Youth work volunteer roles

Volunteer Chairperson Milton Keynes Junior Ice Hockey Club (MKJIHC)

Milton Keynes Junior Ice Hockey Club is a registered charity delivering training and competitive ice hockey to young people aged 5 to 19. We are affiliated with English Ice Hockey and have teams competing in both the Junior league and Women’ National Ice Hockey league.

We are seeking a Chairperson who is enthusiastic about youth sports and development to lead our committee to continue to grow and develop the club whilst remaining inclusive and accessible to all.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who have strong leadership skills and can encourage collaborative working who are independent of Milton Keynes Ice Hockey. Previous board or governance experience would be beneficial but not essential.

This is a voluntary role, expected to require 8-10 hours a month of your time, though there can be occasions where additional input is necessary. There is a requirement to attend the monthly face to face committee meeting but there will be flexibility regarding other involvement.

Role Overview

The Chairperson is responsible for leading MK Storm Junior Ice Hockey Club and ensuring it operates

effectively as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As both Chairperson and Trustee, the role

provides strategic leadership, supports strong governance, and ensures the charity delivers its objectives of

developing young people through ice hockey.

The Chair works closely with the Board of Trustees, committee, coaching staff, volunteers, and parents to

ensure the club is well-managed, financially sustainable, and aligned with its charitable purpose.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

● Chair committee meetings and ensure effective decision making.

● Provide strategic leadership to support the long term development of the club.

● Ensure the charity operates in line with its governing document and charitable objectives.

● Support trustees and committee members in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Charity Trustee Duties

● Fulfil the legal duties of a trustee in accordance with the Charity Commission for England and

Wales.

● Ensure the charity complies with relevant laws, regulations, and safeguarding requirements.

● Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries (young players).

● Ensure appropriate financial oversight and responsible use of charitable funds.

Strategic Development

● Lead the development and implementation of the club’s strategic vision.

● Support growth in participation, player development pathways, and community engagement.

● Identify opportunities for partnerships, funding, and sponsorship.

Club Oversight

● Provide oversight of key operational areas including:

○ Coaching programmes

○ Safeguarding and welfare

○ Finance and budgeting

○ Volunteer management

○ Events and competitions

● Work closely with the club’s designated safeguard lead to ensure a safe environment for all young

players.

Representation

● Act as the primary ambassador for the club.

● Represent the organisation with governing bodies and partners such as Ice Hockey UK and

England Ice Hockey.

● Build positive relationships with the local community and sporting organisations.

Committee & Volunteer Support

● Encourage a collaborative and inclusive committee culture.

● Support recruitment and development of volunteers and committee members.

● Ensure clear delegation and accountability across the club structure.

Key Skills & Experience

● Leadership or governance experience (charity, sport, or community organisations).

● Understanding of trustee responsibilities within a UK charity.

● Strong communication and management skills.

● Ability to lead volunteers and build collaborative teams.

● Strategic thinking and decision making ability.

Desirable Experience

● Experience in youth sport or community sports clubs.

● Knowledge of safeguarding requirements in youth sport.

● Experience working with national governing bodies or sports associations.

● Understanding of financial oversight in a charity setting.

Time Commitment

● Committee meetings (once a month).

● Attendance at key club events and occasional matches.

● Ongoing communication with trustees and club volunteers.

What You’ll Gain

● Opportunity to shape the future of youth ice hockey in the community.

● Experience leading a registered charity.

● Development of governance and leadership skills in sport.

● The chance to positively impact young athletes’ development.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.

Role Purpose

We are seeking Volunteer Schools Workers to accompany our lead Schools Worker in delivering workshops to children and young people. You’ll help create a safe, positive environment for learning, support classroom activities, and be an encouraging presence for students as they explore important topics around respect, relationships, and digital culture.

Key Responsibilities

· Accompany the lead Schools Worker to sessions in primary and secondary schools.

· Assist with setting up and packing away resources and equipment.

· Helping facilitate and monitoring small group sessions

· Observe and note student engagement to help evaluate sessions.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Strong communication skills, especially with young people.

· Willingness to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and gender identities.

· Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as pornography, sexual harassment, and objectification.

· Calm, approachable manner that helps young people feel at ease.

· Openness to learning and developing new skills.

· Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with young people, staff, and colleagues.

· Good rapport with people of all ages and abilities.

· Commitment to confidentiality.

