Weekend volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising volunteer
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
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub
Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!
Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!
This role covers the Hampshire area.
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
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Volunteer
Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!
Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.
We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.
Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes
Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!
A bit about this role:
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 you 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 fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
- online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
- 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 branch 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:
- Sympathetic 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
Time expectation
This role is 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 well being 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.
Applicants will be required to complete an application for and provide two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our management committee has succession needs. We seek a trustee to chair it and build on our strong heritage and renew for the next generation, a people-person who can attract and develop a team of custodians with diverse skills to give management oversight and strategic direction.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our community and who has the drive to help renew and guide the work at our Dorset retreat centre.
Our Dorset centre has recently undergone very successful updating of some of the facilities. We have a loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations. We are looking to recruit a Trustee who can join a team of people with varied expertise to make steady and sustained progress to ensure that this much loved centre, with 100 years of history is a treasured resource for the next generation.
Our vision is to be a place for both environmental awareness and inclusive Christian theology, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land; practical hope in action.
The charity is well governed with Trustees taking responsibility for the finances, health & safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support and our financial reserves are adequate.
As Chair of the Centre Management Committee you have responsibility for the Burton Bradstock centre but also as a Trustee of the whole charity with providing strategic direction of the whole charity.
The Centre Management Committee meets 2x in person at the centre each year and overnight accommodation is available. The whole board of Trustees meet online quarterly (a weekday evening 1.5 hours) and have two residential weekend meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex and Burton Bradstock, Dorset). The charity covers all out-of-pocket expenses.
What are we looking for?
Most importantly the energy, time and enthusiasm to support the flourishing of the Retreat Centre; after that then one or more of the following would be helpful:
- Line management experience
- Working within Charity Commission guidelines
- Operational or facilities management experience
- Previous Trustee experience or similar (nice but not a requirement)
A fuller description of the role is provided in the accompanying PDF.
What difference will you make?
As Chair of the the Centre Management Committee you will support and shape the ongoing development of staff and operations of the retreat centre.
Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.
People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.
Before you apply
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Interested applicants please message us via REACH. Application is by letter accompanied by a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the Retreat Centre. Interview will be by 2 Trustees. References will be required, as will a basic level DBS check, a declaration that you have not been barred from becoming a Trustee or Director. A role description is attached.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Admissions Assistant
You'll be multitasking throughout the day, with a mix of responsibilities including customer service, ticket sales, promoting Gift Aid donations, shop duties, guiding visitors and providing information about the Museum and the collection. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and love engaging with people, this is the role for you.
The Volunteer Admissions Assistant role is all about making a lasting impression and creating a memorable visitor experience. You’ll be:
- Welcoming and engaging with visitors, sharing information about the museum and its collection.
- Selling tickets and gift shop items, ensuring smooth transactions and great customer service.
- Collecting data for Gift Aid and marketing purposes, including how visitors found out about us.
- Creating positive experiences to encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Helping visitors explore the Museum through interpretation, answering questions and distributing trails, accessibility and family activities.
- Maintaining the gift shop, including restocking, counting stock, and setting up attractive displays.
- Conducting online research and building contact lists to support marketing efforts.
- Promoting the Museum locally, raising awareness and encouraging more visitors to discover what we have to offer!
Who we’re looking for:
We’d like to extend an invitation to anyone, particularly members of the local community. Full training will be provided, we are looking for anyone with:
- Great customer service skills – you will be friendly and confident about approaching visitors of all ages and backgrounds
- Great communication skills – you will be able to clearly explain information about the Museum and ticketing to visitors
- Good computer skills – with training, you will be able to use our ticketing system, email and Microsoft Office
- Good Sales Skills – you will be able to promote ticket sales and gift shop items as well as encouraging Gift Aid donations
- Multitasking skills – with various responsibilities such as selling tickets, guiding visitors, and managing the gift shop, you will be able to juggle tasks efficiently
- A good telephone manner
- Good team working skills
This role offers plenty of variety, and you'll play an important part in making every visitor's experience unforgettable.
Training and support:
All volunteers will first be invited for a training shift. We have an induction and training process, during which we give volunteers the information they need to enjoy their time with us. Training is mainly 'on the job', supported by an experienced volunteer as well as the manager on duty. Volunteers are given regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience. The Admissions Assistant receives continued training and development throughout their time with us.
