Supporter care 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!
Letter from our Chair - Lucy Thomas
We are seeking a passionate and strategic individual to join our Board of Trustees, someone who brings strong commercial insight, business acumen, and ideally experience in fundraising and income generation. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected national charity that continues to grow its reach and impact.
As a Trustee, you will also sit on our Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) a dynamic sub-group that advises on the Trust's commercial strategy, innovation, and sustainability. You'll help us strengthen our commercial performance, explore new opportunities for growth and diversification, and ensure we remain on strong financial footing to deliver our vital mission.
We welcome applicants from all sectors and backgrounds. Experience in marketing, partnerships, or charity leadership would be an advantage, but what matters most is your ability to bring fresh thinking, sound judgement, and a commitment to using your commercial experience for social good.
Background
Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded by Diana and Paul Lamplugh following the disappearance of their daughter Suzy, a young estate agent, in 1986. Since then, the Trust has pioneered personal safety as a life skill and a public policy priority.
Our vision is to eliminate abuse, aggression and violence, creating a society where people are safer and feel safer.
Our mission is to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence with a specific focus on stalking and harassment through education, campaigning, and support.
What we do
- Campaigning - working in partnership with other charities, private and statutory organisations; raising awareness; influencing policy makers
- Education - advice; training; guidance; workplace support; free resources, information; consultancy
- Support - National stalking helpline and advocacy service; supporting people at increased risk of violence and aggression; community projects
To reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence - with a specific focus on stalking and harassment
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Opportunity
As Chair, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership to the organisation and the Board, ensuring our charitable purposes deliver greater public benefit
- Chair and facilitate Board meetings, direct policymaking, and monitor implementation of decisions
- Represent the Trust at events and strategic meetings, acting as an ambassador and spokesperson
- Work closely with the Chief Executive to plan meetings, set agendas, and develop the Board
- Oversee induction, training, appraisal, and succession planning for trustees
- Address any conflict within the Board and the organisation
What We’re Looking For
We seek an individual with:
- Proven experience in leading an effective charity board
- Appreciation of the values, purpose, and operational model of Burdett
- Understanding of best practice in grant making
- Ability to oversee a strategic investment portfolio
- Strong interest and understanding of health and social care, nationally and internationally
- Effective ambassadorial skills and the ability to utilise relevant networks
Commitment & Remuneration
- Voluntary position; reasonable trustee expenses (e.g., travel) can be claimed
- Expected time commitment: 2–3 days per month (may fluctuate)
- Four full Board meetings per year, held in person in central London
- Regular meetings with the Chief Executive and ongoing communications with trustees
How to Apply
Please submit a brief CV and covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification.
We support nurse-led innovation that drives better care, equity and wellbeing across society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of the Board of Trustees and Trustee Opportunities (Voluntary)
Ben is the charity supporting the health and wellbeing of people who work or have worked in the UK automotive industry. As the sector continues to transform, Ben is entering an ambitious new phase to significantly expand its reach, strengthen its role as the industry’s trusted wellbeing partner and deliver its goal to treble impact and double fundraising by 2030. With strong financial foundations and clear ambition for growth, we are now seeking a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape this next chapter.
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, support and challenge the CEO, and ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and clarity of purpose. They will lead the Board in setting strategy, driving impact, stewarding significant reserves and acting as an ambassador across the sector.
We are looking for:
- Non-executive experience including as committee or board chair
- Strong governance and financial acumen
- Experience of organisational change or growth
- A collaborative, values driven leader who brings sound judgement, strategic insight and excellent relationship building skills.
The Board meets 4 times a year, with approximately 50% of those taking place in-person. The Chair will serve up to 4 years.
We are looking for two committed and values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees for our subsidiary, RBL- Republic of Ireland.
As a Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring strong governance, and supporting its mission to commemorate members of the Armed Forces and provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families across Ireland.
Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Chair, you will help safeguard RBL’s reputation, assets, and long-term sustainability while ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the charity’s purpose and values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to shape and oversee the organisation’s strategic direction and performance.
