Technology volunteer roles

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for education, social impact and widening access to STEM careers?

The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead its Board at a pivotal time, as EDT works towards its ambitious goal of reaching 1 million Industrial Cadets while navigating a challenging charity landscape.

 We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.

About EDT

EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.

About the role

This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
• Oversee financial health and sustainability
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive
• Lead Board development and performance
• Act as an external ambassador for EDT

About You

We are looking for a collaborative, credible and values-driven leader who can bring:

• Senior leadership experience (Board or executive level)
• Strong understanding of charity governance, finance and strategy
• Experience working with or alongside Boards of Trustees
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to lead with integrity, inclusivity and sound judgement

Experience in STEM, education or skills development is beneficial but not essential. Most importantly, you will share our commitment to improving opportunities for young people.

Commitment

• Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
• Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
• Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Why join EDT?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.

We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.

We’d love you to be part of our Information & Advice Service. As an Information Volunteer Assistant, you could be :

• Welcoming and providing information to visitors

• Ordering leaflets from various sources

• Updating external contacts

• Undertaking general administration

• possibly dealing with straightforward signposting and information.

You’ll enjoy working within a team of volunteers and meeting new people, have great communication skills, are polite and emphatic, understand basic IT systems and updating manual records, and are able or willing to learn to use the internet and Microsoft Office 365.

We are currently looking for someone to volunteer for 3 hours, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays either am or pm.

We will reimburse your out-of-pocket volunteer expenses.

It’s really easy to start the volunteering process with us. If you’re over 18 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!

About this Role: Volunteer Lead Security Engineer

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

Contribution Requirements: minimum 10-15 hours a week; minimum 3 to 6 months.

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person can thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are making that vision a reality and driving change that will shape the future.

Professional Volunteering:

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

Examples:

• Attending your weekly team sync and sharing updates

• Responding to Slack messages within a reasonable timeframe

• Completing assigned tasks by agreed deadlines

Role Summary:

As our Lead Security Engineer, you will be the guardian of our digital ecosystem, designing and implementing secure systems that protect our platform, data, and global community. You will lead our security strategy, ensuring resilience, trust, and integrity across all technological initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Design and Defend: Architect and implement robust security frameworks, policies, and protocols that safeguard our infrastructure, applications, and user data.

• Identify and Mitigate Risks: Proactively assess vulnerabilities, conduct security audits, and lead threat modeling to prevent and respond to potential risks.

• Secure Development Practices: Embed security into the software development lifecycle, guiding teams on best practices such as secure coding, encryption, and authentication.

• Lead Incident Response: Establish and manage incident detection and response processes to ensure rapid resolution and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure security is integrated into every layer of our platform.

• Educate and Empower: Mentor team members and raise security awareness across the organization, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Experienced Security Leaders: 7+ years of experience leading cybersecurity or information security, with a strong background in securing cloud-based systems and applications.

• Technical Experts: Possess deep knowledge of security principles, including network security, identity and access management, encryption, and vulnerability management.

• Strategic Thinkers: Able to balance security with usability and scalability, making thoughtful decisions in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

• Collaborative Communicators: Able to clearly explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across a global team.

• Mission-Driven Contributors: Deeply committed to our mission and able to consistently contribute 10–15 hours per week for the duration of the engagement. Your dedication, reliability, and sense of purpose drive meaningful progress and impact.

Team & Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Head of Engineering

• Collaborate with: Engineering, DevOps, Product, Data, and Leadership teams

• May lead or mentor: Volunteer engineers and security contributors

What We Offer:

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

VOLUNTEER CASE OFFICER

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Case Officers are a vital part of our local branch activities. They use their organisational and IT skills, sometimes along with a knowledge of engineering, to make sure their branch is best able to support people.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Processing and allocating cases which have come to the branch

• You may have engineering experience or be a skilled craftsperson, but this is not essential

• Using our online referral portal to manage and update case notes

• Attending regular meetings of the local branch

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Warm, approachable and confident to call referrers/clients to initiate discussions

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and a reference check.

If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without  your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Support young people in exploring technology, design, and innovation through activities such as 3D printing, digital design, maker projects, coding, and creative problem-solving. Volunteers will assist staff in delivering engaging sessions that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and learning in a safe environment.

