Volunteer roles in Hemel hempstead

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Research, Policy, and Strategic Insights, Director

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Research Strategy & Organizational Leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's research agenda and ensure alignment with the organization's seven strategic pillars.
• Provide strategic research leadership to support organizational growth and decision-making.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and implement an annual organizational research agenda.
• Produce quarterly strategic intelligence reports for Executive Leadership.
• Lead departmental planning and performance reviews.

2. Policy Research & Strategic Insights

Responsibilities

• Lead research on economic development, governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, water, and international development.
• Translate research findings into practical policy recommendations.

Key Deliverables

• Publish 6–8 policy briefs or white papers annually.
• Produce monthly policy and global trend updates.
• Deliver evidence-based recommendations supporting GSI programs and advocacy.

3. Research for Resource Mobilization

Responsibilities

• Provide research and technical evidence that strengthens grant proposals, donor engagement, and partnership development.

Key Deliverables

• Support 100% of major grant proposals with research and supporting data.
• Produce country profiles, sector analyses, and needs assessments as required.
• Identify emerging funding and development opportunities.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Organizational Learning

Responsibilities

• Oversee research quality, impact measurement, and organizational learning systems.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making across all departments.

Key Deliverables

• Publish an Annual Impact Report.
• Conduct quarterly program learning reviews.
• Ensure organizational KPIs are supported by reliable data and analysis.

5. Knowledge Management & Strategic Partnerships

Responsibilities

• Strengthen GSI's reputation as a trusted research and policy institution through publications and partnerships.

Key Deliverables

• Publish at least four flagship research reports annually.
• Establish 3–5 new partnerships each year with universities, think tanks, or research institutions.
• Represent GSI at strategic conferences, policy forums, and research networks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Delivery of the annual research agenda.
• Number and quality of research publications and policy briefs.
• Research contributions to successful grant proposals and partnerships.
• Timeliness and quality of executive intelligence reports.
• Implementation of MEL and organizational learning systems.
• Number of active academic and research partnerships.
• Evidence of research informing GSI programs, policy engagement, and strategic decisions.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Director Communications. Marketing, and Public Engagement

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Communications & Brand Strategy

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's communications and branding strategy.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and publications.

Key Deliverables

• Develop an annual communications and marketing plan.
• Review and update brand guidelines annually.
• Support major organizational announcements and campaigns.

2. Digital Marketing & Content

Responsibilities

• Oversee GSI's website, social media, newsletters, and digital communications.
• Share stories that highlight GSI's programs, partnerships, and impact.

Key Deliverables

• Publish weekly digital content across key platforms.
• Produce one monthly newsletter.
• Monitor audience growth and engagement, providing quarterly performance reports.

3. Public & Media Engagement

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with media, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate public awareness campaigns and media opportunities.

Key Deliverables

• Issue press releases and media updates for major initiatives.
• Coordinate at least one public engagement or awareness campaign each quarter.
• Maintain an up-to-date media and stakeholder contact database.

4. Partnership & Fundraising Communications

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Fundraising, Partnerships, and Program teams to develop communication materials that support resource mobilization.

Key Deliverables

• Support 100% of major fundraising and partnership campaigns with communication materials.
• Develop impact stories, presentations, and donor communication pieces as required.

5. Team Leadership & Performance

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Communications team while promoting collaboration across departments.

Key Deliverables

• Hold monthly team planning meetings.
• Conduct quarterly performance and content reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve communication processes and audience engagement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Growth in website traffic and social media engagement.
• Delivery of the annual communications plan.
• Consistent publication of digital content and newsletters.
• Number and quality of media features and public engagements.
• Communication support provided for fundraising and partnership initiatives.
• Brand consistency across GSI platforms and publications.
• Stakeholder and audience engagement levels.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Director of Finance & Administration

Role Purpose

Lead GSI's financial and administrative operations by ensuring sound financial management, strong governance, regulatory compliance, and efficient organizational systems. The Director will provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team while safeguarding the organization's resources and supporting sustainable growth across GSI's seven strategic pillars.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Financial Strategy & Planning

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's financial planning, budgeting, and sustainability strategy.
• Advise leadership on financial performance and resource allocation.

Key Deliverables

• Prepare the annual organizational budget.
• Present quarterly financial performance reports to leadership.
• Develop an annual financial sustainability plan.

