Volunteer volunteer roles

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Role summary

To participate as a member of the Catering Team involved in the provision of care to the patients, families and staff. Work alongside both the nursing and catering staff ensuring good communication and liaise between these areas. As this role will involve close contact with Hospice patients, an enhanced adult and child DBS check will need to be carried out before a start date can be offered.

Main duties of the role

• Wear appropriate clothing, enclosed shoes, supplied apron and identification badge.

• No jewellery other than a wedding band.

• Collect copy of daily bulletin from Ward Reception.

• Report to the Cook-in-Charge.

• Ensure that Hygiene, Health and Safety, and Fire Regulations are adhered to at all times.

• Be flexible and aware of the needs of the service and assist as appropriate.

• Serve refreshments and meals to patients, visitors and staff.

• Prepare dining room for appropriate meals.

• Be prepared to help in the washing up of cutlery, crockery and kitchen utensils.

• Take the drinks/alcohol trolley round to serve to patients following instruction from clinical staff as to who may be offered drinks.

• Be prepared to collect provisions from local stores if necessary.

• Be willing to assist a patient with food.

• Agree break time with the Duty Cook.

• Ensure area around beds is kept tidy and hazard free by removing crockery food trays as appropriate. (This is particularly important in order to maintain a safe environment and maintaining infection control for patients at all times).

• Maintain confidentiality and data protection at all times.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in LEWES – (STOCK PREPARATION)

We are currently looking for volunteers to help in our stock room sorting donations both during the week and at Weekends.

Please get in touch if you would like to help and become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE

To assist the Shop Manger in the running of an Age UK East Sussex Charity Shop with a focus on sorting and preparing donated goods

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

· Greet and assist customers in a polite and friendly manner

· Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork

· Sort donations for resale, recycling or rubbish

· Label and price goods, referring to the internet for specific price guides if required

· Steam and hang clothing

· Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day

· Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota

· Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES NEEDED

· Basic numeracy and literacy skills

· IT and internet skills

· Tidy and organised

· Enjoys working as part of a team

· Trustworthy and reliable

· Specialist in an area, i.e. fashion, books etc – desired but not essential

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WOULD ASK YOU TO

· Support the Mission and Vision of Age UK East Sussex by helping us to ensure that our county is a place where people in later life flourish

· Be available to volunteer for at least one regular shift each week. This could be a morning, afternoon or whole day. Depending on the store we open Monday – Sunday.

· Adhere to Age UK East Sussex confidentiality and equal opportunities policies maintaining discretion and confidentiality at all times

· Be reliable and conscientious

· Attend all training and information days, group meetings and supervision

· Exercise patience and understanding when dealing with customers

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WILL OFFER YOU

· An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

· Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses

· Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for example long service and merit awards

· The opportunity to be part of a friendly team

· Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement

· The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events

· The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East Sussex

· Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of Age UK East Sussex

· The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment.

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Administration Volunteer you’ll play an essential role in your local group.

You’ll act as the first point of contact for the group and circulate information to other volunteers and members. You’ll ensure that data and details are kept up to date, to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. 

Do you enjoy being outdoors and working with children? We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to support weekly allotment sessions with primary school children. No gardening experience is required — just a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and an interest in nature and supporting young people.

Job Description

You will assist lead gardeners during 1-hour weekly sessions with children, helping them take part in planting and other simple gardening activities. The role also includes 30 minutes before the session to help set up and 30 minutes after to help tidy and pack away.

A DBS check and safeguarding training are required, and we will cover the full cost. We value consistency so children can build trusted, positive relationships with volunteers. You are welcome to volunteer for more than 2 hours per week if you wish.

Job Requirements

• DBS check and safeguarding training (cost covered by the organisation)

• Friendly, enthusiastic, and comfortable working with children outdoors

• Able to work as part of a team, supporting both gardeners and children

• Commitment to a minimum of 2 hours per week (including set-up and pack-down time)

• Reliable and consistent, helping children build trust over time

Job Responsibilities

• Support lead gardeners during 1-hour allotment sessions with primary school children, working collaboratively with staff and other volunteers

• Help children with planting, watering, weeding, and other simple gardening tasks

• Assist with 30 minutes of set-up before and 30 minutes of tidy-up after each session

• Encourage children to take part and keep sessions fun, safe, and engaging
  Be a positive, consistent presence and follow safeguarding guidelines

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our cats in different ways. Our treasurer volunteers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our treasurer volunteers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way. 

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

You’ll be:

•  Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

Following the success of the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. Analysing council climate action only becomes valuable if you track the progress that has been made. We need your help to create the 2027 Action Scorecards and score councils on their actual climate action.

Why are we doing this?

We’re in a climate crisis, and local councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Councils are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. The Scorecards are a campaigning tool that residents can use to hold their council to account on their climate action, and lobby for specific, targeted change. We have also found that over 34% of UK councils are using the Scorecards to improve (using the Scorecards in council meetings or on their website and in climate action plans). Finally, this UK wide assessment will demonstrate where the UK and devolved governments need to provide more support to local authorities in order for them to take even further action.

How can you help?

We need at least 200 volunteers to pull this project off! You can help by volunteering to score councils on each of the 7 sections of our Action Scorecards. This year volunteers will be marking specific sections for councils (e.g. marking only all the Transport questions for the councils you are marking). You will score councils in your particular section by researching publicly available information on councils’ websites and relevant strategies. Training and guides will be made available to you to help in the process.

Scoring one council on one section will take approx. 2 hrs (though the more you do, the quicker you will become). It’s best if you are able to work from a laptop or a computer with good internet, as you will need to be able to access council websites and our online scoring system.

We’d like you to mark at least 10 councils on one of the seven sections over a period of 4 weeks. This equates to a total of 20 hours of volunteering over 4 weeks, roughly 5 hours a week, but this can be done at your own pace.

What experience do I need?

We will provide training so you don’t need any experience. If you have previous experience of working in or campaigning at a local council level that is a bonus, but not necessary.

What will I gain?

This is a great opportunity to understand how local councils work, as well as understanding local government policy on Climate Action. This is a good chance to improve your research and analytical skills too. By helping with this project you will be making a real contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

What we need from you:

You will need to attend a total of 2 sessions:

• Scorecards Volunteer Inductions:
  You will need to attend one induction session on either Tuesday 7th April 2026 or Thursday 9th April 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
• Scorecards Scoring Training:
  You will only need to attend only one of the training sessions but please keep both of the evenings free until you are allocated a Scorecards policy section, which will determine which session you need to attend: either Tuesday 14th April 2026 or Thursday 16th April 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm.
• The overall time commitment is 20 hours of volunteering over a 4-week period spanning from 7th April until 12th May 2026.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers (Parish/Town councillors or staff are free to apply).

How it works

• You will receive training on how the scoring system works.
• You will be assigned 10 or more councils to score depending on your availability.
• You will be supported through online communication with CEUK staff and other volunteers across the country. At any point you will be able to ask questions using Slack.
• You will score those councils via our online scoring system. What you mark will be audited to ensure the system is fair and accurate.

Want to do more?

Be part of our Local Climate Policy Programme, a 4 week in-depth introduction into local climate policy and action alongside the practical experience of assessing council climate action. 

How to apply

We are running two volunteer cohorts. The Local Climate Policy Programme is available to both cohorts. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Programme is only available in Cohort 2. If you are a new volunteer we recommend joining Cohort 1.

Contact: If you’d like to get involved, learn more or need any help at all during the process please don’t hesitate to contact us.