Service management volunteer roles

Help strengthen the financial sustainability, governance and accountability of Blue Cross

Blue Cross has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Today, we support thousands of pets and their owners through veterinary care, rehoming, behaviour support, pet food banks, education, campaigning and pet bereavement services. Our vision is simple: every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home.

The Board's future needs have been considered in light of Blue Cross' strategic priorities and organisational ambitions. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with significant finance and audit expertise who can bring strategic insight, financial acumen and constructive challenge to Board discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of Blue Cross, supporting the charity's long-term sustainability and our mission to improve the lives of pets and their people.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Finance, audit or accounting leadership
• Risk management and assurance
• Financial governance and controls
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Regulatory compliance
• Audit and Risk Committee leadership
• Organisational sustainability and stewardship

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior-level finance, audit or accounting experience
• A recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent professional expertise
• Strong understanding of governance, risk and assurance
• Experience influencing decisions at executive or Board level
• The ability to interpret and constructively challenge financial information

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee participation and occasional events.

Diversity and inclusion

Blue Cross is committed to creating a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
 First interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
 Second interviews: Week commencing 21 September 2026

To learn more about the role, please review the candidate information pack.

Volunteer Trustees

Volunteer Trustee opportunities

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to become actively involved in the strategic direction, governance and decision making of the charity.  As a Trustee you will join a dynamic and supportive team committed to making a difference to people affected by cancer.  With a new, incoming Chair, this is an exciting time to join the Board as it works toward shaping the charity’s future.  The role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while providing a rewarding and satisfying experience that enables personal development and growth.

The charity is happy to hear from people across the country and in particular anyone with the following experience or expertise.

Healthcare
Medical Practitioners or Allied Health Professionals with recent experience of working with cancer patients/or cancer treatment, ideally within the NHS.

Commercial
The Penny Brohn UK National Centre offers external organisations a unique environment for their own business use which includes daily and residential bookings as well as tenancy agreements.  Due to a successful period of growth in recent years, the charity would welcome the expertise of a Trustee with significant experience in this area who can support the development of this income stream further.

Values and Behaviours
All Trustees are expected to uphold and model Penny Brohn UKs values of courage, resilience, compassion, warmth and community and to champion an inclusive, evidence-informed approach to holistic cancer care.

Support for new Trustees
New Trustees are fully supported through a planned induction into the organisation, starting with an introduction to each area of the Charity.

Time commitment
The Trustee Board meet four times in-person each year at the National Centre in Bristol on Fridays, generally between 9am – 4pm.  Trustee representation is also required on one or two online sub-committees, which are held up to four times per year for each committee and Trustees will be appointed to the sub-committees once recruited into post in accordance with their relevant skills and experience.  Attendance is also required for the AGM and an annual Trustee Away Day as well as occasional events or strategic discussions

Attendance at Key Events
As ambassadors for the Charity, the Trustee Board is encouraged to ensure that there is Trustee representation at key events throughout the calendar year such as fundraising, networking and other high-profile events.

Tenure
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term with a maximum appointment of four terms (12 years).

 Expenses
All Trustees are eligible to be reimbursed for expenses incurred whilst on Board business, this includes attendance at Board Meetings.  Eligible expenses include:

• Reimbursement of petrol costs, rate currently set at 45p per mile, (15p per mile after 500 miles incurred annually) or the equivalent 2nd class rail fare, whichever is the lower.
• Any car parking fees associated with the travel.

Thank you for your interest in this important voluntary role.  For further information, please download the attached information pack.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee at Penny Brohn UK. For full details about the role, recruitment process and application requirements, please download the attached information pack and visit the Penny Brohn UK website, where you will find instructions on how to submit your application.

At Penny Brohn UK, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation.  We are proactively taking action to support EDI and Wellbeing to support our ethos of creating a diverse culture that is reflective of both our employees and the lived experience of all communities touched by cancer. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

Stores & Equipment Manager

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019.  You will be in charge of CAG’s kit which is kept at various locations, most of which is at the base in Bickenhill.  You will be responsible for advising,  sourcing, acquisition and logging of new kit and supplies and will ensure that it is in an excellent condition to be used for our trips and activities. A key responsibility of the Stores & Equipment Manager is to keep track of all inventory: signing it out for trips / activities and then back in when it is returned.  You will also determine how quickly supplies are being used, and when they may need to be replenished. You will also be responsible for ensuring the kit is repaired and is continually available for use. It is up to the quartermaster to understand what the situation may be and know when inventory is likely to be depleted based on any particular set of circumstances. 

Description

Responsibilities:

• Carry out an annual audit of the kit and liaise with the Treasurer and Secretary to ensure that the insurance is up to date.

• Research and advise the committee and leaders on options for new kit / kit replacement.

• Plan the replacement of old kit acquisition of new kit.

• Keep the storeroom secured, organised and in good order by ensuring everything is in the right place.

• Log out any items and keep track of who has them and where.

• Log in any items after they have been used and check them over for damage / wear and tear.

• Buy supplies to mend any broken items.

• Replace any items that are beyond repair.

• Ensure members / leaders to return kit once they have finished with it and it is returned in good order.

• Ensure that any lost / damaged kit is invoiced out to the member / leader.

• Coordinate kit availability with trip plans and funding / grants.

• Visit offsite venues to check kit stored elsewhere.

• Communicate frequently with the Group Leader and CAG Management Committee to keep them up to date.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Organised and tidy.

• Self-motivated, proactive and good at managing your own time.

• The ability to build and maintain relationships. 

• Drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. 

• The ability to work as part of a team.

• A willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks. 

• Excellent budgeting skills.

• Good at practical tasks like mending broken tents and other kit.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG retains and maintains its kit in a tidy and usable order ready to be used for our trips and activities.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can partially work from home and will also be required to attend weekly Tuesday night club meetings at Bickenhill to run the store room.

Travel Limit

The candidate should also be available for face to face Committee and other meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Weekly Tuesday evening club nights.

• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.

• Very occasional weekends and evenings to attend events.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 3 hours / week.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Finance Trustee - Treasurer

Goals 4 Girls is a London based charity dedicated to empowering girls and young women through football, mentoring and leadership development.

We work with girls and young women from underserved communities who face barriers to participation in sport, confidence building and personal development. Through structured programmes delivered in schools and communities, we support girls to build resilience, improve wellbeing and develop leadership skills.

Our programmes combine football participation with mentoring, wellbeing support and access to positive role models. By creating safe, female-focused spaces and strong support networks, we help girls develop confidence both on and off the pitch.

As demand for our work grows, Goals 4 Girls is entering an exciting stage of development, expanding our programmes, building partnerships with leading organisations in sport and business, and increasing our national impact.

To support this growth, we are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees, helping guide the organisation’s financial sustainability and long-term strategy.

Role Summary:

Reporting to: Chair of Trustees and the Trustee Board

Working closely with the Chair, CEO & G4G Accountant. 

The Role of Treasurer

The Treasurer is a key member of the Board of Trustees, providing oversight of the charity’s financial health and helping ensure strong financial governance.

Working closely with the Chair, CEO and Board, the Treasurer will support strategic decision-making by ensuring that trustees have clear and accurate financial information and that the charity operates with robust financial controls.

The Treasurer plays an important role in helping the Board balance ambition and growth with responsible financial stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

The Treasurer will:

· Oversee the presentation of budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board.

· Ensure that appropriate financial systems, controls and procedures are in place.

· Monitor the financial health and sustainability of the organisation.

· Support the development and review of financial policies, including reserves and risk management.

· Provide financial insight to support strategic planning and growth.

· Work with the Chair, CEO, leadership team and with the Goals 4 Girls accountant to ensure effective financial planning and reporting.

· Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, SORP reporting and good governance principles

· Oversee preparation of the charity’s annual accounts and liaise with external accountants or auditors.

· Ensure financial risks are identified and appropriately managed.

· Help build financial understanding across the Board by presenting financial information clearly and accessibly.

Skills and Experience

We are seeking a treasurer with strong charity financial expertise who is motivated by the opportunity to support a growing charity making a positive impact in young people’s lives. Please note that only London-based candidates will be considered and this position requires an enhanced DBS check and two professional references.

The ideal candidate will bring:

Essential

·A professional background in charity finance with at least 5 years post-qualification as an accountant, investment or financial management professional 

· Experience of financial oversight, governance or strategic financial planning in the charity sector

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

· The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences

- An understanding of the Charity Commission requirements relating to finance and governance

Desirable 

Experience of supporting organisational growth or scaling programmes 

· Interest in sport, youth development or gender equality

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to creating opportunities for girls and young women.

Time Commitment

The Treasurer role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Expected commitment:

· Attendance at monthly Board meetings - these are mostly online with the occasional in person Board meeting

· Occasional committee or working group participation where relevant

· Preparation and review of financial information between meetings

The average commitment is approximately 5 –7 hours per month including a one hour monthly Board meeting.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the option of renewal.

Board Culture

Goals 4 Girls is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.

We welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds, communities and lived experiences. We believe diversity strengthens governance and improves the impact of our work.

Why Join Goals 4 Girls

Joining the Trustee Board offers the opportunity to:

· Help shape the future of a growing charity breaking barriers to football for girls and young women 

· Contribute strategic expertise to a value led organisation

· Work alongside an engaged and passionate Board and leadership team

· Support programmes that are creating lasting social impact

How to Apply

To express interest in the Treasurer role, please submit the following documentation:

· A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience no longer than 2 A4 sides

· A current CV

Please note that this volunteer role will require two references and an enhanced DBS check 

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers and newcomers to the UK, the Bid Writing department operates as a core strategic function focused on the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organisation's mission. This role is essential for securing the resources required to tackle discrimination and support equality across all our platforms.