· Reliable timekeeping and punctuality for all sessions.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service will be provided

· You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

· Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

· Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

· Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· We will require 2 x references

· You will be required to dress in an appropriate manner when accompanying the team to sessions (school smart)

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity for a trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Survivor Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service team to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

· Availability for in-person clinical work on Tuesdays

· Capacity to hold a caseload of up to 3 clients

· Attendance at online clinical supervision on Mondays, either 9.00-11.00am or 11.30am-1.30pm

· Attendance at in-person team meetings on the third Monday of each month (helpful but not mandatory)

· Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

· Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

· Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

· Minimum commitment of 1 year

Through our commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity we offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply: 
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager

Do you love retro arcade games and have a knack for IT, software, or troubleshooting older systems? We’re looking for a volunteer to help get our two classic arcade machines running again!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Diagnose: Identify and troubleshoot software or IT issues on our two arcade machines.
• Update: Adjust or update game software to restore full functionality.
• Collaborate: Work with our team to ensure both games are playable and fun for the CYP community.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We need someone who is organised, communicative, and enthusiastic.

• Experience: Background in IT, software, or gaming systems.
• Problem-Solver: Comfortable troubleshooting older hardware or software.
• Enthusiasm: Passionate about gaming and tech.
• Commitment: A strong dedication to troubleshooting, fixing, and restoring our arcade machines so they’re fun and playable again.

WHY JOIN US? 

• Make an Impact: Directly support the activities of a project that changes lives in your community.
• Geek out: Enjoy classic games and retro systems.
• See your work come to life on two playable arcade machines.

This voluntary role involves overseeing the charity’s finances, supporting budgeting and financial planning and helping ensure strong financial governance as we deliver educational support for adults, children and young people.

You will work with fellow trustees and have the support of our bookkeeper to monitor income and expenditure, present clear financial information and be part of strategic decision-making.

You will join a board comprised of 6 other Trustees.

About us:

Write Back is a young charity helping marginalised young people develop their self-esteem, literacy and creativity through storytelling. Currently based in Barking & Dagenham, since 2020 we have run storytelling programmes for more than 200 young people, helping them tell their stories and printing and celebrating their work. 9 out of 10 participants on our programmes see significant improvements in their self-esteem, and in our short period of operations, we have published over 20 anthologies of young writers’ work, exploring themes like immigration, identity and social isolation.

What we do:

We run 10-week long storytelling programmes in Barking and Dagenham, east London, to build self-esteem among young people aged 13-16. In each session we do confidence building activities, engage with the writing of a young author and then develop the participating young people’s own stories. The 10-week project involves developing their ideas individually and collectively and culminates with the publication of their work, including in books, local museum exhibitions and much more.

We are working with six secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham, who have been referring young people to our programmes or inviting us into their premises to run bespoke programmes for selected students Barking and Dagenham is the 9th most deprived local authority in the country and 37% of the young people and children live in poverty. Despite this recent research shows that Barking and Dagenham has the joint fewest charities per head in the country.

About the role:

Write Back has grown considerably since its founding five years ago. Now with paid part-time staff, strong local networks, secure medium-term funding and proof of impact, we are entering a new phase of organisational growth.

To oversee this, we are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to oversee a significant period of strategic choices. We are looking for someone who wants to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. As a small charity, the Chair will be someone who can think ‘big picture’ but also is happy to get involved with day-to-day matters when necessary - securing new funding, overseeing our staffing model, building networks with other organisations and more. We are therefore looking for an individual with:

• Experience of organisational governance (ideally experience being on a board of trustees before).

• Experience in a leadership role in a growing organisation (either teams/departments or the whole organisation).

• Strong fundraising and networking skills and experience.

• Knowledge and expertise of the charity sector.

• A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.

• The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.

• The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance, but willing to get involved day-to-day where necessary.

• The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.

• A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.

• A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.

• Experience in the education sector, or in legal, HR or other operational or governance matters, is a plus but not required.

Core requirements:

• This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

• Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks.

• Working with the Director and the Treasurer, overseeing all governance, financial and operational matters and reporting requirements as necessary.

• Fulfilling any or all other requirements for trustees as outlined by the Charity Commission.

• We estimate the time commitment to be no more than two days per month in total.

Befriender/Independent Visitor Needed across Cumberland. 

 An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences. Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust. You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments. We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years. 

We urgently require volunteers as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care. As a volunteer you will:

• Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.
• Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

You do not need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life

We will provide training and on going support.

Job Type: Volunteer

Schedule:

• Weekdays in school holidays
• Weekend availability needed

Age: 18 years and over?

As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment.

We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey.

