Social work volunteer roles

RSPCA Norwich is a local Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), with our headquarters based near Wymondham, Norfolk. We employ 25 staff, work with over 150 volunteers and cover 2,500 square miles across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We provide animal welfare services, fundraise, run our education & outreach programmes and operate our shop network across the area.

The animal welfare services that we offer include: 

• Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming over 500 animals in need per annum
• Subsidised neutering and microchipping schemes
• Veterinary financial aid for owned animals
• Pet food bank for pet owners in need
• Trap, neuter and release feral cat programme
• Advice and education to the public, schools and adult groups

What do RSPCA Norwich Trustees do? 

RSPCA Norwich Trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the charity does and are collectively responsible for governing the affairs of the CIO. This is undertaken via strategic planning, good governance and working with the Senior Management Team to achieve our mission of raising awareness, providing practical support and demonstrating compassion to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to all animals.

“Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as directors, board members, governors and committee members” - Charity Commission. 

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced Trustee or not, as a full induction and training will be provided.

Following our annual skills audit, we have identified some skills gapson the Trustee board that we would like to replenish.

As a result, we are looking for people who understand or have experience of:

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Legal expertise
• IT

What’s in it for you? 

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Norwich Trustee, including: 

• Induction and Trustee training
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones in governance  
• Contributing your skills to improve the work of RSPCA Norwich 
• Working with like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare 
• The chance to shape the future of animal welfare services in your local area 
• Volunteering is good for your wellbeing! 

The opportunity

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) provides BIICL’s Board of Trustees with oversight and assurance on our finances, controls, investments, and audit. We're looking for a chartered accountant or senior finance leader to chair the Committee and join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment: a new Director and CEO, a new Director of Operations in post, and a new strategy launching in 2027. You'll bring real technical credibility and the judgement to translate financial detail into confidence for a Board whose backgrounds are mostly legal and academic. In return, you'll help shape the next chapter of one of the world's most respected independent legal institutes.

The current Chair’s term ends in December 2026. We are seeking a successor to join in October, allowing time for handover and induction ahead of the November FAC meeting and the December Board meeting.

Purpose of the role

The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee provides strategic, non-executive financial oversight rather than day-to-day accounting.

As a trustee, you hold joint legal and fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s overall governance, strategic direction and financial health.

As Committee Chair, you will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Director and Chief Executive and the Director of Operations, ensuring that BIICL’s income is robustly governed, financial risks are mitigated, and resources are deployed optimally to deliver maximum social impact. BIICL outsources financial management to a specialist non-profit accountancy firm, overseen internally by the Director of Operations; you’ll evaluate how well that arrangement is working and recommend change if needed. 

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial oversight

· Budgetary scrutiny: oversee the annual £2.5m operational budget and financial forecasts provided by the executive team.

· Performance monitoring: review quarterly management accounts, analysing variances, cash flow health, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

· Reserves management: champion the regular review of a robust Reserves Policy to safeguard the charity against sudden funding fluctuations.

· Investment assets: oversee the performance of the charity’s cash reserves and any investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with ethical investment strategies.

Audit, risk and internal controls

· Statutory reporting: lead the FAC in reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with Charity SORP FRS102 and statutory filing deadlines.

· External audit: manage the relationship with the External Auditor, leading on the tender process and reviewing the post-audit management letter.

· Risk mitigation: oversee the financial section of the organisation’s risk register, ensuring internal controls are sufficient to prevent fraud and compliance failures across complex funding streams, and ensure FAC oversight of the wider Risk Register.

· Fiscal compliance: monitor compliance with complex tax regimes relevant to this scale, including VAT, Gift Aid, and trading subsidiary operations (as applicable).

Committee leadership and Board reporting

· Meeting governance: set the agenda and chair quarterly FAC meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, constructive, and high-quality challenge.

· Board communication: report clearly to the full Board of Trustees, translating complex financial positions into strategic insights for non-financial board members.

Statutory trustee duties

· Legal compliance: ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law, and all other relevant legislation or regulation.

· Strategic direction: contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in setting the charity’s overarching vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.

