Social volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT USER VOICE
User Voice is a charity led and delivered by people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. We bring together people impacted by the system with those who deliver its services, to co create transformative change, both in justice services and in people’s lives.
We actively welcome applications from people with convictions, recognising the insight and value that lived experience brings to our mission. We also warmly encourage retired professionals or those with established skills who want to give something back to society.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for a motivated and conscientious volunteer to support our Business Development Team with fundraising and income generation. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute your skills, learn something new, or support meaningful social change.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
· Research trusts, foundations, and grant opportunities
· Support the drafting of funding bids and proposals
· Help maintain our grants pipeline and CRM data
· Assist with donor stewardship and relationship building
· Identify new partnerships or income opportunities
· Prepare briefings or summaries for the team
We’re looking for someone who is IT‑literate and ideally has some relevant skills or experience to bring, but you don’t need to have done fundraising before. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are what really count.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
· Experience in fundraising, bid writing, and business development
· Insight into a national, lived experience–led criminal justice charity
· Opportunities to work closely with senior charity leaders
· The chance to make a real and lasting impact
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Someone who is:
· Organised and detail-oriented
· A clear communicator (written and verbal)
· Proactive and curious
· Able to work independently
· Passionate about social justice, rehabilitation, and second chances.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a short expression of interest outlining why you’d like to volunteer with us and any relevant experience/skills, details of where to send can be found on our website.
Justice should heal as much as it punishes, creating safer communities for all.
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Interviews can be conducted either face to face or virtual depending on the applicants preference.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.
Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.
If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Week
Key requirements
- This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults) and 2 references.
Location
Region
- Scotland
Additional location information
-
Edinburgh & Lothian
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- Reliable and punctual
- Willingness to work independently
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer
Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success? As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.
Time Expectations: 1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)
This could be a shared role and tasks may include:
· Booking the hall for future Jumbles
· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability
· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end
· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before
Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.
We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.
Please note: Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Full training and support will be given for all roles. We look forward to hearing from you!
Applicants will need to complete an application form with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch
We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:
- Charity finance/ Treasurer
- Marketing/ Social Media
- Fundraising/Retail
- Project management
You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.
Overview
We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.
The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch
We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.
The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.
Our main current activities are:
- Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
- Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
- Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
- Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
- We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
- Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
- Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
- Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
- Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
- Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
- Trustees are elected annually.
- You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
- You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
- References will be required.
How to find out more about being a Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?
- Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
- Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
- Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:
- Gardening work
- Flat pack furniture assembly
- Putting up curtain rails/blinds
- Hanging pictures and shelves
Skills required
No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:
- Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
- Good listening and communication skills
- Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,
Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,
Closing date for these opportunities is:30/06/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Trustee
We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.
Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026
About the Role
This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.
Key responsibilities include:
· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level
· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy
· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values
· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight
· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders
· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online
About You
You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
We are particularly interested in candidates who:
· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland
· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services
· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants
· Have experience in commercial or business development
You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.
About the Organisation
The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.
Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overview:
Lead the design and delivery of all educational and life-skills programmes for children and young people. Ensure high-quality, inclusive learning experiences that promote wellbeing, confidence, and personal development.
Key Responsibilities:
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Design and oversee delivery of alternative education and life-skills programmes
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Line-manage tutors, youth mentors, and programme volunteers
-
Develop curriculum materials and evaluation frameworks
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Build partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and local authorities
-
Monitor safeguarding and child welfare in all sessions
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Report impact data and outcomes to the CEO and trustees
Skills & Experience:
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Background in education, youth work, or social development
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Experience managing staff or volunteers
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Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
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Excellent communication and organisational skills
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Creative, passionate, and able to motivate others
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,
Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,
Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,
Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,
Closing date for these opportunities is: 15/05/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
What you can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.
What you could be doing:
- Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
- Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
- Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
- Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
- Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
- Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Christmas Fairs and the Winter Ball
What you’ll need:
- Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
- A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
- Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in
What’s in it for you:
- Induction, training and support
- New people, new experiences
- Skill-building and personal development
- A reference for employment or education
- A chance to help cats and dogs in your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Make A Smile
Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help the charity run smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and supporting chapters to thrive.
About The Role
Regional Officers oversee a group of Make A Smile chapters within a specific UK region. You will support chapter committees, monitor activity, encourage collaboration, and provide hands‑on help when needed. This role is essential in ensuring chapters stay active, compliant, and connected to the wider charity.
Key Responsibilities
You will play a leadership and support‑focused role across 5–8 chapters in your region. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing chapters within your assigned region (South West, South East, Midlands, North West, or North East)
- Providing guidance, advice, and signposting to Presidents and committee members.
- Monitoring chapter activity by checking committee chats, emails, volunteer communities, and social media.
- Flagging concerns to the Chair if a chapter becomes inactive or is not adhering to policy.
- Attending chapter meetings where possible and building strong relationships with committees.
- Being the first point of contact when committees have questions about central activities.
- Collaborating with Trustees and other Officers when specialist support is needed.
- Providing hands‑on support to struggling chapters, such as posting on social media, chairing meetings, emailing volunteers, or chasing sign‑ups.
- Encouraging collaboration between chapters—joint socials, fundraisers, training sessions, or large events.
- Using the Presidents’ regional chat to coordinate cross‑chapter activities and build a sense of wider community.
- Celebrating chapter successes and sharing good practice across the region.
- Reporting insights, concerns, and achievements at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
This role suits someone organised, supportive, and confident in guiding others. You’ll thrive if you bring:
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence in supporting and advising multiple committees.
- A proactive, solution‑focused mindset (“Approach problems with the attitude of solution identification.”).
- The ability to monitor activity and spot early signs of disengagement.
- Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).
- A calm, friendly presence that encourages volunteers to reach out for help.
Experience in leadership or volunteer management is helpful but not essential.
Time Commitment
Regional Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including monitoring chapter activity, supporting committees, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Training and Support
You will receive:
- Full Trustee Training (online).
- A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
- Guidance from the Chair, Supporting Chapter Managers, and fellow Trustees.
- Access to the Chapter Levelling document and annual plans to help assess chapter needs.
- Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.
What You’ll Gain
- Experience supporting multiple teams across a national charity.
- Skills in leadership, volunteer management, and organisational oversight.
- The chance to shape the success and sustainability of Make A Smile chapters.
- A meaningful role that directly strengthens the charity’s impact across the UK.
- The satisfaction of helping volunteers feel supported, confident, and connected.
Safeguarding and Eligibility
Regional Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interest in supporting chapters, and why you’d like to join Make A Smile as a Regional Officer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping volunteers and chapters thrive.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers




