Social work 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!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
What is the purpose of this role?
To support people aged 18+ in the community by leading a series of guided walks around open spaces in Nottingham city (and Nottinghamshire).
Walk Leaders can make a difference by creating safe, enjoyable, and accessible walking opportunities that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection.
What impact does this role have?
Provides accessible, guided health walks across Nottingham’s parks and open spaces. The walks encourage a healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with opportunities to socialise, helping people stay active, build friendships, and explore their local community.
What activities might you be involved in?
· Offering a friendly welcome to all walkers, especially those joining for the first time
· Providing a short briefing before the walk to ensure all participants are prepared
· Making sure the walk is safe and accessible for participants on the day of the walk
· Taking the lead in walks and ensuring they are safe, friendly and enjoyable and well managed
· Addressing and resolving issues that arise during walks, following guidance from your Line Manager, and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns to them.
· Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active
· Ensuring all required paperwork is properly completed
· Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings, one-to-one meetings and relevant training
What are we looking for?
Ø A genuine interest in the wellbeing of people and community engagement
Ø Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills
Ø Knowledgeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity
Ø Reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised
Ø Able to volunteer independently but with guidance and support
Ø Confident at speaking in front of small groups
Ø Able to take control and be assertive when needed
Ø Ability to complete basic paperwork punctually and accurately
Ø Willing to observe and learn from an experienced leader before taking on independent leadership
When would you be needed to volunteer?
The role can be flexible around your availability. Most volunteers lead walks weekly or monthly, with walks lasting 20–60 minutes. These may be starter/easy walks or wellbeing-focused walks. At times, we may request your support to provide cover at short notice if required.
While we are looking to expand, our current walks in the New Year will take place on Monday mornings at the Arboretum, Wednesday mornings at Highfields Park/Lakeside and Thursday mornings in Sneinton.
What training will you be given?
You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role. This will include a one-day Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Walk Leader Course, risk assessment guidance and a thorough departmental induction to provide you with further information about your role.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
· The chance to make a difference to a person’s life
· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one
· A comprehensive training programme including the opportunity for further training (e.g. First Aid)
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· Experience to add to your CV
· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends
· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook
Additional Information
Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.
We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)
***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Application Form
Interview
References will be taken
DBS check
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!
Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?
Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation.
We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event. Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.
We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development.
For all our roles:
Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents.
Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks) which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.
For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.
We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).
We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.
We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, caused by loneliness and social isolation.
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.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
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!
�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)
Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.
�� Core Expectations
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Fundraising Commitment:
Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful). -
Time Commitment:
Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning. -
Ambassadorship:
Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions. -
Governance & Accountability:
Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations. -
Strategic Leadership:
Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility. -
Passion for the Mission:
Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.
�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS
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Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.
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Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.
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Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.
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Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.
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Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.
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Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.
�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)
We are looking for leaders who are:
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Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.
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Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.
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Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.
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Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.
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Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.
Position: Board of Director - Program & Impact Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)
Reports to: Board Chairperson
Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)
Purpose: To oversee program design, evaluation, and delivery quality.
Key Responsibilities:
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Guide development of youth and family support programs.
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Ensure alignment between mission, outcomes, and measurable impact.
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Oversee safeguarding and quality assurance standards.
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Provide expertise in social work, education, or community development.
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Mentor staff to maintain high ethical and service standards.
Requirements/Skills:
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Background in social work, education, youth engagement, or nonprofit program management.
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Strong understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion.
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Data-driven mindset with empathy and creativity.
Benefits:
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Direct influence on the lives of vulnerable youth and families.
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Leadership in creating innovative, measurable community impact.
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Recognition as a founding architect of transformative social programs.
At Guardian Light Foundation, we restore hope for homeless children, teens and single parents scarred by abuse, harassment and homelessness.
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.
Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a befriender?
- Do you have 2-3 hours a week to give to a client suffering from loneliness or mental health? (For a mutual agreement of time and locations that meet clients’ needs)
- Can you offer support, through a listening ear and be a positive influence in a client’s life to help build self-esteem and confidence?
- Will you enable our clients to benefit from knowing someone is there to listen, be a friend, and check in on their wellbeing?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key responsibilities
Your role will include, but is not restricted to the following tasks:
- Carry out weekly checks with the clients you are supporting. This can be in a variety of settings, e.g., family home, support home, or in the community (via face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls)
- Have fun, take clients on outings, and maybe share a hobby, sport, or an interest
- Collect prescriptions for clients and assist with their weekly shop
- Help clients rediscover social skills and confidence by building up and maintaining a close relationship
- Report any concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator
Skills required
No qualifications or volunteering experience is required; however, the below skills are essential:
- A non-judgemental approach
- Good listening and communication skills
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Respect confidentiality
- Be able to work on own initiative
- Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way
- Please note that this is an on-site volunteering opportunity, and we encourage local volunteers to apply -
Do you love gardening and helping others?
Join our Friday morning gardening group as a Co-Lead and be part of something truly special.
During the growing season, students from a specialist SEND school visit our vibrant Victorian-style kitchen garden each week to plant, water, and harvest fresh fruit and vegetables. Bringing your gardening knowledge and practical skills, you’ll work alongside a staff member who specialises in supporting SEND pupils. Together, you’ll lead a friendly team of around eight volunteers who support the group each Friday.
Experience working with teens with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) is wonderful but not essential. You’ll be supported by skilled carers and HLC staff, and you’ll gain valuable experience along the way.
What to expect
Sessions run on Friday mornings during term time (April–July and September–October). You’ll help prepare activities, brief volunteers, welcome students, and pair them with one-to-one support for the session.
You may work directly with a participant or oversee the wider group — and, of course, hand out the all-important biscuits at break time! At the end of each session, you’ll lead the tidy-up, support a short debrief with students and volunteers, and share key updates and photos with the volunteer team to keep everyone informed and motivated.
You’ll play an important role in helping participants work towards meaningful goals, such as following instructions, managing transitions, and developing fine motor skills.
What we’re looking for
You’re patient, kind, and empathetic, especially when working with people with learning needs and disabilities. You’re reliable, flexible, and eager to learn.
Consistency is key, so we’re looking for someone who can commit to weekly Friday mornings during both the Autumn and Spring programmes. Your steady, friendly presence will help create stability and comfort for participants who may find change challenging.
Join us — and let’s grow something wonderful together, in the garden and beyond.
Time commitment
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Fridays, 9:30am–12:00pm
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Autumn: 4–6 weeks (September–October)
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Spring: 10–12 weeks (April/May–July)
An additional morning for garden maintenance and session preparation may be helpful in future, but this isn’t essential at the outset.
Skills and experience
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Gardening knowledge and practical skills (required)
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Experience with teens with PMLD (desirable, not essential)
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!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children and young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together. The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
- support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
- engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
- listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
- help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
- develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
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!
Gift of Friendship Programme Volunteer Befriender
Background
Age UK Croydon has received a generous donation from The Julia Rausing Trust as part of its wider partnership with Age UK, the national charity, to help fund its crucial friendship services that support older people in the local area.
This ‘Gift of Friendship’ from the Trust aims to help older people experiencing loneliness and isolation. Loneliness often stems from factors like bereavement, living alone and declining health. Loss of mobility or senses can leave many older people feeling disconnected, while financial worries can increase existing feelings of isolation. This can have serious consequences, undermining resilience and increasing risk of physical and mental illness.
Volunteers Befrienders are offering support and company to people who may need that extra confidence to attend a local activity in Croydon. You could accompany someone to a local lunch group or activity or even just going with them to a park for a nice walk. They build relationships in the process, which enable meaningful conversations and help to identify support needs and other services and activities that will help maintain their clients’ mental health. A key aim of the role is to support people with achieving their goals to live a happier life, accompany them, and build their confidence back to get out into the community and feel more independent.