Operations Manager of Department (Bid Writing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing high-stakes fundraising and income-generation strategies within a social justice framework. In this Operations Manager capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the financial sustainability of our mission to empower unheard voices.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Department (Bid Writing) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level income-generation goals into a clear, deliverable bid-submission pipeline. You own the direction, research structure, and delivery control of the department to ensure that all grant applications, tenders, and funding proposals are submitted with high quality, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Pipeline Planning: Turning Director funding objectives into a practical calendar of bid submissions, including research phases, drafting cycles, and submission deadlines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Bid Managers to coordinate research and evidence-gathering effectively, ensuring all proposal components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining the "case for support" and ensuring all bids are proofed against funder requirements before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the bid pipeline (submitted, pending, and upcoming), WIP status, and risks to funding timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all proposals align with Quilombo UK’s tone, values, and professional communication standards.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of contracts or graphic design for proposal decks).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in bid writing, grant applications, or technical writing.

• A portfolio of successful funding bids, tenders, or professional writing samples / CV.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of funding streams (trusts, foundations, and government tenders).

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Degree in English, Creative Writing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Organiser, you'll bring your skills, energy and enthusiasm to lead, develop and plan activities and events with your local group. You’ll get involved in creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events, making sure they’re run safely and effectively, to be accessible to our MS community. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day, inspiring your fellow volunteers to get involved.  

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to get involved in an impactful charity making a tangible difference to the lives of refugees here in the UK.

Our work is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, many living on less than £7 a day, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.

A bike makes a huge difference – not only is it a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result:

• 91% of people use their bikes weekly for essential journeys

• 84% of people are better able to access legal and other vital support services 

• 93% report better physical and/or mental health

Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.

“The Bike Project has given me so much more than just a bicycle — it has given me confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Receiving a bike as a gift allowed me to feel free in society, explore my community, and even join a cycling group where I’ve met wonderful people. 

Thank you again for everything you do. Your work changes lives, including mine.”  
Ladan, Bike Recipient 

About You and the Role  

You don’t need to have experience of being on a Board, in fact the role would be ideal for someone considering taking on their first role as a trustee. We will work with you to understand your duties and support you.

You will, however, have an excellent understanding of charity finance and understand the unique set of challenges charities of our size face in delivering impact and ensuring financial resilience. You will be an excellent communicator – able to provide constructive feedback and scrutiny at the same time as helping the team to articulate financial information to others who may not have a finance background.
 
You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive and this role plays a key role in supporting the wider board to fulfil its financial responsibilities.

You will work together with the board and wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and immediate impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.
 
The time commitment for a trustee generally totals approximately 8 hours per month. Please see the role description for further details.

We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of the asylum process, women, people of colour / people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.  

Application Process 

Deadline for Applications: Friday 28th August 2026

Interviews: Late September - Early October 2026

Appointment: October 2026
 
Feedback will be provided to all applicants whether taken to interview or not.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors and asking them a few questions..
• Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise income.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a task

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Operations Manager of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Operetioans Manager of Legal Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the Ops Mgr level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the Ops Mgr.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.

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.

The Alec Dickson Trust is a grant making charity looking to recruit one volunteer to join its Board with expertise in Fundraising. The Trust supports young people who, through volunteering or community service, aim to enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society.

Job Description:

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children. We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions.

We offer short term home visits, counselling sessions, baby bank, practical & emotional One to One support, Domestic violence groups, Awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crises or challenging situations.

Purpose
The effective provision of a welcoming client administration service for WFRC.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. Reception

To welcome clients and other visitors in person or on the telephone.

To answer the telephone and pass on messages to other WFRC staff and volunteers as well as signpost to other organisations where appropriate.

2. To assist the Office Manager to make reservations for and be the first point of contact for WFRC’s Chat group, events & other activities. To keep a record of all interested clients and send out relevant literature.

3. To assist with the purchasing and control of domestic matters, stationery, kitchen supplies and office equipment as requested by the Office Manager.

4. To assist in general recruitment activities such as writing, placing and updating adverts and undertake administrative duties to support WFRC Services.

5. To take the post to the central post office at the end of each day.

We welcome applicants on Placement, Work experience and Apprenticeships.

Work Location: In person

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

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. They are vital in matching our Reader and Coach pairs and supporting them as they make progress.

Role of a Coordinator:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter
● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided
● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online)
● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion
● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.
● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks)
● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely
● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment regularly 

Skills needed:
● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals
● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
● Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills
● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach
● Reasonable confidence in using IT (accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings)
● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role 

Ideally you will be based in the Keynsham area. The role can be done mainly from home but there will be occasional travel to meet Coaches and Readers. This role is very flexible and can fit around other commitments.