Work coach volunteer roles
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
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!
Volunteer Assistant Basketball Coach Opportunity
Join Skills Development Training as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Free Basketball Sessions!
We're seeking a reliable Volunteer Assistant Coach for every Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at 1 Selby Road, White Hart Lane, London - Haringey N17 8JL. Support our free basketball training for boys and girls aged 11-18, helping them develop skills, make friends, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment!
What you'll do:
-
Assist with drills, skill-building activities, and small-sided games during the full 2-hour sessions every Saturday.
-
Support a positive vibe for all abilities – no coaching experience needed, just energy and passion for basketball!
-
Help manage equipment and ensure smooth delivery alongside the lead coach.
What we offer:
-
Travel expenses paid (public transport receipts required).
-
Hands-on experience, training provided, DBS support, and strong CV reference.
-
Ongoing weekly commitment during term time.
Who we're looking for:
-
Love of basketball and working with youth (11-18).
-
Reliable, patient, team player available every Saturday 1-3pm.
-
DBS check required (we'll help arrange).
Apply now: Email [your email] with "Assistant Basketball Coach - Every Saturday" in the subject line. Share a short intro about yourself, basketball interest, and Saturday availability confirmation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FOUNDATION
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is the charitable arm of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Using the power of sport, we work with local communities to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, education, and employment outcomes.
Through our Health & Wellbeing programmes, including Making Sport a Daily Habit (MSADH), we support adults who may be inactive, face health inequalities, or live with long-term health conditions to move more, feel better, and connect with others. We are proud to welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.
PURPOSE OF THE VOLUNTEER ROLE
As a Volunteer Health & Sport Coach, you will support the delivery of inclusive and enjoyable physical activity sessions that help adults build confidence, routine, and enjoyment in being active.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys encouraging others and creating welcoming spaces, particularly for people who may feel nervous or unsure about physical activity. You do not need to be an expert athlete — enthusiasm, empathy, and a supportive attitude are what matter most.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Support the practical delivery of inclusive physical activity and sport sessions as part of MSADH.
• Assist with session set-up, delivery support, and pack-down across community venues.
• Encourage participants to take part at their own pace and adapt activities where appropriate.
• Help create a positive, welcoming environment that supports confidence, enjoyment, and inclusion.
• Work alongside Foundation staff and other volunteers to support smooth session delivery.
• Share relevant feedback or observations with the Project Coordinator when required.
• Follow all safeguarding, health & safety, and risk assessment procedures at all times.
QUALIFICATIONS & ROLE REQUIREMENTS
• Volunteers supporting the practical delivery of physical activity sessions may be required to hold a minimum Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification (or an equivalent accredited coaching or fitness qualification).
• Volunteers supporting sessions in a non-delivery or administrative capacity are not required to hold this qualification and will be supervised by qualified Foundation staff.
• All volunteers must be willing to complete required training and follow Foundation policies and procedures.
WHO THIS ROLE IS FOR
You may be a great fit if you are:
• Friendly, approachable, and encouraging
• Passionate about physical activity, wellbeing, or community support
• Comfortable supporting people of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels
• Reliable and keen to be part of a supportive team
Helpful but not essential:
• Experience supporting or leading group or physical activities
• Good communication and people skills
• Interest in health, wellbeing, or behaviour change
• Coaching, fitness, or First Aid qualifications
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box — we value enthusiasm, kindness, lived experience, and a willingness to learn.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
• Experience supporting community health and wellbeing programmes
• The opportunity to make a positive difference to people’s lives
• Training, guidance, and ongoing support from experienced staff
• Opportunities to build confidence and practical coaching skills
• A welcoming and inclusive volunteering environment
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive volunteering environment where everyone can thrive. If you’re ready to help people move more and feel better, we’d love to hear from you!
About ReachOut
ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.
Role of a Trustee
Our Board of trustees have shared responsibility for the overall governance, financial health and strategic direction of the charity, developing its organisational aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
In addition to the statutory duties, each Trustee uses their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions and support the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team in delivering the charity’s mission.
As a Trustee of ReachOut, you will have the opportunity to help govern an ambitious organisation, knowing that your time will contribute to helping young people, who may not have the same advantages as others, develop the social and emotional skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
Who are we looking for?
We are interested in individuals with any of the below expertise:
- Senior Leaders or Head Teachers from Schools or Multi Academy Trusts
- Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
- Senior Leadership within a Corporate Environment
- Lived Experience aligned to the challenges faced by the young people we are here for
Person Specification
- Enthusiasm for ReachOut’s vision and mission.
- Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in the UK charity sector.
- Able to demonstrate strategic vision and think creatively.