Inspire interest in STEM subjects and technology Build confidence through hands-on learning and problem-solving Develop creativity and innovation skills Support young people to explore future education and career pathways

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Interest in technology, design, engineering, or making
• Willingness to learn and support technical activities
• Good communication skills
• Patience and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to encourage curiosity and participation
• Positive role model for young people

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

About us:

We're seeking new trustees to join our team and contribute to the effective governance of our charity that delivers information, advice and wellbeing support for unpaid carers in two northwest London boroughs. Our Hillingdon team also offer a young carers service supporting children and young people, aged 5 to 25 years old, who live in Hillingdon and have a caring responsibility at home.

About the opportunity: 

As a trustee, you will have a positive opportunity to make an impact on the lives of unpaid carers in Hillingdon and Ealing! 

You will be essential in ensuring the effective governance of a charity whose mission is to offer support and guidance to anyone living with the challenges of being an unpaid carer.

About you:

We are delighted to now be covering the London borough of Ealing in addition to Hillingdon and our current focus is strengthening Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing's market position. We are particularly interested to talk to people with skills and experience in:

• Marketing and communications
• Information technology
• A good knowledge of the local Ealing area and/or statutory services there
• Finance / Accounting

You would need to be able to devote the necessary time and have strategic vision, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively.

Our impact: 

Our key achievements last year include:

• £1,590,549.10 carer-related benefits secured for carers
• 5,193 adults carers registered with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing
• 493 visits to carer cafes
• 609 care-calls made
• 8,440 hours of respite received by carers
• 13,131 pieces of information
• 70 health and wellbeing workshops & seminars delivered

Our Young Carers team's key achievements last year:

• 321 new young/young adult carers registered
• 37 workshops delivered
• 104 youth club sessions
• 29 trips delivered
• 4 whole-family trips, attended by 144 carers
• 1,508 young/young carers supported
• 4 residential breaks
• 2,681 individual breaks provided

Working hours:

Our governing body is made up of 7 trustees and meetings take place six times a year, typically on a Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm. The option to join meetings online is also available. We pay travel and out-of-pocket expenses and new trustees will receive a full induction. Trustees can also access a small training budget by agreement with the Finance Committee.

Our partner is a national civil society network in Central America that supports and strengthens non-profit, community-based and civil society organisations. Its work focuses on institutional strengthening, governance, legal reform, member engagement, and building a more resilient and coordinated civil society sector.

The organisation is seeking remote finance support to strengthen its financial management systems and improve the way financial information supports decision-making, donor reporting and future planning. It currently uses QuickBooks and would value an experienced finance professional to review the current setup, identify areas for improvement, and provide practical recommendations that support stronger reporting, compliance and audit readiness. Alongside this, the organisation would like support to think through financial sustainability.

Key areas of support

• Review the current QuickBooks setup, including the chart of accounts, class or project tracking, donor reporting setup and financial workflows.
• Identify gaps, risks or inefficiencies in the current financial management and reporting processes.
• Provide practical recommendations to strengthen accounting practices, compliance, audit readiness and management reporting.
• Review the organisation’s current funding model and sources of income.
• Support the organisation to understand financial risks and consider possible income diversification opportunities.
• Help test sustainability ideas led by the organisation, adding financial assumptions, costs, risks and practical next steps.
• Support improved use of financial information for planning, Board discussion and decision-making.

Volunteer Profile

This assignment would suit a finance professional with:

• Experience in non-profit accounting systems, QuickBooks, donor reporting, financial controls and management reporting.
• Experience supporting small civil society organisations, membership networks, non-profit governance, or financial sustainability discussions would be particularly helpful.

The ideal volunteer will be practical and collaborative, able to provide clear recommendations while recognising that fundraising strategy and resource mobilisation ideas need to be shaped by the organisation’s own context, relationships and priorities.

Time Commitment
The assignment can be delivered entirely remotely. The anticipated commitment is approximately 30 hours in total, ideally over a period of 2–3 months. A commitment of around 2–3 hours per week would be helpful, allowing time for the QuickBooks review, discussions with leadership and Board members, and financial sustainability support in a way that is manageable for both the organisation and the volunteer.

Unify Giving is a social impact platform on a mission to transform the way people support those experiencing homelessness and hardship. We are building technology that connects donors, businesses, charities, and vulnerable individuals in a transparent, dignified, and meaningful way.

