Volunteer roles

How will I be ending homelessness?

We cannot end homelessness by ourselves. To be able to help our members end their homelessness they need to be able to access local, affordable, good quality homes to rent. As a Home Search Volunteer, you will use your knowledge of your local community and your organisational and people skills to support our Housing Procurement/Landlord Liaison Teams to build local relationships with landlords and source good quality accommodation, suitable for our members to make their home. You will be someone who is up for a challenge and keen to build skills and learn more about your local housing market.

What will I be doing?

Tasks you will support the team with include:

• Researching and keeping up to date a database of local landlords and properties
• Identifying potential leads and supporting our team with follow up tasks
• Helping ensure our team knows what properties are available
• Helping with documentation and property checks such as checking for landlord certificates and the rogue landlord registry
• Talking to letting agents and landlords and building relationships with them
• Creating content for team communications
• Record keeping

Who are we looking for?

You will be great for this role if you:

• Like talking to people and are comfortable communicating and advocating for our members
• Are good at research, persistent and can be resilient when getting a 'no' from landlords. You're able to deal with negativity whilst leaving the door open in a positive manner
• Are comfortable using IT as you will need to update records, create communications, and present information
• Are organised
• Understand the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe  
• Are passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

The Position

We are looking for a Grants Officer who can support us with diverse tasks that include looking for grants opportunities, project development, proposals writing, and liaising with potential partners and donors. In this role you’ll be a key contributor to the continued existence of Second Tree, which is dependent on grants to survive, and to the creation of new projects and partnerships. To do this successfully, you'll need to employ meticulous time-management and organisation skills, as juggling multiple tasks with competing deadlines is common in this role.

The role will include:

• Researching and identifying new grant opportunities on a weekly basis

• Summarising relevant grant opportunities and suggesting how to best respond and comply with them

• Researching information and data necessary for grants and grant reporting

• Supporting the design of new projects

• Supporting with proposal writing

• Maintaining necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials for the Grants team

• Working with the wider Second Tree team to ensure that all project proposals align with organisational, and programme strategies

• Establishing and maintaining connections with funding bodies

You should be able to:

• Professionally communicate in English (verbally and in writing)

• Read, comprehend, interpret, summarise and follow proposal guidelines

• Work to tight deadlines with flexibility and a problem-solving attitude;

• Conduct thorough, high-quality, independent research

• Work both independently and as part of a team

• Manage and prioritise projects effectively to meet team and proposal deadlines

The ideal candidate will have:

• Working knowledge of project management techniques such as LFA

• Knowledge of and experience with grant-giving bodies and other external funding sources (e.g. European Commission)

• A strong sense of logic while building an argument

What We Offer:

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Grants Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

We encourage applicants to join us in person, but if this is not possible we will consider remote applications for this role.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Role: Head of Local Operations (Scotland & Northern Ireland)

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Head of Local Operations to lead the launch and on-going delivery of its commissioned research projects in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The focus of these projects will be obtaining and analysing primary and secondary data in order to help smaller community organisations improve their ways of working and effectively report on their impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring their teams deliver these projects within the agreed time-scales and in line with the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations, growing Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach.

Working closely with the Departmental Director, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively contribute to the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Director of Local Operations.

Role Purpose

The Deputy Head of Ethics & Research Reporting is a senior volunteer leadership role designed to provide strategic and operational resilience across the department. This role will initially serve as Interim Head of Ethics & Research Reporting during the Head of Department’s leave of absence, assuming full leadership responsibilities. When the Head returns in May, the Deputy will transition into the standard Deputy Head role, continuing to provide leadership continuity, oversight and support.

The Deputy Head works across both the Ethics Team and the Research Reporting Team, ensuring that ethical standards, research integrity and high‑quality reporting are upheld across all departmental activity.

Key Responsibilities

During Interim Headship (until May)

• Provide full strategic and operational leadership for the Ethics & Research Reporting Department.

• Set departmental priorities, oversee planning and ensure alignment with organisational strategy.

• Lead and motivate Senior Managers, Managers and wider departmental volunteers.

• Ensure ethical governance, research integrity and responsible data practices across all projects.

• Oversee departmental performance, reporting regularly to C‑Level leadership and Trustees.

• Maintain oversight of departmental budgets, costs and resource needs in collaboration with relevant teams.

• Ensure GDPR compliance and good data‑handling practices across the department.

• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring safe, ethical and compliant operations.

• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures and quality standards.

• Ensure accurate, timely reporting and documentation across both Ethics and Research Reporting functions.

After Transition to Deputy Head (from May onwards)

• Support the Head of Department in delivering strategic and operational leadership.

• Provide continuity, stability and leadership resilience across the department.

• Lead delegated strategic initiatives or operational areas as assigned by the Head of Department.

• Share responsibility for departmental planning, performance monitoring and reporting.

• Support Senior Managers and Managers, offering guidance, oversight and problem‑solving support.

• Contribute to departmental policy development, risk management and quality assurance.

• Act as a key point of contact for cross‑departmental collaboration and organisational alignment.

• Step into leadership when required to ensure smooth, uninterrupted departmental operations.

Competency Requirements (Deputy Head)

To succeed in this senior volunteer leadership role, the Deputy Head should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership capability, with the ability to translate organisational goals into departmental plans.

• Advanced ethical awareness, including deep understanding of research ethics, integrity and responsible data management.

• Clear, confident communication, suitable for volunteers, senior leaders and Trustees.

• Collaborative leadership, fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive departmental culture.

• Professionalism and integrity, modelling fairness, consistency and ethical behaviour.

• Sound judgement and decision‑making, especially in complex or sensitive ethical scenarios.