Commitment
Minimum of 6 months from start of the GoF Befriending match, includes:
· 30-minute informal interview.
· Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
· 1-hour core induction.
· Mandatory training sessions.
· Up to 1-2 hours a week engagement with your befriendee
· Weekly accurate records of interactions with your befriendee
· Regular check-in calls with Befriending Coordinator
Purpose of Role
Staff will assess the client and you will be given their profile and a support plan. Core tasks will include:
· Weekly companionship contact in person.
· Encouraging and accompanying to visits to other social events and activities in the local area e.g., a walk, GP, an IT class.
· Spotting additional needs and identifying services and activities to address these.
· Submitting a weekly report on the contact to include contact type, signposting and any concerns.
Support Provided
- Full remote training and induction provided.
- We will complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application with you.
- Supervision and direct contact with the Befriending
Co-ordinator/Manager.
· Join and participate in peer support groups and meet other volunteers to share experiences and good practice.
Skills and attributes Required
· Good communication with a friendly approachable manner
· Solution focused.
· Comfortable working alone.
· Good record keeping.
· Good listening skills
· Reliable and committed to do at least 1 visit a week for the committed period.
· Applicants must be over the age of 18.
· Basic IT skills may be required depending on client’s needs.
Benefits
· Learn new skills.
· Enhance career prospects.
· Meet people.
· Make a difference.
· Gain confidence
· Travel expenses and hot drinks reimbursed
· Social and celebration events
· Exclusive invites to join and support community projects
Our mission is to reach, involve, support and connect people so they can age well in Croydon.
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!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
-
support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
-
engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
-
listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
-
help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
-
develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
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!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Independent Visitor Volunteer
Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.
As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:
-
support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development
-
engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting
-
listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust
-
help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community
-
develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported
You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
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!
Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.
What you will be doing
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
The skills you need
- Good listening and communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
- Willingness to engage in activities in the community
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
- Experience working with people with autism would be desirable
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.
We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee
Policy Responsibilities
- Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
- Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
- Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change
General Responsibilities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
- Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
- Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
- Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
- Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
- Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
- Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.
Person Specification
Mission and Values
- Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
- High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
- Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector
Strategy and Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
- Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
- A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance
Governance, Risk and Finance
- Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
- Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management
Specialist Expertise and Experience
- A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
- Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
- Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
- Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board
Interviews
Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.
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!
Do you enjoy swimming?
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time with a gentleman we support and enjoy time in the pool together!
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!
Activities will include:
- Swimming with the gentleman we support
- Helping to ensure he is safe and having fun
- Being there for company and friendship at the pool
There will always be trained support workers present at the pool with you.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, caring and enthusiastic
- Confident in the water
- Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly
- Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism
A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:
Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
- Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
- Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff
- Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion
- An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!
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!
Do you enjoy swimming?
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time with a gentleman we support and enjoy time in the pool together!
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!
Activities will include:
- Swimming with the gentleman we support
- Helping to ensure he is safe and having fun
- Being there for company and friendship at the pool
There will always be trained support workers present at the pool with you.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, caring and enthusiastic
- Confident in the water
- Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly
- Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism
A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:
Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
- Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
- Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff
- Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion
- An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!
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!
Prisoners Abroad is the only charity supporting British citizens in prison abroad, their families, and people who have returned to the UK after serving a prison sentence overseas.
We run volunteer-led support groups for family members of British prisoners that are currently detained abroad, and have a vacancy for a Family Support Group volunteer in York and the North East. The support groups may be a mixture of in person and on Zoom.
We are looking for someone with an empathy for our work, who can provide a welcoming and friendly environment for family members who have been affected by overseas imprisonment and who will enjoy being part of our team to deliver our family support work.
To protect, support and advocate for the health, welfare and human rights of British citizens in prison abroad.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