· Asset protection: act as a responsible custodian of the charity’s assets, ensuring funds are spent solely in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

· Effective governance: attend and actively participate in full quarterly Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and strategic away days.

· Collective decision-making: maintain the principle of collective board responsibility, upholding and supporting decisions made by the wider board.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

The postholder is required to understand, uphold, and apply the following core regulatory frameworks:

· The 6 Essential Trustee Duties (Charity Commission Guidance CC3): You share collective legal liability to ensure the charity carries out its purpose for the public benefit, complies with its governing document, acts in the charity's best interests, manages resources responsibly, acts with reasonable care and skill, and remains fully accountable.

· Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Charities SORP: Because our annual income exceeds £250,000, the accounts must be compiled under the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP), transparently separating restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.

· The Charity Governance Code: Our Board intends to benchmark itself against this code. You will directly champion Principle 5 (Board Effectiveness) and Principle 6 (Risk and Control) to ensure internal controls are regularly evaluated.

Person specification

Experience and qualifications

· Financial qualification: chartered status (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.

· Senior leadership: proven experience operating as a CFO, Finance Director, or partner in a professional services practice in an organisation of similar or larger scale.

· Sector expertise: strong working knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted and unrestricted funding, and UK charity law is highly desirable.

· Governance background: previous experience as a trustee, non-executive director, or committee member is advantageous.  

Core skills and attributes

· Strategic clarity: ability to look past the numbers to see systematic risks and strategic opportunities.  

· Collaborative challenge: ability to robustly hold senior staff and third-party advisors to account while maintaining a supportive, professional working relationship.

· Communication: ability to explain intricate financial matters plainly to non-financial audiences.

· Commitment to the cause: a demonstrable passion for the charity’s core mission and alignment with its values. 

Terms of appointment

Term:

Trustee appointments are for a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Time commitment:

Trustees are required to commit approximately 8-10 days per year. There are four board meetings, four FAC meetings per year, a strategy day, plus approx. 2-3 hours per month for executive consultation. 

Location:

London/Hybrid – FAC meetings usually take place online; Board meetings and strategic away days are in-person, usually at our London office.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; however, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Reporting to:

Board of Trustees / Chair of the Board

How to apply

To apply formally, please submit a CV and supporting statement, each no more than two sides of A4, clearly outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the person specification and your motivation for applying.

Please include your home address, contact email, and mobile number.

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 2-3 days.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to interview candidates from mid-September with a view to appointing by the end of October.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Tom Asher, Director of Operations

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills.

What you will be doing

• To support people who are not confident with spoken English to develop these skills through conversational English sessions through 1:1 or in small groups.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Hold a TEFL qualification, or equivalent qualification to support individuals
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

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 - 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.

Volunteer Role: Peer Mentor

Location: 25 Victoria Street, Rochester, ME1 1XJ and other locations in the surrounding community. Unfortunately, this service does not have step-free access. 

Do you...

• Have lived experience of substance misuse, supported living, or rough sleeping?
• Found ways to overcome challenges in your life that you could share with others?
• Have experience accessing treatment or support services?
• Been free from illicit drug use or problematic alcohol use for the past 3-6 months?

If you’ve said yes to all of the above, there are people going through a similar experience that need your help in their recovery. You will be fully trained and supported by our Peer Outreach Coordinator throughout your time with the project.

About the Role

Our Peer Mentors support clients to engage with treatment services through supporting access to these services in a variety of ways including, through taking people to appointments, sharing of their own experiences, making referrals into drug and alcohol treatment services and proactively encouraging clients to access harm reduction interventions and treatment services.

The clients that you will be working with will either be experiencing rough sleeping or who are at risk of experiencing rough-sleeping.

What is the Commitment?

We are looking for volunteers who can commit to giving 1-5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Volunteering at our service usually takes place Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. We are very flexible and happy to work around your availability where we can.

What You Can Expect From Us

A mandatory training course will be provided which will cover all aspects of Peer Mentoring including covering boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and personal safety. This course will be undertaken in partnership with the NHS peer mentor training scheme. Ongoing supervision and support will be provided throughout the whole process by the Pathways Peer Outreach Coordinator.