- Willing to speak their mind and exercise independent judgement, whilst operating with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to work with others in a way that supports positive board dynamics.
- Ability to represent the organisation credibly externally.
- Availability and commitment to perform the role and dedicate the time required to fulfil the role.
Important Information
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- ReachOut board meetings are held in-person in London, online if necessary.
- The overall time commitment for a Trustee is expected to be around 30 hours per annum. There are four full board meetings a year that last approx. 2 hours, outside regular office hours. Meetings are held on weekday evenings.
How to Apply
- Please visit our website for more information and how to apply
- Deadline: 9am 16th March 2026
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas, and insights into our work.We understand the importance of having trustees and committee members that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities we serve. More than half of the young people we work with are from Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi, and Turkish backgrounds, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.
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!
City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model.
We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:
- A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
- A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
- Commitment to the charity and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.
- Strategic vision
- Sound, independent judgement
- Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
- The ability to read and understand management reports
- Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
- Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
- General competence with IT
- Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis
- Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events
Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..
Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange).
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!
Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
What is knus?
knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.
What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Do you like to learn?
We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited. 20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.
If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.
Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £22.60 for an Enhanced DBS check. If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.
You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about supporting people impacted by substance misuse and involved in the criminal justice system? Join our specialist service dedicated to helping individuals on probation make positive changes in their lives.
As a Dependency & Recovery Support Volunteer, you’ll work closely with our Dependency and Recovery Coordinators and partner agencies based at Walsall Probation office to deliver tailored support to adult males on probation. Your role will include:
- Assisting with drug and alcohol interventions
- Encouraging motivation and goal-setting
- Supporting individuals to reduce substance misuse and offending behaviour
What we’re looking for:
- Empathy and understanding of the issues faced by those in recovery and the criminal justice system
- A commitment to supporting positive change
- Reliability and a non-judgmental attitude
What we offer:
- Comprehensive training (some via eLearning – laptop access required)
- Valuable experience in a supportive environment
- Ongoing guidance and support
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in your community
If you're ready to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you!
Important Information:
- This volunteer role is based at Walsall Probation office on Wednesdays during office hours
- This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and HMPPS Enhanced Level 1 vetting
- Please ensure you complete the Personal Statement section of the application – it’s essential for shortlisting
For full details, please read the attached role description.
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trees for Cities
Salary: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed
Location: London with flexibility
Closing Date: 11 March 2026
Trees for Cities is an independent national charity that empowers people to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, targeting places where they have the greatest impact for people and nature. Through trees, we connect people to nature, enrich lives and create leafy, liveable places for today and future generations. In a world facing unprecedented threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and disconnection from nature, our work has never been more urgent.
Since 1993, Trees for Cities has engaged 260,000 people to plant and care for almost 2 million trees across 100 urban areas in the UK and overseas. We are proud to operate at the intersection of social and environmental justice, focusing on communities with the least access to green space and the benefits it brings. To deepen this work, we have developed a new five-year strategy (2025–2030) with the goal of creating a Movement for Urban Trees and Tree Equity. As we enter this ambitious new strategic phase, the new Chair will play a leading role in overseeing its successful embedding and impact.
This is a rare opportunity to lead the Board of a dynamic, growing charity at a pivotal moment. Our Trustees are recruited for their diverse skills and perspectives, and we are proud of our strong governance practices and healthy Board culture. Together, we provide constructive challenge and meaningful support to the executive team, guided by the organisational values that sit at the heart of how we work. We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair, continuing this work, offering strategic leadership and robust governance to ensure Trees for Cities continues to thrive and grow in impact.
You will bring Board-level experience, including as a Chair, Vice Chair and/or Trustee/Non-Executive Director, and a proven ability to chair Board or committee meetings effectively. With strategic vision and the confidence to navigate complexity, you will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, build consensus and manage diverse perspectives. You will bring a supportive and empowering approach, with a coaching style of leadership that empowers and enables others to thrive. Experience in the environmental, sustainability or urban greening sectors is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with integrity, inspire others and drive impact.
We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with lived experience of environmental or social injustice. If you are motivated to help shape our next chapter and bring the leadership and experience to guide our ambition, we encourage you to apply.
To read more about our work, the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief below.
People Beyond Profit on-line conversations: 17 March - 15 April 2026
CEO online ‘fireside’ conversations: 17 – 24 March 2026
Trees for Cities Interview Dates:
-
First stage in-person trustee panel: 27 April 2026
-
Final stage coffee with CEO and current Chair on one of the following: 28, 29 April, 5, 6 May 2026.
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!
Mencap’s goal is to make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to lead happy and healthy lives. To help us with this, we are currently looking for a volunteer to help support a person with a learning disability to travel to meetings or events.