2. Financial Management & Reporting

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, cash flow, financial reporting, and budget monitoring.
• Ensure accurate financial records and responsible use of resources.

Key Deliverables

• Produce monthly financial reports.
• Monitor departmental budgets and recommend corrective actions where needed.
• Maintain accurate financial records and reconciliations.

3. Grant Finance & Compliance

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management of grants, donor-funded projects, and sponsorships.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.

Key Deliverables

• Submit 100% of donor financial reports on time.
• Support preparation of project budgets for funding proposals.
• Monitor grant expenditure and compliance throughout project implementation.

4. Administration & Operational Support

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, contracts, and administrative systems that support organizational operations.
• Promote efficient and cost-effective business processes.

Key Deliverables

• Review procurement and administrative procedures annually.
• Ensure organizational assets and contracts are properly managed.
• Support operational planning across departments.

5. Governance, Risk & Audit

Responsibilities

• Strengthen financial controls, manage financial risk, and coordinate audit activities.
• Support compliance with nonprofit regulations and organizational policies.

Key Deliverables

• Coordinate the annual external audit.
• Maintain and review financial policies and internal controls.
• Implement audit recommendations within agreed timelines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Timely delivery of budgets and financial reports.
• Budget accuracy and financial performance.
• Compliance with donor and regulatory requirements.
• Successful completion of annual audits.
• Effective cash flow and financial risk management.
• Efficiency of procurement and administrative systems.

Role Impact

The Director of Finance & Administration ensures GSI remains financially sustainable, transparent, and accountable. Through effective financial stewardship, strong governance, and efficient operational systems, the role enables the organization to maximize its resources, build donor confidence, and deliver lasting impact across all seven strategic pillars.

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MSc Finance, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

Professional Certifications

One or more of the following is highly desirable:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, grants management, administration, or nonprofit operations.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, international NGOs, foundations, or development organizations is highly desirable.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

We empower Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

Public Relations, Communications & Media Volunteer

Role Summary
Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative is seeking a skilled Remote Public Relations, Communications & Media Volunteer to strengthen our global visibility and support our communications strategy. Working entirely online, you will develop compelling content, support media relations, identify publicity opportunities, and help communicate the impact of our programmes to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital communication and public relations activities remotely.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Create engaging content for social media, the website, and donor communications.
• Identify media and partnership opportunities that increase the organisation's visibility.
• Support online campaigns that promote our mission and programmes.
• Collaborate virtually with the team through email, video meetings, and online collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Experience or interest in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or digital media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment and meet agreed deadlines.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools is desirable.

What You'll Gain

• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting a registered charity in Uganda.
• Practical experience working with an international nonprofit organisation.
• A flexible, fully remote volunteering opportunity with a collaborative and mission-driven team.
• A reference upon successful completion of the volunteering period.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

We empower Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

Mental Health Program Officer

Role Summary

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative is seeking an experienced Remote Mental Health Program Officer to lead and strengthen our Kyogere ("Say It Out") Mental Health Program. This leadership volunteer role is ideal for a mental health professional who is passionate about advancing community mental health, reducing stigma, and supporting youth wellbeing in underserved communities.
Working remotely, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to our mental health programme, helping design impactful initiatives, guide awareness campaigns, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of community-based mental health interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Kyogere Mental Health Program.
• Provide technical guidance on mental health awareness, psychosocial support, and community engagement initiatives.
• Develop programme activities, educational resources, and awareness campaigns.
• Mentor and support volunteers involved in mental health activities.
• Build partnerships with mental health professionals and organisations.
• Monitor programme progress and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate virtually with the programmes team through online meetings and digital collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Professional background in Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Counselling, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing or managing mental health programmes or community mental health initiatives.
• Strong understanding of mental health promotion, stigma reduction, and psychosocial support.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.

What You'll Gain

• Lead a growing mental health programme creating lasting impact for vulnerable communities in Uganda.
• Collaborate with an international team of passionate volunteers.
• Apply your professional expertise to influence mental health awareness and community wellbeing.
• Receive professional recognition and a reference upon successful completion of your volunteer service.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Activities Volunteer

Locations: Amadeus House, 18 Corfton Road, Ealing, London, W5 2HT

Timings: Flexible (maximum of 15 hours per week)

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

The Crisis Recovery House supports people experiencing a mental health crisis, as an alternative to hospital admission, where appropriate. It also helps individuals discharged from hospital who need a brief period of intensive support.