Availability:
We are looking for volunteers who would ideally like to donate 2-4 shifts per month, weekdays or weekends, either as a 10-1.30pm shift, or a 1.30-5pm shift, for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally, you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential. Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are on a full day shift.
Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer
People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them. This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve. Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.
As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:
· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
· Raise concerns
· Keep detailed notes and records
· Make a real difference to someone’s life
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising volunteer
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
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Applicants will be required to complete an application for and provide two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising events helper
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
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
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:
· help set up and/or man stalls at events
· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Applicants will be required to complete an application for and provide two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help safeguard our future: Join BBS UK as our Treasurer
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring the charity remains financially strong, sustainable, and well governed.
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, complex genetic condition that causes blindness, learning disabilities, obesity, and a range of additional health challenges. BBS UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by BBS.
We provide advocacy services, NHS clinic support, publications, and community events that help people navigate life with BBS. Each year, we support over 700 individuals, working alongside a small team of dedicated part-time staff and committed volunteers.
It’s an exciting time to join our charity. We are looking to strengthen our governance and build on our financial foundations to support future growth and impact.
The role
As Treasurer, you will oversee the financial governance of BBS UK, working closely with the Board of Trustees, Operations Manager, and external accountant.
This is a strategic oversight role, not a hands-on bookkeeping position. Day-to-day financial administration is carried out by staff; the Treasurer provides assurance, guidance, and clarity to support good decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
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Maintaining a strategic overview of the charity’s financial health
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Presenting clear summaries of financial information at Board meetings
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Advising Trustees on the financial implications of plans and decisions
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Overseeing the annual budget and supporting longer-term financial planning
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Ensuring appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place
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Supporting the preparation of annual accounts and liaison with the Independent Examiner
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Helping ensure appropriate reserves are maintained in line with policy
The Board of Trustees retains collective responsibility for the charity’s finances.
We’re looking for someone with:
Essential:
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Experience in finance, accounting, bookkeeping, or financial oversight
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Confidence interpreting financial information and explaining it clearly to non-financial colleagues
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Understanding of financial controls and good governance
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Ability to think strategically and identify financial risks
Desirable:
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Experience in a charity or not-for-profit setting
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Understanding of restricted and unrestricted funds
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Experience working with budgets or management accounts
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of BBS or a connection to the BBS community, though this is not essential.
As a BBS UK Trustee, you will have:
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Induction, training, and ongoing support
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Reasonable expenses reimbursed
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Opportunities to develop new skills and contribute at a strategic level
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The chance to make a meaningful difference to a rare disease community
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Opportunities to collaborate with dedicated trustees, staff, and partners
Time commitment
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Attendance at four Board meetings per year (online, approximately 3 hours each)
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Reviewing financial information monthly or quarterly
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Additional input around budget setting and year-end accounts
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Attendance at our annual conference weekend (in person; expenses covered)
If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, we would be very happy to arrange a chat with our Chair.
BBS UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our values and want to support our community.
By applying for this role you confirm that you are willing and eligible to act as a trustee of BBS UK, that you understand the charity’s purposes and governing document, and that you are not disqualified from acting as a trustee under charity law, including due to relevant unspent convictions, insolvency restrictions, regulatory removal or disqualification, director disqualified from acting as a trustee under charity law, including due to relevant unspent convictions, insolvency restrictions, regulatory removal or disqualification, director disqualification, or other legal prohibitions.
We support and empower our community, champion wellbeing, and raise awareness, ensuring understanding, support, and hope for all affected.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Popham Kidney Support’s counselling service provides individual counselling to clients who are kidney patients and parents /carers who are affected by kidney disease
Working in a confidential setting counsellors provide nondirective support to clients in exploring feelings, anxieties and life events that impact on their emotional wellbeing.
Through this process clients can feel more empowered to manage their mental health and make positive life changes.
The Charity has a simple aim to provide children, youths and adults with kidney disease in Wales to lead a better quality of life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 26 April 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 27 April and 8 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
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27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 26 April 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 27 April and 8 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
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27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
