission and organisational priorities. 

What are we looking for?

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Experience leading teams, meetings or projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners
• Ability to support and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the local geographic area and community needs
• Willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Crimestoppers's strategies and plans

What difference will you make?

As Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, you will play a key role in empowering people to create safer communities. 

You will lead the local volunteer team, setting direction and ensuring activity aligns with Crimestoppers’ mission that people are the ones who stop crime. 

You will working closely with the Police, Community Safety Partnerships, and local organisations, and help deliver campaigns and events that improve community safety. 

Through regular communication with regional and national staff, you will ensure your volunteers stay informed, connected, and supported.

You also help to recruit, support, and develop volunteers, creating an inclusive and motivated local team. 

Volunteer Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader applicants must live in the local area where you are applying.

This role requires a commitment of around three years to support continuity and effective delivery. Monthly time commitments vary and may include:

• Local or national meetings
• Planning activities
• Partnership engagement
• Ongoing support for volunteers

We're keen to hear from you if you'd like to share your experiences as a blind and partially sighted person and help build a world which understands the impact of living with sight loss.

In this role, you will be:

• Delivering talks to groups of sighted people about your lived experience of sight loss to challenge their perceptions and behaviours. Audiences will vary but may include local businesses, community, faith and voluntary groups.

• Making links with your own existing groups and networks in your local community that may want to be involved in reducing barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Building relationships with people or local businesses you know.
• Taking part in and sharing information about specific campaigns and initiatives to help remove barriers to blind and partially sighted people.
• Delivering talks on behalf of RNIB’s Social Action Team.

What you'll gain from the role:
• A chance to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people with a sense of achievement.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people.
• To make an impact by speaking to groups of people.
• An opportunity to develop your role into delivering talks independently as your confidence and skills grow.
• An opportunity to improve public understanding, helping change perceptions and behaviours, building a world which understands sight loss.
• An opportunity to explore different volunteer roles within our organisation and have access to internal employment opportunities.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• Induction to the role and organisation.
• Training in public speaking and telling your story.
• A supportive volunteer manager.
• Regular catch-ups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATOR / COORDINATOR

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

As an Administrator/ Coordinator you’ll support your Chair or Coordinator in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it can include:

• Supporting the Chair/Coordinator in organising branch activities, from setting up branch meetings to planning and completing referrals

• Helping the Chair/Coordinator oversee the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new volunteers

• Deputising for the Chair/Coordinator when necessary

• Acting as a key contact between staff and volunteers

 What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting when required

• 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

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with 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

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and reference check, and you may need a DBS check if you also have another client facing role.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

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

The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

1. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
2. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
3. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
4. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships
5. Providing expert insight, understanding, and experience relating to marketing, communications, and branding

Person specification

• Board-level or executive experience leading marketing, communications, public affairs or corporate affairs functions.
• Demonstrable experience in Marketing strategy, brand development and B2B marketing
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• A strong personal commitment to workplace equity
• Desirable:
  • Demonstrable experience of PR, public affairs, government relations or lobbying.

Application details

Please submit

• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
• A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
• Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
• Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require

Support the delivery of creative arts and crafts activities that encourage young people to express themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence. Volunteers will help facilitate activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, and themed creative projects while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. You will encourage participation, celebrate creativity, and help young people explore their ideas in a fun and supportive space.

Inspire creativity and self-expression in young people Build confidence through creative achievement and skill development Encourage positive social interaction and teamwork Provide a safe space for young people to explore their interests and talents

The skills you'll need

• Enthusiasm for arts, crafts, and creativity
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and encouragement when supporting young people
• Ability to work as part of a team Positive and inclusive attitude
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Local public parking is available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  - Nantwich

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

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 is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00

Location: 44 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? 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 are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop 
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development

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

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

Headlight is a friendly, non-clinical peer to peer support group and one to one mentoring for young people experiencing emotional and mental health issues. We rely on volunteers to help run our fortnightly evening sessions in Ottery St Mary alongside trained staff.

Could you help young people to feel welcome and part of a support network? Could you offer a listening ear to a young person who needs to talk? Could you relate to young people aged 18-25 and help engage and support them in the groups activities? Are you hands on and willing to do the practical stuff such as set up, food preparation and tidying up? 

If you said yes to those questions then please get in touch with Molly. 

Support the delivery of creative arts and crafts activities that encourage young people to express themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence. Volunteers will help facilitate activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, and themed creative projects while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. You will encourage participation, celebrate creativity, and help young people explore their ideas in a fun and supportive space.