You can expect that we will:

• Work with you to find a volunteering arrangement that works for you and for the service. We will be as flexible as we can!
• Reimburse you for agreed expenses relating to your volunteering.
• Welcome you warmly into our team and support you to get the most from your experience.
• Recognise and celebrate your contribution to the team! We can provide references to confirm your achievements and contributions upon request.
• Provide regular supervision and opportunities to provide feedback on your experience.
• You will be eligible to register with Blue Light Discount Card. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

This role may close early, for a better chance to be considered, we recommend applying as soon as possible as we screen on an ongoing basis. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

Do you love social events?  Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support our team across Cardiff in organising events, activities, clubs and fundraising days!

If you would like to make a difference and make new friends along the way, we would love to hear from you! 
 
Activities will include 

• Attending and assisting with the logistics of events; this can include setting up, clearing down, selling raffle tickets and refreshments, directing traffic and helping the people we support enjoy the atmosphere of the day

• Helping to arrange and attend; friendship groups, coffee catch ups, creative craft sessions and much more 

• Offering ideas for fundraising or fun things to do! 

• Liaising with Dimensions Community Connections Officer

• Being there for company, friendship and fun to the people we support 

 
You will have the flexibity to choose activities that are of most interest to you. 

About you 
We are looking for someone who is: 

• Enthusiastic about volunteering 

• Organised and helpful

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism 

• Friendly, enthusiastic and interested in others

• Passionate about supporting people

• Reliable/dependable and willing to volunteer regularly

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer: 

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities 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!

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Community Support Volunteer you will: 

As a Community Support Volunteer, you will complete face-to-face befriending activities with service users. You need to be able to travel around the locality in which you live to be able to do this. Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 1/2 a day (3-4 hours) of volunteering per week on a flexible basis, with the option to increase.

You will be working alongside our team of community link workers.

There may also be the opportunity to also attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

It’s essentials to have the following:

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Experience of supporting someone with ill mental health / mental illness.
• Good knowledge of your local area and organisations. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

Join BucksVision as a Social & Activity Support Volunteer and help make our group a welcoming and enjoyable place for blind and partially sighted people.

 Whether you're joining in activities, serving refreshments, offering sighted guiding or simply having a friendly chat, you'll help create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

We're looking for friendly,reliable volunteers who enjoy working with people and being part of a team. No previous experience is needed—we'll provide full training, ongoing support and reimburse out-of-pocket expenses.

If you'd like to make a real difference while having fun and meeting new people, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: If this role includes driving members to and from activities, an Enhanced DBS check may be required, as this involves supporting adults at risk.

We are seeking organised, reliable, and driven volunteers to support with our person-centred community mental health services. Volunteers will support group activities and sessions, and provide 1-1 support to community members.

Through free, accessible, and local activities, courses, and groups, we support members in building confidence, re-connecting with their communities, and progressing along their own path to wellbeing and recovery. Volunteers are vital to ensuring this support is personal, meaningful, and consistent.

 Community Support

The Community Support Volunteer role is part of Mind in Camden’s wider group services, including the Healthy Minds Community Programme and Phoenix Recovery Service. These services work with adults (18+) living in Camden who may be experiencing mental health challenges, isolation, or social exclusion. 

Healthy Minds is a community programme of free activities such as creative workshops, gentle exercise, walks, cultural trips, and social drop-ins. The programme aims to tackle social isolation by allowing members to build confidence and community through connection and shared interest. 

Phoenix Recovery Service is a day service supporting members’ mental health recovery who may have complex or long-term challenges.  The service is delivered in partnership with Camden Council and runs on a Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at Mind in Camden. This is a relaxed social space where members chat, have lunch, and can get 1-1 support from staff and volunteers. 

All volunteers who apply must be willing to:

• Undergo a DBS check
• Attend a mandatory two day in person training on Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at Mind in Camden
• Attend an interview (time TBD)

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Volunteer Opportunity – Treasurer Trustee
Independent Arts Isle of Wight

Do you have financial skills and experience that could help strengthen creativity, wellbeing, and
community connections across the Isle of Wight?