About Hope for the Young

We are a community of mentors, staff, young people, and volunteers who are passionate about welcoming young refugees to the UK and ensuring they are given every opportunity they need to settle into their communities, access education, and reach their full potential. Our mission is to remove the obstacles to young refugees and asylum-seekers’ education and well-being through mentoring, advocacy, and financial support.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Social Media Volunteer to help grow our online presence and amplify the voices of the young people we support.

As part of this role, you will:

• Create and schedule engaging social media content

• Draft compelling captions and stories

• Design graphics and visual content on Canva

• Share impact stories and highlight the achievements of young people

• Help grow engagement and reach across our social platforms

Requirements for the Role:

• Strong written English skills

• Ability to create engaging and creative content

• Good understanding of tone, messaging, and audience engagement

• Excellent attention to detail

• Able to commit to 7 hours per week (however this could be negotiated). 

What you will get in return:

• Gain hands-on experience in social media and communications

• Develop content creation and storytelling skills

• Contribute to meaningful work supporting young people seeking safety in the UK

• Receive a reference upon successful completion of the role

• Flexible volunteering hours

• Travel expenses covered 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Girls’ Network in the search to appoint their next Chair and two Trustees.

About The Girls’ Network

At The Girls’ Network, we believe that no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.

Young people from lower-income families are significantly less likely to go on to higher education than their wealthier peers, which can have a lifelong impact on opportunity and earning potential. Recent years have also seen inequalities deepen and young people’s wellbeing adversely affected, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. These structural and social barriers disproportionately affect girls and young women from communities of least advantage.

We exist to challenge this inequality. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls and young women from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and develop the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures.

We work in communities of least advantage across England to deliver programmes that provide long-term, meaningful support.

About the Opportunities

The Girls’ Network is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead and support The Girls’ Network through their exciting next phase of growth, supporting an exceptional, values-driven team and ensuring they remain ambitious, accountable and true to their founding mission.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within a complex organisation.
• Experience or understanding of the education / schools landscape.
• Good understanding of voluntary sector governance, funding and finance management.
• Thorough understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
• A track record of driving innovation and organisational change, with the ability to apply insight to support the charity’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
• Experience of working across sectoral boundaries, leveraging partnerships and opportunities.

The Girls’ Networks is also seeking two talented and committed Trustees to join their Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising
• IT and digital

We are also seeking Trustees from the North East, Merseyside, West Midlands who can bring their lived experience to add value to the Board. We also encourage applications from young Trustees and will support first-time Trustees to bring their valuable perspectives to the Board.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Digital Skills Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The Digital Skills group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the digital skills sessions is as follows: 

• Tuesday evenings 4pm to 6pm 

Volunteers are required to attend one session per week. They are also welcome to come early and support ESOL classes before the Digital Skills sessions, where appropriate. 

The Tuesday Digital skills sessions focus on practical, accessible digital skills, such as, but not limited to: 

• Using computers, tablets, or smartphones confidently 

• Keyboard and navigation skills 

• Using email and online communication tools 

• Accessing learning platforms and online resources 

• Online safety and digital wellbeing 

• Using digital tools to support English learning, homework and study skills 

The aim of the Digital Skills sessions is to build independence, confidence, and digital inclusion, supporting young people to engage more fully with formal education and everyday life in the UK. Enrolments to the programme are based on rolling admissions, requiring adaptability to the changing digital skills needs of the group through participatory enquiry led by the ESOL teacher. 

The ESOL teacher will provide guidance, session plans, and tips for supporting learners with emerging English, including how to explain digital concepts in clear, accessible ways. 

Volunteers will typically work with 1–5 students, offering one-to-one or small group support and adapting tasks to different ability levels. 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing one-to-one or small group support during Digital Skills sessions 

• Supporting young people to use digital devices and software confidently 

• Helping to set up the classroom and digital equipment 

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session 

• Sharing observations on learners’ progress, challenges, and successes 

• Making use of any community languages if any, to support learners’ understanding 

• Working collaboratively as part of a team and helping to shape the project 

• Supporting young people to recognise and celebrate their achievements 

• Showing flexibility to a wide range of ability levels and confidence with technology 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, and all other relevant policies 

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• Aged 18 years or older 

• An interest in education, digital inclusion, and supporting young people 

• Confident using computers, smartphones, or tablets 

• Currently resident in the UK or has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses and willing to undergo a DBS check 

• DBS and proof of residency are not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK 

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to starting 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed) 

• Non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds 

• Reliable and punctual, with a commitment of at least one session per week for a minimum of 4 months 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English 

• Willingness to explain digital concepts patiently and clearly 

• Ability to volunteer during Wandsworth term time 

Desirable 

• Experience supporting young people with digital skills or IT (formal or informal) 

• Knowledge of community languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali, or Spanish 

• Experience working with young people, refugees, or learners of English in a work or volunteer capacity 

• Interest in using digital tools to support language learning 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will be invited to a taster session at CARAS, following which they will have an informal interview with a staff member of the CARAS ESOL team and a community member. All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. These meetings and the induction training will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP!