Inspire creativity and self-expression in young people Build confidence through creative achievement and skill development Encourage positive social interaction and teamwork Provide a safe space for young people to explore their interests and talents

The skills you'll need

• Enthusiasm for arts, crafts, and creativity
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and encouragement when supporting young people
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Positive and inclusive attitude
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Public car parking is available locally. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Volunteer Gym Buddy

 About the Role

As a Volunteer Gym Buddy, you will support people with autism, sight loss, and learning disabilities to attend and enjoy gym sessions. You will provide encouragement, help build confidence, and support people to achieve their fitness goals.

No gym expertise is required – just a positive attitude and a willingness to support others.

 The Difference You Will Make

By volunteering, you will help people to:

• Improve their health and wellbeing.
• Build confidence and independence.
• Access fitness opportunities in their community.
• Achieve personal goals in a supportive environment.

 What You Will Do

• Attend gym sessions with the person you support.
• Provide encouragement and motivation.
• Help people feel comfortable and confident in the gym.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Follow SeeAbility's safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Report any concerns to SeeAbility staff.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly and reliable.
• Patient and supportive.
• Good communicators.
• Enthusiastic about helping others.
• Committed to inclusion and equality.

Experience of autism, sight loss, or learning disabilities is helpful but not essential.

Requirements

• Aged 18 or over.
• Complete volunteer training and induction.
• Provide references.
• Complete a DBS check if required.
• Follow SeeAbility policies and procedures.

Interested?

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to live ambitious and fulfilling lives. We help people develop skills, build independence, and achieve their goals through specialist support, services, and volunteering opportunities.

We are seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board of Trustees*.  You will have:

• Strong senior-level knowledge of investment management (equities and fixed income)
• Experience setting investment strategy and overseeing financial risk
• An analytical and questioning mindset, with confidence to provide constructive challenge
• Experience supporting long-term financial sustainability and governance.

You will also have empathy and understanding of disability-related issues, or a strong commitment to learning. Bring integrity, sound judgement and strategic thinking.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful, lasting impact. As a Trustee, you will contribute strategic insight, sound judgement and compassionate leadership to help ensure the Trust continues to meet the changing needs of its beneficiaries.

About Us

The Thalidomide Trust is a unique organisation supporting beneficiaries, now all in their 60s, born with disabilities as a result of their mother taking the drug, thalidomide, during pregnancy. 

They are a remarkable group of people, who have achieved a great deal despite often living with extreme levels of disability, including limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs.

Our beneficiaries have very complex and varied needs which are increasing as they age. We have gained an in-depth understanding of their evolving needs through our high level of contact with beneficiaries and our structured programme of three-yearly Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs).

Commitment

• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
• London / St Neots / Hybrid
• You should be willing and able to devote approximately 15 – 20 days (plus travel time) per annum to the Trust. Specifically, be available to attend three full day board meetings and one morning virtual meeting as well as Finance Committee meetings. There may be various projects, webinars and/or events throughout the year, and availability to remotely authorise transactions and documents on an ad hoc basis (with reasonable notice) is required.

Interested?

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation to help shape the future of the Trust, we would love to hear from you.

More information:

• No contact from agencies or media sales.
• We particularly welcome applications from the BAME community and people living with disabilities.

Application deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 9am

Date for Interview: Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Central London)

* Following a restructuring exercise in January 2018, your formal title will be a Director of the Thalidomide Trust Company. However, you will operate as a charitable Trustee and will be governed by the Charity Commission.

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

The Non-Executive Director will ensure the human and financial resources are available to achieve MHFA England’s objectives by providing expertise and guidance.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

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

Person specification

• Board-level experience in one or more of the following:
  • Leading organisations through digital transformation and organisational change.
  • Understanding how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping learning, training, skills development and customer expectations.
  • Providing strategic challenge on the effective use of data, CRM, digital platforms and customer insight to improve engagement, retention and organisational performance.
  • Experience overseeing the implementation and optimisation of digital platforms, including websites, CRM systems and learning technologies.
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal, and teamworking skills
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• A strong personal commitment to workplace equity

Application details

Please submit

• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role
• A supporting statement. This should clearly set out how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in your statement; and not simply a broad claim to have done it - give us examples and dimensions; tell us what this achieved and how it helped meet your organisations' goals
• Please ensure that you indicate in your application any dates when you will not be available, or where we might have difficulty in contacting you
• Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations you may require.