Independent Arts is seeking a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help support the charity’s
continued growth and sustainability.

Independent Arts works with people of all ages and backgrounds, using creativity and
participation in the arts to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, build confidence, and
strengthen communities. We believe that creativity can have a positive impact on people’s lives,
and we are looking for someone who shares our values and wants to make a meaningful
contribution.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play an important role in helping the Board oversee the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring strong financial governance and supporting informed decision-making. You will work alongside fellow trustees and staff to help ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and able to continue delivering its valuable work across the Isle of Wight.

We are looking for someone who can offer:
• Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, business planning, or financial
management
• The ability to understand and explain financial information clearly
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to Board discussions
• Commitment to good governance and the aims of Independent Arts
Previous charity trustee experience or a professional accounting qualification would be
welcome but is not essential. We encourage applications from people with relevant skills and
practical experience from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local community
• Experience of charity leadership and governance
• The chance to use your professional skills for social good
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and committed Board and team
• A chance to support creativity, wellbeing, and inclusive community development across
the Isle of Wight

Time commitment
This is a voluntary role. The Treasurer Trustee will be expected to attend quarterly Board and
finance committee meetings and review papers in advance, with additional time required to
support the CEO in financial planning, Board and annual reporting activities.
Independent Arts is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications
from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.
 

The Beacon Project is a community-focused programme providing confidential advice, connection, and learning opportunities for residents in the World’s End area. Through weekly coffee mornings, group sessions, and a befriending service that matches individuals with friendly Connectors for regular meet-ups, Beacon helps reduce isolation and build meaningful local relationships. We also offer free, practical support on issues such as benefits and housing, helping people understand their options and access the advice they need. The programme is delivered as a partnership between Family Friends and Nucleus Legal Advice Centre.

About the Role 

As our Community Engagement and Support Volunteer, you will be the first friendly face people meet. This role is perfect for someone approachable, confident, community-minded, and who enjoys connecting with others. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where residents feel comfortable accessing support and getting involved in community activities. 

What You Will Be Doing

As a volunteer, you will welcome residents and help them feel comfortable accessing the project and its services. You will spend time speaking with local people to raise awareness of the Beacon Project, encourage participation, and build positive relationships within the community. The role will involve supporting community events, coffee mornings, and other outreach activities. Using active listening skills, you'll build trust with residents, take the time to understand their needs, and help connect them with the right support where appropriate. Volunteers will also be encouraged to share their ideas and creativity, helping us develop new ways to engage residents and make the project as welcoming and accessible as possible. You will assist with promoting the service through community events, coffee mornings, leaflets, and our social media channels. 

What you will gain from the project 

We are a dynamic and innovative project, passionate about providing wraparound support to the residents of World's End. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting people in your local community and helping them access the advice, connections, and opportunities they need. You'll be part of a friendly and diverse team of staff and volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to be part of a project that values the ideas and contributions of our volunteers. We value the skills and experiences that volunteers bring, and you'll be encouraged to share your insights into how we can develop the project. This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, build confidence, develop new skills in community engagement and communication, and be part of a project that is making a difference locally. 

This experience will enhance your CV and support future career development in law, community work, advice services, or other people-focused roles. 

What we are looking for 

You will bring a friendly and approachable manner and the ability to figure out how best to support people. That means helping clients to become independent. Some interactions may involve people with complex needs or stress, so patience and empathy are two of the most important qualities that we are looking for. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to advocate for and promote the project to the local community. We are looking for someone who can be a community ambassador for our project and a friendly face for residents. 

Our volunteers support residents from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. While most residents speak English, many community members speak other languages, including Arabic, Spanish and French. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, and additional language skills are an advantage, but are not essential. 

Expenses

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable travel and food expenses will be reimbursed. Further information on claiming expenses will be provided during the interview stage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Beacon Project is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

We believe that a diverse team helps us better serve the residents of World's End Estate and strengthens our work within the community.