Our platform is being built by a passionate community of volunteers, innovators, technologists, and social impact leaders who believe business can be a force for good.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Sales & Partnerships Team.

Who We’re Looking For

This opportunity is ideal for:
 •  Experienced sales professionals between roles who want to stay active and build something meaningful.
 •  Aspiring sales professionals looking to gain real-world experience.
 •  Individuals returning to work after a career break.
 •  People who are passionate about helping others while developing valuable commercial skills.
 •  Self-motivated individuals who believe in loyalty, integrity, and long-term relationships.

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing
 •  Building relationships with businesses and potential partners.
 •  Introducing organisations to the Unify Giving mission.
 •  Helping secure merchant, corporate, and community partnerships.
 •  Identifying opportunities to grow our impact.
 •  Representing a platform focused on social good and innovation.
 •  Contributing ideas and helping shape our growth strategy.

What You’ll Gain
 •  Hands-on sales and business development experience.
 •  Mentorship and support from experienced founders and business leaders.
 •  The opportunity to build your professional profile and network.
 •  Meaningful references based on performance and contribution.
 •  Experience working within a fast-growing social enterprise and technology platform.
 •  The satisfaction of helping create real social impact.

Our Culture

At Unify Giving, we believe loyalty works both ways.

We understand that many talented people are facing difficult circumstances in today’s job market. We value commitment, effort, honesty, and character above polished CVs.

If you join our team, you’ll be treated with respect, supported in your development, and given opportunities to grow alongside the organisation.

We’re not simply looking for salespeople.

We’re looking for people who want to be part of a movement that combines technology, business, and compassion to help humanity.

Interested?

We are seeking a WordPress developer to revamp our current website. Preferably able to do IT support for the site. Your input to our online presence will shape how we are presented to service users, funders and the general public. The more eyes on us, the more support we have to reach our objective.

We need someone who has experience with creating and designing user-friendly websites on the WordPress platform. These are the key soft skills we're looking for:

• detail-oriented
• problem-solving
• team collaboration

Brightside is on a mission to help young people make confident and informed decisions about their future. For over 20 years, we’ve used technology to connect young people facing barriers with inspiring mentors. We deliver online mentoring programmes in collaboration with schools, universities, businesses and charities to provide young people with access to networks, online career information and high-quality mentoring.

The UK is inherently unfair, still in 2026, your future success is more likely to be determined by where you were born or what your parents do than your abilities.  At Brightside, we are determined to change the system from the ground up, providing young people and schools with role models, support networks and skills to empower them to meet their aspirations. 

We are a small but mighty charity, currently reaching 6,500 young people across the UK a year, but with innovative plans to meet the need of thousands more. To do this we are looking to build on our dynamic board of trustees and have a new position available. Right now, we are looking for a Trustee to join the Board who has deep expertise with marketing and communications. At Brightside we work on marketing to attract young people to become mentees, volunteers to become mentors and partners to fund our services – ranging from commercial organisations to grant funders to schools and universities.

The board of trustees supports the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic direction, guidance and practical advice.

The trustee will play a vital role in giving our staff guidance on building a strong brand for the charity with our limited means and to attract more mentees, mentors and funders. We want to radically improve our marketing to young people and get consistency in our messaging across all channels and platforms. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with brand and performance marketing, particularly in channels we use extensively at Brightside including email, social, brochure / leaflet (e.g. impact reports, funder info collateral) etc. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with experience in youth marketing, social mobility and securing funding for charitable organisations. Having said that, if you do not have all this direct experience do not hesitate to apply if you have strong marketing and comms skills and a strong passion for our mission.

We’re looking for one Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based at Montgomery Court, Choir Close, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8FP.

You’ll be volunteering weekly, Wednesdays 10.30am to 12.30pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

Confident and Capable volunteers are required to help us with our charity admin.

Are you retired or looking to get back into work and are confident on the phone and using IT? 

If so you may be the person we are looking for !

We need people to help us:

• Answer calls and prpvode advice and information
• Support the running of our reception desk 
• Help with data inputting and maintenance 
• Assist with general office admin tasks 

If you are passionate abourt supporing vulnerable people in the community and have a few spare hours each week then please get in touch !

We offer:

• Full induction
• Flexible hours
• Onsite parking
• Access to free training and develeopment 
• References after three months 
• Expenses covered
• Volunteer social events 
• Volunteer Community awards 

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.