The Travel Buddy Volunteer will support a Voices Council member who is a person with a learning disability (and possibly other disabilities) to attend a Voices Council meeting 4 times a year to travel from Wales to London and one regional meeting a year that is not in London.
As a Travel Buddy Volunteer, you’ll support one person to attend:
• Four national Voices Council meetings a year in London
• One regional meeting a year in a different UK location
Even if you can only commit to one meeting a year, we would absolutely love to hear from you. Every bit of support makes a huge difference.
This role involves travelling with her on public transport the day before the meeting, staying overnight in a hotel, and supporting the person to get to Mencap’s London office on the day of the meeting. But it’s so much more than a journey of A to B, you’ll be:
- Enabling the Voices Council member to show up, share their voice, and shape decisions at Mencap
- Helping the Voices Council member to feel confident, calm and safe during the journey
- Encouraging the Voices Council member to build skills to travel more confidently over time
This is an ad-hoc opportunity with plenty of advance notice, giving you the flexibility to volunteer when you are able. All travel and hotel expenses for both you and the journey and the person you are supporting will be covered.
The 2026 dates are as follows:
24-25 February
5-6 May
8-9 September
24-25 November
You’ll also have free time to explore London for the day while the member attends her meeting.
If you want to support someone’s independence, confidence and involvement in shaping Mencap’s future, this is a fantastic and truly rewarding opportunity.
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.
We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
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!
Outreach Worker
Through your outreach, you’ll provide advice, advocacy and direct frontline support to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. You will connect them with survival essentials, safe accommodation and guide them toward vital services that improve wellbeing and independence.
What will you be doing?
You’ll carry out outreach across the community, building trust with people experiencing homelessness or crisis. The role includes distributing essential items, offering advice and signposting around housing, benefits, healthcare and employment, and supporting access to education and training. You’ll also assist with project coordination, fundraising activities and help promote our work and values through social media and community engagement.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people who are comfortable working hands-on in the community and are enthusiastic about supporting vulnerable individuals. You’ll be a good listener and communicator, able to build positive relationships and offer guidance with empathy and respect. A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset is important. Experience in outreach or working with vulnerable groups is not essential; the right attitude and caring nature matter the most.
What difference will you make?
Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.
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!
We are looking for horse-experienced volunteers and/or volunteers with experience working with people with disabilities to help support our RDA participants during their weekday riding as therapy sessions.
Horse-based roles would include:
1) Support catching and bringing horses in from field or stable.
2)Helping groom and tack up
3)Leading horses (if experienced with horses or have completed internal training)
4)Side-helping - Walking alongside the participant on the ride to support them emotionally and help pass on instructions given by the Coach
Other roles would include:
1)Meets and greets with participants and parents and/or carers as they arrive for activities
2)Setting up the school before sessions and helping break down the school after sessions
3)Completing registers and helping with rotas
There are also opportunities for volunteers to undertake further training towards becoming a registered RDA Instructor. Our sessions are run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for positive, friendly and forward thinking individuals to join us!
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!
Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable beauty professionals to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses.
"The mentoring sessions with my volunteer were the perfect fit! I've loved working with them." - J (18 years old)
What will you be doing?
- Run six mentoring sessions online for one hour a week, supported by our Programme Team
- Offer advice and insights related to nail tech skills
- Help the young person explore potential career paths in the beauty/nail tech industry
- Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate.
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK
What are we looking for?
- Expertise in beauty industry: Profound knowledge and experience in beauty, preferably in areas like nail design, techniques and trends.
- Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy.
- Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to at least 5-6 weeks of 1-hour sessions
What difference will you make?
-
By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face.
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
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!
Social Support Volunteer (Mentor)
This role offers one-to-one support to people experiencing issues with housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment. You will support individuals, helping them to access accommodation, secure financial support, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop employability skills.
What will you be doing?
You will support individuals to navigate complex systems such as housing, benefits and healthcare, offering practical help with forms and appointments in a respectful and confidential way. Work closely with partners including SIFA Fireside, Room Match, Tabor House and Street Link, and support people with CVs, job applications and work experience. You will also be involved in community engagement, raising awareness of homelessness and maintaining accurate, confidential records.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who communicates respectfully and has a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people. You’ll be organised and able to manage time, records and appointments effectively, while working well as part of a team to provide joined-up support. Patience, emotional intelligence and a solutions-focused mindset are essential. Knowledge of benefits, housing or local support systems is beneficial but not essential.
What difference will you make?
Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.
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 3 May 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 4 May and 15 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:
-
27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
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.
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:
-
27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
-
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



