Time to change volunteer roles

Provide a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for clients and visitors across our Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide reception cover and welcome clients into the Information Hub.

• Carry out initial triage by listening to clients’ needs and directing them appropriately.

• Book in clients who have appointments with advice staff

• Handle calls and emails, and record client information accurately.

About You:

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.

• Good communication and basic IT skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently and in a team.

• Willing to travel between Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.

Commitment:

• Volunteer 1 day a week (you can volunteer if you want up to 5 days a week), volunteering between the hours of 9am – 3pm, for minimum 6 months commitment.

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED
Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 
✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.
✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.
✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.
✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.
✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.
✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.
✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:
"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."
-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."
-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?
�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Purpose of the role
In this important role, you will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of applicants for our grants and services, in adherence with Variety’s structured grant management approach (guided interviews, weighted scoring and panel review) to maximise impact for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

You will be required to handle grant applications and supporting information with the utmost confidentiality, following organisational policies to ensure the privacy and security of all sensitive and personal information.

Using our defined eligibility criteria and assessment tools, you will evaluate applications and conduct fair and consistent assessments, making award recommendations to support the decision-making process. You will bring an independent voice, playing a key role in ensuring that decisions are made fairly, equitably and transparently and will be required to support your recommendations with evidence of sound analysis and reasoning.

Key Responsibilities
• Review applications and supporting evidence prepared by the case management team.
• Clarify points with applicants when required (within agreed boundaries).
• Conduct structured, remote assessments (by telephone/video call) to understand need, urgency and likely impact on the child, their family life and communities.
• Establish the baseline for monitoring and evaluation by articulating the impact of the intervention.
• Where applicable, use the weighted assessment tool (base on the eligibility criteria and the Theory of Change) consistently and document clear, impartial rationales to prioritise need.
• Prepare concise, written recommendations aligned to policy, criteria and evidence.
• Attend quarterly Assessor Network meetings, which are a forum for sharing good practice, peer support, news sharing, undertaking essential training and reward and recognition.

Optional, Additional Responsibilities
• Where applicable, support the Impact Monitoring and Evaluation team to undertake post-award follow-up interviews to measure the impact made over time.
• Where applicable and available, represent Variety at events, presentations of awards and through online content.

Adherence to Policy and Quality
• Act as a beacon of good practice in fair grant assessment.
• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, GDPR, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and anti‑bias standards throughout the assessment process.
• Escalate concerns (quality, safeguarding, unusual risk, conflicts of interest) in line with policy.
• Follow process controls and segregation of roles, supporting a robust, auditable trail.
• Participate in induction, refresher training, and calibration sessions to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to Variety’s Code of Conduct.

Time Commitment
• Assessments: the time commitment for these varies and is flexible but we expect you will be spending 4 – 8 hours per month on these, dependent on demand and pool of assessors.
• Assessor Network: hybrid meetings that will last 1.5 – 2 hours and will be held quarterly.
• Training: short modular induction plus periodic refreshers usually rolled into Assessor Network meetings.

Support & Supervision
• Induction & training: policy, criteria, assessment skills, impact tools, safeguarding, data protection.
• Ongoing support through Programme Manager, Programmes Support Officer and Head of Programmes.
• Expenses: out‑of‑pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with Variety’s Expenses Policy.

Impact Measures (Volunteer‑Appropriate)
• Timely completion of assigned assessments; adherence to guidance and safeguarding.
• Quality of written rationales; consistency of weighted scoring.
• Constructive contribution to committee discussion and calibration.
• Positive feedback from applicants (tone/respect) gathered via staff.
• Case study preparation

Person Specification
We welcome people from many walks of life. If you’re feel that you are the right person for this role but are unsure whether you “tick every box,” please still consider applying; training and support are provided.
What you’ll bring (essential)
• Fair assessment mindset: you can weigh information against clear criteria and explain your reasoning.
• Analysis skills: comfortable reviewing forms/evidence and using a simple scoring tool. Able to summarise and analyse complex information to extract relevant data, paying attention to detail.
• Communication: great written and spoken English (we have templates to help).
• Lived experience or insight: personal, professional or volunteer experience that helps you understand the challenges faced by disabled or disadvantaged children and young people (or you can demonstrate thoughtful knowledge of these issues).
• Friendly and approachable: comfortable conducting sensitive conversations by telephone/video call with empathy and professionalism.
• Reliability and care: you follow guidance, meet agreed timeframes where you can, and ask for help if something isn’t clear.
• Values & conduct: commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; willing to complete safeguarding training and a DBS check.

Helpful extras (nice to have, but not essential)
• Comfortable using basic digital tools (email, online forms, video calls) – we can show you the rest.
• Experience in any of the following is desirable:
o Grant-making
o Community/children’s services
o Health/education/SEND
o Occupational Therapy
o Social care
o Structured interviewing
o Teaching

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted legally, transparently, and in line with the charity’s governing document. Working closely with the Chair, Managing Director, Trustees, and any staff or volunteers, the Treasurer helps safeguard the charity’s financial sustainability.

We welcome candidates from professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with this post, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

Please note, this role is being advertised on an ongoing basis, with interviews conducted on an ad hoc basis. 

Trustee vacancies. Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the charity achieves its core objects as set out in the governing documents.  They oversee the overall management, finances and administration of Dove Cottage and ensure that the charity is successfully implementing a clear strategy in line with our vision. Trustees are also there to support and constructively challenge the senior staff team (the Dove Cottage Manager and Income Generation and Marketing Manager).

The trustees of Dove Cottage have a responsibility to:

· Support and provide advice on Dove Cottage’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee Dove Cottage’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Provide leadership to the board and to ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

· Support and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the executive manager.

· Ensure that the board as a whole works well and in partnership with key staff.

· Ensure the effective administration of the charity.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled.

· Review and approve Dove Cottage’s financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to senior staff, specifically the Dove Cottage Manager and the Income Generation and Marketing Manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and responsibilities.

· Keep abreast of changes in Dove Cottage’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of Dove Cottage’s governance arrangements.

· Attend board meetings, well prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Exercise independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to protect Dove Cottage’s interest, to the exclusion of your own/third-party interests.

· Ensure appropriate accountability to LOROS as sole member.

· Contribute to the promotion of Dove Cottage’s objects, aims and reputation through the application of your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Working hours/commitment

All trustees are required to:

· Attend at least four board meetings each year, although trustees may together decide to change the frequency of meetings.

· Attend the charity’s Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings should these be required.

Meetings will usually be held in person at the hospice in Stathern. There will be times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond board meetings.  This may involve visiting the hospice, tea room and shops, helping out at events, scrutinising papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, responding to complaints and concerns, and getting involved in various matters about which they have a special expertise. 

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.

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.

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 March (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

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.

This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.

As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Support Dudley residents with long-term health conditions or disabilities by providing information regarding welfare benefit applications and delivering structured self-management group programmes.

Role Responsibilities:

• Facilitate small group Welfare Benefit Guider sessions (up to 6 residents) to those who need assistance to complete their own welfare benefits application forms (e.g. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) application forms).

• Deliver 6-week Long Term Health & Wellbeing Programmes (2.5 hours per week) to groups of up to 12 residents per group with long term health conditions or disabilities to help improve their quality of life.

• Create supportive, inclusive group environments and record participant information accurately.

About You:

• Lived or caring experience of long-term physical or mental health conditions is preferred but not essential 

• Ability to empathise with clients is essential. 

• Confident speaking in group settings (in person and online) with good communication and basic IT skills.

• Able to handle sensitive information with tact.

Commitment:

• Deliver sessions at community venues across Dudley (and potentially Wolverhampton), including some evenings/weekends. 

• Deliver 3 x 6 weeks Long-term Health & Wellbeing Programmes per year

• Deliver 2 x 3-hour Welfare Benefits Guider Sessions per month

• An enhanced DBS check is required (arranged and paid for by the organisation).

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED

Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 

✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.

✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.

✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.

✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.

✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.

✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.

✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:

"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."

-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."

-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?

�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:

Please download and complete the application form

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Background for Citizens Advice Salford’s Chair of Trustees:

Citizens Advice Salford is looking for a new chair for our board of trustees. The service is an independent charity, employing 35 people and benefiting from the support of about 70 highly trained volunteers. We are a full member of the National Association of Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, which supports our work.