As an Activities Volunteer, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming and engaging environment for service users. You will co-facilitate group sessions, assist with planning and running activities and events, and support the smooth operation of day-to-day service activities.

This role is central to Waythrough’s recovery-focused approach and offers a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Tasks may include:

• Co-facilitate group sessions with service users, ensuring they feel supported and included.
• Help plan and deliver activities such as creative workshops, gentle exercise, social outings, and educational sessions.
• Assist with organising and running events within the service.
• Meet and greet service users, helping them feel comfortable and informed.
• Provide practical support for general day-to-day activities within the service.
• Prepare materials and resources for sessions and events.

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with service users in a welcoming and supportive manner.
• Ability to co-facilitate group sessions confidently and inclusively.
• Good organisational skills and flexibility to assist with a variety of activities and events
• Good IT skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Caring, understanding and non-judgmental approach towards people with lived experience and using mental health services
• Confident to contact people by email / phone
• Reliable, with good time keeping
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

HEKIMA

We protect Tanzanian children from violence and exploitation by empowering youth and strengthening child-protection systems.

Partnership and Fundraising Advisor

The Partnership & Fundraising Advisor will strengthen organization sustainability by building strategic partnerships, identifying funding opportunities, and providing guidance on fundraising, donor engagement, and resource mobilization.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Cystar

We empower people with PCOS through a personalized digital platform for education, care, and community.

App Outreach Assistant 

�� App Promotion & Growth Volunteer – Help Grow Cystar ��

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive App Promotion & Growth Volunteer to help introduce Cystar to more people living with PMOS (previously PCOS/PCOD).

As an early-stage health-tech startup, growing our user community is a key priority. You’ll help spread awareness of Cystar, identify opportunities to promote the app, and support grassroots marketing efforts that encourage people to download, test, and share the platform.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in marketing, partnerships, community growth, or digital health who wants to make a real impact.

�� What You’ll Do

�� App Promotion

• Identify opportunities to promote Cystar across online communities, forums, and social media
• Share the app with relevant PCOS, women’s health, and wellbeing communities (where appropriate)
• Help increase awareness through organic marketing initiatives

�� User Growth

• Create campaigns to encourage new app downloads and registrations
• Help recruit new users to participate in app testing and provide feedback
• Identify new audiences and channels where Cystar could reach potential users

�� Partnerships & Outreach

• Research potential collaborations with universities, charities, healthcare organisations, influencers, and community groups
• Support outreach to organisations that align with Cystar’s mission
• Help identify opportunities to participate in awareness campaigns and community events

�� Growth Ideas

• Brainstorm creative, low-cost marketing and growth initiatives
• Monitor what is working and suggest improvements
• Share insights on emerging trends and opportunities within women’s health and digital health

�� We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Is enthusiastic about marketing, community building, or business growth
• Has strong communication and networking skills
• Is confident reaching out to organisations and online communities
• Is proactive and enjoys finding creative ways to grow a product
• Has an interest in women’s health, digital health, or startups
• Enjoys working in a collaborative, mission-driven team

Previous experience in marketing, partnerships, business development, or community growth is helpful but not essential.

⏱️ Time Commitment

Flexible (around 5–10 hours per week). We’ll work around your availability.

✨ Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help grow an early-stage health-tech startup from the ground up
• Gain practical experience in startup marketing and user acquisition
• Build skills in partnerships, outreach, and growth strategy
• Work alongside a passionate and supportive team
• Make a meaningful impact by helping more people living with PCOS discover the support they need

�� If you’re passionate about helping innovative products reach the people who need them most, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in growing Cystar and making PCOS support more accessible.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

The RARE Place

We build economic and leadership infrastructure for underestimated communities in Buffalo, New York.