Do you want to be a part of something special? Do you believe that children should be safe and happy? You could join our amazing team of volunteers who strive to ensure children's voices are heard. 

We are now recruiting in the following areas:

Aberdeenshire, Angus,  Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Fife, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, Stirling

Half a million UK children experience abuse every year, that's 7 children in every classroom before they turn 18. Together we can change this.  

As one of our highly valued Speak out. Stay safe volunteers, you will play a vital role in protecting a generation of children, by helping them understand abuse and giving them the confidence to speak out if they need help. Last year in Scotland alone we spoke to more than 60 thousand children to share our vital safeguarding messages. With your help we can do more. 

As a Speak out. Stay safe volunteer you will have the opportunity to: 

• make a huge difference to children in Scotland;
• learn and develop valuable skills;
• be part of a friendly team of like-minded people. 

The role 

Alongside other volunteers you will visit primary schools twice a month to deliver classroom based Speak out. Stay safe workshops for children aged 5-7 and 7-11 years. 

You will take pride in empowering children to speak out and stay safe. There will be training throughout your volunteer journey, and our team will be here to support you. 

If you are: 

• passionate about helping children and young people;
• excited about communicating with others;
• empathetic, perceptive and supportive;
• able to think on your feet;
• able to work well within a team; 

you have the qualities that could make you a great fit for our volunteer team! 

Next Steps 

If you want to know more about this amazing opportunity, make sure to sign up for a Volunteer Information Meeting below?. 

Additional Information 

Some local travel will be required for the role. We understand that this can incur costs; you will be reimbursed for your travel expenses. 

Successful volunteer candidates will undergo some routine safeguarding checks as part of our recruitment process. There is more information provided about this in the Volunteer Information Meeting. 

For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16. 

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Chair of Trustees - Voluntary Role

Aid Box Community (ABC)

We are looking to appoint someone with leadership qualities and high motivation, initially 
to join us as a trustee in June and then to take on the position of Chair in November. In 
close co-operation with our dedicated team of trustees and inspirational director, you will 
be guiding our charity through the next phase of our journey. This is a very exciting 
opportunity to play an important role in the development of Aid Box’s strategy over the 
next 5 years and to oversee the deepening of our charity’s impact on our community, 
made possible by our recent move into our new home. 

About Aid Box Community

We are a charity based in Bristol and for nearly nine years have been providing vital support, supplies and sanctuary to men women and children seeking asylum in this city. You are welcome to come and have a look at the work we do by visiting, by prior arrangement, our Welcome Hub and Free Shop. 

What are our trustees responsible for?

We are all jointly responsible for:

• The overall management of our charity.
• Setting and monitoring Aid Box’s strategic direction and ensuring it is financially sound.
• Ensuring the charity carries out the purposes set out in our constitution for the benefit of our community and in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance.

Main duties and responsibilities as a Chair:

• leading our charity’s strategic direction in close collaboration with the board and our director.
• Chairing quarterly trustee meetings as well as our HR sub committee meetings.
• Representing trustees in contacts with other charities and organisations.

This role is for you if:

• You have leadership experience (formal or informal), either within or outside the charity sector.
• You have specialist skills that may benefit Aid Box Community. Motivated by ABC’s vision, mission and values, in particular upholding the basic human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Teamwork and communication skills with ability to listen and build a consensus.
• Living in or near Bristol . You would like to join a fantastic community of staff, volunteers and service user

This role is for you if:Our Commitment to You:

We will provide practical support, principally through our deputy chair, along with a full induction programme including the legal framework and other key areas such as safeguarding. During your time with Aid Box, you will be able to join training workshops relevant to your role as a trustee, along with the opportunity to be involved in a range of charity activities.

See our website for more information about our charity (where you can also find our Impact Report 24/25): Our Financial Statements for year ended 31 March 2025 filed with the Charity Commission: 

Want to know more?

If you would also like to have an initial informal chat, please email our Chair, Richard Annandale or Susan Qazi the Charity Administrator.

Safeguarding Statement

ABC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its service users and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.

ABC operates Safeguarding Policies for the purpose of protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults. All staff and trustee members are required to undergo Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS checks.

Statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ABC aims to be an anti-discriminatory organisation committed to the promotion of quality and diversity and, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups and those with lived experience.