- Ensure RBL meets its obligations under Irish charity and company law and adheres to the RBL RoI Constitution.
- Ensure the integrity of financial information and that robust systems of financial control and risk management are in place.
- Participate fully in board discussions and decisions, providing constructive challenge while supporting collective responsibility once decisions are made.
- Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings (minimum two per year) and relevant governance discussions.
- Support the organisation’s engagement and representational activities when required, championing ethical standards, diversity and fairness.
Please note - While candidates based in the Republic of Ireland are preferred, we will also consider applicants located elsewhere who can demonstrate strong connections within the Republic of Ireland.
Successful candidates will be expected to attend two Board meetings per year. Trustees for this role may also participate in commemorative and key RBL RoI events throughout the year. Overall, the anticipated time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours each month, including preparation and engagement outside of formal meetings.
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Interview Dates: Virtual by Teams on 13/16/17 April (times available on request).
We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through



At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.
We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.
As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. 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.
Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.
If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/03/2026
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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!
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
Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.
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
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example:
- supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
- transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
- entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
- supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
- ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
- communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
- supporting the volunteer neutering team
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!
Overseas Support Volunteer
Hospices of Hope is the only UK charity dedicated to the development of hospice care services throughout South and East Europe. We are dedicated to improving the lives of terminally ill patients in Romania and surrounding countries by supporting local hospice partners. We believe that everyone deserves the best possible care at the end of their life. However, in developing countries like Romania, many patients still die in pain without being offered any physical, spiritual, or emotional comfort.
We are looking for some enthusiastic volunteers with a variety of skills and interests to join us on our Summer Trips to Romania in 2026, which provide a much-needed break for children. There are two different groups of children that enjoy the trips. Some are affected by rare or life-limiting illnesses, others have experienced trauma through the death of a close relative. The other group of children who attend are relatives of patients in our care.
The children who benefit from our trips are often completely neglected by health care and social service systems. Our Summer Trips are an opportunity for them to relax, have fun, share stories, and find comfort in each other.
The trip includes airfares from London, transfers to and from the airport in Romania, your disclosure and barring service check, training, and accommodation. If you opt for the first trip, only breakfast and lunch are provided on the days you are at the hospice. You will need to pay for evening and weekend meals. If you opt for the second trip, whilst at the camp, all meals are provided. Again, you will need to pay for weekend meals.
The hours you attend will differ depending on which trip you attend; however, your role as a volunteer will involve you engaging with the children doing enjoyable activities, crafts, games, and much more. It is a chance for them to enjoy being children and just have some fun.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Recent grant support has enabled a number of significant multi-year projects, including:
• British Dyslexia Association - supporting the creation of Local Outreach Hubs to increase access to dyslexia advice, assessment and early intervention within communities.
• Candlelighters - funding a Family Wellbeing Practitioner to improve emotional and practical support for families affected by childhood cancer.
• IPSEA - funding a SEND Policy Manager to strengthen national policy influencing for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• The Myton Hospices - supporting the development of the Volunteer Service, enhancing capacity and patient experience across hospice services.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries. DDMCS does not undertake any fundraising activity, as all grant making is supported through the charity’s long-established investment portfolio. As a result, there is no requirement for the Chair to have fundraising experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in April (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
Please submit a CV and covering letter via the Charity Jobs platform
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 Children With Voices
Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.
Role: Youth Mentor / Support Worker
Location: Community sites / schools
Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education
Role Overview
As a Youth Mentor, you will provide emotional, practical and wellbeing support to young people who need a positive role model. You will help build resilience, confidence, and healthy life-skills.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide 1:1 mentoring and group support
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Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing
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Support workshops, activities and trips
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Build safe, trusting relationships with young people
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Report safeguarding concerns appropriately
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Log basic session notes and progress
Person Specification
Essential:
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Empathy, patience, and strong listening skills
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Experience supporting young people (formal or informal)
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Commitment to safeguarding and boundaries
Desirable:
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Experience in youth work, coaching or education
Benefits
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Safeguarding, mentoring and youth-work training
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Flexible volunteering
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Excellent experience for education, youth work, or social care careers
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Meaningful impact on young people’s 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!
Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.
What you will be doing
- Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
- Promote a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental atmosphere where all members feel valued and heard
- Encourage mutual support, active listening, and shared problem-solving within the group
- Manage group dynamics sensitively, ensuring discussions remain constructive and inclusive
- Collaborate with staff to monitor group wellbeing and escalate any concerns appropriately
- Assist in planning and preparing for each session, including topic prompts or themes if needed
- Maintain confidentiality in line with organisational policies and safeguarding standards.
The skills you need
- Lived experience of mental health challenges is highly valued and can be a strong foundation for this role
- Good communication and active listening skills
- Ability to facilitate group discussions with empathy and patience
- Understanding of boundaries and confidentiality in a mental health context.
- A non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging attitude
- Experience in peer support or group facilitation is an advantage but not essential; training will be provided
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.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



An invitation to join us at Young Devon as our next…
Trustee (Job Ref 25-85)
Are you passionate about supporting young people in Devon?
Young Devon is here to change the odds in favour of the thousands of young people who ask for help each year with their homelessness, mental health and education. We believe developing good quality relationships can be transformational in young people’s lives.
We are seeking committed and passionate people to support the leadership of a complex organisation. An understanding of governance in a Charity or non-executive setting isn’t essential but will help.
You will be able to demonstrate good judgement combined with excellent strategic and communication skills. As a creative thinker and being able to recognise a range of perspectives you will be able to support fellow Trustees to ensure the Charity is well governed and focused on meeting the needs of young people.
You can download the Candidate Information Pack from our website.
This is a voluntary position but one which we hope will be very rewarding. We aim to appoint to an initial 3-year term with the possibility to extend to a second thereafter. Reasonable and proper expenses will be reimbursed. An enhanced DBS check is required for this position.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Tuesday 31st March 2026
Young Devon is a youth work charity (1057949) passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and embracing diversity. We are committed to Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable groups and all applicants who will or could have unsupervised access to these groups will complete the required checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Befriender/Independent Visitor Needed across Cumberland.
An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences. Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.
Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust. You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments. We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.
We urgently require volunteers as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care. As a volunteer you will:
- Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.
- Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.
You do not need any special qualifications
We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life
We will provide training and on going support.
Job Type: Volunteer
Schedule:
- Weekdays in school holidays
- Weekend availability needed
Age: 18 years and over?
As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment.
We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey.
At NYAS, we listen to what children, young people and vulnerable adults want. We empower them to have their voices heard.
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!
Client Support Volunteer - Manchester Schools Project
Do you want to make a difference to someone experiencing the housing emergency?
Information about the role
School staff are working hard to support the thousands of families living in insecure and unsuitable housing in Manchester. Shelter’s @HOME project helps fight for secure and stable homes by working families who would benefit from early intervention to prevent them from becoming homeless and/or mitigate the impact of homelessness on their education.
Your role will be to support the @HOME coordinator during drop-ins for parents in various school locations.
Location: Various locations across Manchester
Suggested contribution: Two half days per week
Availability: Fridays (Flexible)
The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.
Main activities may include:
- Greeting people as they arrive to the drop-in
- Completing registration forms with people as they arrive
- Signposting to appropriate agencies and giving out information
- Running checks with people to assess benefit eligibility
- Being there for people if they need someone to listen
- Translating for clients if possible (common languages: Urdu, Arabic, Somali)
This role fights the housing emergency by supporting people who are struggling with housing and bringing them one step closer to a safe home.
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter
Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.
We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.
Your skills and experience
We’d love the volunteer in this role to have good communication skills and be confident with using IT. But the most important thing is that you are friendly and caring, with enthusiasm for fighting the housing emergency.
Supporting you
- You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
- The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
- You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
- You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.
Next steps
You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available.
We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.
Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).
The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.
Key responsibilities:
· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.
· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.
· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.
· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.
· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.
· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.
· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.
· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.
· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.
Who you are:
· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.
· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.
· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.
· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.
· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.
· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.
· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.
· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.
· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.
First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).
Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).
The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