Strategic Advisor/ Non Profit Consultant

The RARE Place, Inc. is a Buffalo-based 501(c)(3) working across youth programming, community economic development, and community healing rooted in East Buffalo. As we scale — running our Buffalo-Niagara MWBE & SDVOB Capacity Building Cohort, launching RARE Rollers, preparing for our upcoming MWBE & SDVOB Conference, and building out our governing board and advisory council — we're looking for a strategic advisor to help us think through organizational growth, capacity, and priorities. This role isn't about running a specific program; it's about helping our leadership step back and see the bigger picture: where we should focus next, what infrastructure or roles we need to sustain our growth, how our programs fit together into a cohesive long-term strategy, and where potential risks or opportunities may be emerging. We're looking for someone with nonprofit leadership, organizational development, or strategic consulting experience — ideally someone who has helped grassroots or founder-led organizations scale thoughtfully. This is a high-trust, high-impact role for someone who enjoys asking the right questions and helping visionary leaders sharpen their path forward.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Use your financial expertise to support Scotland’s trees and native woodlands

Future Woodlands Scotland is looking for a Finance Trustee to join our Board and help guide the organisation through its next phase of growth.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in tackling the climate crisis and restoring Scotland’s landscapes, supporting work that spans from urban forestry to the recovery of native woodlands.

About the role

Maintaining robust finances and the astute management of our funding is an essential part of our charitable impact in the field. As Finance Trustee, you’ll help ensure the charity remains financially strong, well-governed and sustainable, bringing your expertise to support strategic decision-making and long-term impact.

What you’ll bring

• Professional experience in finance (e.g. accountancy, audit, financial management)
• A strategic mindset and sound judgement
• The ability to contribute effectively at Board level

You don’t need previous Trustee experience, and an environmental background is welcome but not essential.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to shape a growing, ambitious environmental charity
• Experience of operating at Board level
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference for nature and communities across Scotland

Time commitment

• Two online meetings per year (approx. two hours)
• Two in-person meetings per year
• Finance and Audit Committee (approx. two hours four times a year)

Dacorum Heritage is seeking a committed and people-focused Trustee to join its Board of Trustees and help shape the future of a charitable museum dedicated to preserving and sharing local heritage.

You will play a key role in supporting the people who make the Dacorum Heritage’s work possible. You will help ensure volunteers and staff feel valued, heard and well supported, while contributing to the Board’s wider responsibility for good governance, financial oversight and strategic direction.

This is an opportunity to bring your experience, judgement and enthusiasm to a small charity with an important community purpose. Working collectively with fellow Trustees, you will help ensure Dacorum Heritage remains legally compliant, financially sustainable and focused on delivering its charitable objects for current and future beneficiaries.

Purpose of the Role

· Help create a positive, inclusive and well-supported environment for Dacorum Heritage’s volunteers and staff;

· Provide Board-level oversight of volunteer engagement, staff and director recruitment, and relevant HR matters.

What You Will Do

· Work with the Museum Manager to identify volunteer and staff needs, and support best practice in recruitment, induction and retention;

· Support the development of and attend informal volunteer coffee mornings and other social events in person where possible helping volunteers and staff to feel included, informed and valued;

· Develop clear routes for volunteers to share feedback, ideas and concerns;

· Oversee recruitment, interviews and appointments for the museum manager and trustees if required;

· Act as a trusted link between the Board, employees and volunteers;

· Support proportionate, effective HR and volunteer policies aligned with Dacorum Heritage’s strategic plans;

· Contribute actively and constructively to Board discussion, challenge and decision-making;

· Share collective responsibility for good governance, risk management and strategic direction; and

· Represent Dacorum Heritage positively and help build strong relationships with stakeholders and the wider community.

Dacorum Heritage is seeking a strategic, commercially aware and relationship-focused Trustee to join its Board of Trustees and help strengthen income generation and fundraising for a charitable museum dedicated to preserving and sharing local heritage.

As the Trustee with special responsibilities for income generation and fundraising, you will play a key role in helping the Board diversify income, identify funding opportunities and build relationships that support long-term sustainability. You will bring insight, challenge and practical guidance to help Dacorum Heritage grow earned income, donations, grants, sponsorship and other appropriate sources of support.

This is an opportunity to use your fundraising, business development, marketing or partnership experience to make a practical and lasting contribution to a small charity with an important community purpose. Working collaboratively with the Chair, Museum Manager and fellow Trustees, you will help ensure Dacorum Heritage has the financial resilience to care for its collections, engage communities and deliver its charitable objects for current and future beneficiaries.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Job description

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer (Grant & Funds), who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team.

The Bid Writer (Grant & Funds) will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.
• Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings
• Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.
• Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• You must be based in the UK
• You will need to have good written skills
• Able to write effective, concise and compelling content
• You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;
• Ability to work on tight deadlines
• Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

The volunteering program with Quilombo UK requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday (2 times a week).

Please note that this is a volunteering unpaid role.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits: Work from home

Experience:

• Technical Writing: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Remote