• Operational oversight skills, including planning, resource management and performance monitoring.

• Risk awareness, with the ability to identify, assess and mitigate ethical, operational and reputational risks.

• Ability to support and develop others, including Senior Managers, Managers and wider volunteers.

• Commitment to GDPR compliance, responsible data handling and good governance practices.

• Adaptability, particularly during the interim leadership period and subsequent transition.

Role Requirements (Deputy Head)

Given the seniority and responsibility of this volunteer role, the following experience is required:

• A PhD is required, along with postdoctoral research experience, or significant academic or practical research experience at an equivalent level, demonstrating advanced expertise in research design, ethics, governance or reporting.

• Substantial experience in research ethics, research governance or research leadership, ideally across multiple projects or teams.

• Experience in strategic planning, departmental oversight or senior‑level decision‑making, whether in a volunteer, academic or professional context.

• A strong track record of ethical decision‑making, particularly in roles where judgement, integrity and risk assessment were central.

• Experience with research reporting, research communication or academic publication processes is highly beneficial.

• A strong interest in ethical governance, research integrity and maintaining high standards across research projects.

• Familiarity with GDPR and responsible data management practices, or willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.

• Experience working with volunteers or mixed‑experience teams is advantageous.

Overview of the Role:

The Head of IT & Systems will lead the technological vision, strategy, and execution

for the organization. This role requires a strong focus on developing robust IT

systems, overseeing digital transformation, ensuring data security, and maintaining

operational efficiency to support the organization's objectives. Management and

people leadership are integral to this role, ensuring effective team collaboration and

development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement the IT strategy in alignment with
• organizational goals.
• System Management: Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of
• IT systems, ensuring seamless operation and security.
• Digital Transformation: Lead initiatives to modernize technology
• infrastructure and integrate innovative solutions.
• Cybersecurity: Develop policies and practices to protect the organization
• against cybersecurity threats and ensure compliance with data protection
• regulations.
• Vendor Relations: Manage relationships with external IT service providers,
• ensuring value and quality.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering
• professional development and maintaining strong team dynamics.
• Budget Management: Plan and manage the IT budget effectively to
• maximize resources.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to support
• organisational needs with technology solutions.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in IT leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of IT systems, infrastructure, and security.
• Exceptional management, people leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Commitment: This role requires a flexible commitment of approximately 5 to 10

hours per week, which can be adjusted to fit around other responsibilities

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and inspired to transform the lives of survivors, young people, and communities at scale? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a visionary Founding Volunteer Fundraising Director to join our founding team and help us build a community-owned, values-led ecosystem that confronts the realities of child sexual abuse (CSA), amplifies survivor truth, and generates transformative social impact. This is more than a role—it’s a chance to co-create systems, culture, and infrastructure for an organisation committed to accountability, empowerment, and collective liberation.

About the Role:

As our Founding Fundraising Director, you will be the strategic and operational engine behind all fundraising initiatives. Your work will directly fuel the organisation’s ability to reach and serve survivors, mentor young people into economic empowerment, and build sustainable, community-owned systems. You will lead campaigns, develop partnerships, and create innovative fundraising strategies that align with our anti-capitalist, community-first values. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, requiring someone who can think systemically while engaging authentically with our communities.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Competencies

• Proven experience planning, managing, and delivering successful fundraising initiatives.
• Skilled in preparing clear, persuasive proposals, applications, and reports.
• Competence in tracking, reporting, and analysing donations and fundraising performance.
• Knowledge of UK charity law, GDPR, and safeguarding principles relevant to fundraising.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organisational, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and leadership teams.

Desirable Competencies

• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems.
• Experience designing and executing events and campaign strategies.
• Knowledge of corporate partnership development and grant funding strategy.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff or volunteers in fundraising.
• Ability to integrate fundraising strategy with wider organisational goals.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in fundraising, charity management, or related fields desirable but optional.
• Equivalent professional experience in fundraising, development, or resource mobilisation is acceptable.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Identify, research, and evaluate potential funding opportunities, including:
  • Grant-making bodies
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Individual donors and community fundraising
• Prepare high-quality, persuasive funding proposals, applications, and reports that demonstrate impact and need.
• Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, donations, pledges, and communications to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets, providing regular reports and recommendations to the leadership team.
• Coordinate fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, including:
  • Logistics
  • Scheduling
  • Volunteer and staff coordination
  • Post-event reporting and follow-up
• Develop and maintain systems to track donor engagement, income, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring data is accurate and secure.
• Liaise with external partners, stakeholders, and supporters to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and identify new funding opportunities.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, safeguarding requirements, and GDPR.
• Support leadership in strategic planning and decision-making around resource mobilisation.
• Contribute to building a culture of ethical fundraising, transparency, and donor stewardship.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to volunteers or junior staff involved in fundraising initiatives.

What This Role Offers You:

• The rare opportunity to shape the founding infrastructure of a pioneering C.I.C. and leave a lasting social legacy.
• Hands-on leadership experience in designing and running community-driven systems.
• Personal and professional transformation through exposure to survivor-led, values-centred work.
• A chance to meaningfully contribute to systemic change, empowering vulnerable communities and fostering accountability and truth.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely financial reward or hierarchical prestige.
• Those unwilling to work within a values-led, anti-capitalist framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or traditional corporate processes, our culture is emergent, collaborative and mission-driven.

If you are ready to step into a leadership role that blends strategy, action, and social impact, while building the systems and culture of a revolutionary survivor-led organisation, we want to hear from you. Apply now and help us transform truth into lasting change.

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Fundraising is not just income.
It is stewardship.

If you know that:

• Ethical fundraising sustains communities
• Pressure should never compromise values
• Leadership means saying no when needed