Our chair plays a critical role in leading both the board and the organisation, as well as in representing the Salford service within the broader Citizens Advice movement. They will also provide strategic leadership and support the service’s chief executive.

The service provides advice to about 18,000 people each year, and is regulated by various bodies. Our offer is primarily through face to face contact, telephone advice, web access and we are looking at what new digital approaches such as AI can do for us.

We hold the specialist advice giving quality mark. Citizens Advice Salford has a strong reputation as a campaigner for change, for fighting against poverty, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of our clients, together with working across Greater Manchester with our colleague local citizens advice services.

Financially we have a range of contracts with public bodies such as the Council, together with a range of other grants and funding for specific projects.

The current chair is reaching the end of her six year term, but will still be a member of the board. It is a strong board consisting of ten people, with a diverse range of skills and experience.

If you would like to have a more general discussion about the role please feel free to contact the current Chair, or the Chief Officer. Contact details are available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

• What's in it for you?

• use your experience to make a positive impact for people in Salford by ensuring Citizens Advice Salford is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy knowledge and skills
• increase your employability
• be a part of infl uence and change work that looks to reduce poverty in Salford, and to make it and the country a better place for all.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give two or three hours, six times a year and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specifi c projects, or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Salford. We can be fl exible about the time spent, so come and talk to us.

Valuing Inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from global majority communities.
If you are interested in becoming a chair of trustees and would like to discuss fl exibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

WHO WE ARE

Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET) is a registered charity established by members of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Co-operatives. WeSET promotes sustainable energy deployment and education, primarily within a 25-mile radius of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Park, near the village of Watchfield, between Swindon and Oxford.

The Wind Farm at Westmill has been operating for nearly twenty years now, with five turbines that produce enough electricity to power about 2,800 homes. The Solar Park sits beside the turbines and produces electricity for about 1,600 homes.

Both projects are community-owned. In fact, the solar park was the first community-owned of its kind in the UK, and at its inception it was thought to be the UK’s first and the world’s largest co-operatively run, community-owned solar installation. Country Living has called Westmill one of the "6 most impressive solar farms around the world" to visit. 

Westmill is the only place in southern England where people can see wind and solar power in action on the same site. 

WHAT WE DO

One of the main ways in which WeSET connects with others is by giving tours of Westmill, where we welcome groups -  large and small - consisting of members of the public, plus community groups, primary school classes and university students. Additionally, on occasion, we also welcome planners, civil servants, councillors and others involved in making decisions about renewable energy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of volunteers at WeSET to help guide people around the Westmill site. If you are passionate about sustainable energy and a low-carbon future, and are eager to share your interest with others, then we'd love to hear from you.

As a WeSET volunteer tour guide you will interact with our visitors, telling the story of how the Westmill Wind Farm & Solar Park was created, describing how our turbines were installed and how they operate, and detailing the installation and energy generation of over twenty-thousand solar panels. You would be trained and guided on the tour content and its delivery.

On some occasions, you will be working alone in welcoming and leading groups at Westmill, and on other occasions you may be working alongside other guides.

You may also prefer to work as 'guide support' which is another volunteering role available that provides practical help to our guides during the tours.

Our team of volunteers is a small but friendly group of individuals who enjoy an engaging experience, not only through tours, but also through some internal social events that WeSET arranges.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

If you already have knowledge of renewables then this would be useful. But it is by no means essential as we can introduce you! Either way, we would run you through some training and shadowing sessions to bring you up to speed.

Experience of work in a public-facing role would also be useful, but is not crucial as you will be guided on the rudiments by our existing guides, with continuing, ongoing support from WeSET's Visits Coordinator.

It's important to say that this opportunity may only suitable for people who live in north-east Wiltshire, south-east Gloucestershire, north-east Wiltshire and north-west Berkshire, as we are looking for people who can easily and quickly travel to the Westmill site. We can offer reimbursement for any travel expenses, usually within a 15-mile radius of Westmill, and this can be discussed in advance of any volunteering.

If you have a happy, friendly demeanour, with a genuine passion for sustainability, then this could be a great opportunity to share that passion and meet other like-minded people at the same time!

If you would like to help lead visitors around Westmill, while helping to promote clean green energy, then please contact us, detailing a little about you, where you are based, your background and any relevant experience.

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: 

Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,

Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/03/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: 

Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised,

Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised,

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: