Volunteer roles

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

The Men in Sheds Project: Is a project specifically for men aged 50+. It provides a well equipped workshop space where men can work together on a range of practical activities. We currently have ‘sheds’ in Blidworth and Worksop. The project aims to:

- encourage men to be more socially active

- give members an outlet for their skills and the opportunity to learn new skills

- provide a break amongst friends for older men who are carers

- give retired men the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the local community

- provide access to information and other local services Members are encouraged to take ownership of their ’shed’.

What impact does this role have? This role helps combat social isolation for men over the age of 50.

What activities might you be involved in?

• To unlock the shed and get it ready for use, heating, check for unsafe items of machines etc.

• Supervising workshop sessions, alongside another volunteer.

• Collect or oversee the payment of subscriptions, ensure that members book in on the attendance register

• Assist members if needed with projects, lifting etc.

• Agree with members in advance on the price of projects that members make

• Take payment for items when finished, issue a receipt and record the sale

• Encourage work that could be done to members, orders, seasonal items etc.

• Meet and greet visitors, ensure they comply with all safety requirements and to sign in

• Meet and greet potential new members, show them around the shed and briefly describe the aims and function of the shed. Arrange a meeting with a shed leader for induction if interested. Ensure they comply with all safety requirements and to sign in

• (With one other Volunteer or member) Count and record subscriptions & tea fund at the end of the day and put away in the safe 

• You will be supported by a staff member from the Men in Sheds Team 

• To check that everything is switched off, the ‘Red Button’ is pressed and to lock up at the end of the day

• Reporting any concerns to the Shed leader

What are we looking for?

➢ Friendly personality and approachable manner

➢ Ability to use own initiative to work alone, or as part of a team

➢ Understanding of the workshop environment and/ or working with power tools

➢ Appreciation of the need to follow health and safety guidelines

o Ensure members follow the shed’s General Safety Rules

o Ensure that all members work in a safe manner

o Ensure machines are not used inappropriately

o Ensure members wear the correct PPE equipment as per the H&S notices,

o To wear PPE equipment yourself, if you don’t use PPE and injure yourself, you could be negligent, the shed will not accept any responsibility for your injury. This should also be pointed out to members

o Ensure there is no smoking in the shed, only in the outside designated smoking area

o Stop other members from carrying out unsafe practices or report it to a Shed Leader immediately

o Actively contribute to keeping the shed clean and tidy

➢ Expected levels of conduct include:

o Treat members and fellow volunteers in a friendly and supportive approachable manner

o Not use rude, offensive, threatening or abusive behaviour, language or gestures

o If anybody is deemed under the influence they will be asked to leave the shed and not to return until sober

o Report any incidents or breach of any of the above to the Shed Leader in confidence

o Report any complaints about the project / charity in line with Age UK Notts’ Compliments and Complaints procedure

➢ Be able to cover a session either weekly or to provide cover on an ‘as needed’ basis.

Ability to work sensitively and confidentially with men from a variety of backgrounds.

➢ Willingness to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

• We are looking for volunteers who can regularly commit to at least one morning or afternoon session per week, and who also have flexibility to cover holidays and/or illness etc.

  · The Worksop Shed is open Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm

  · The Blidworth Shed is open Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 4pm

• The Blidworth shed is likely to be opening on a Monday in the near future, and we are therefore particularly looking for volunteers on a Monday afternoon.

Days to be agreed with the shed.

Please note that this volunteer role is aimed at the older male population who attends the shed.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one - two hours per month.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

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 the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

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 ESOL classes; 

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

• 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; 

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

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

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

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• 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; 

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

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

Desirable: 

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

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; 

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

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

As a volunteer in our new High Street shop you will enjoy interacting with people and have a passion to help our charity raise money to support its animal welfare activities You will be;

• Friendly and confident at talking to people

• Flexible and able to offer an ongoing commitment 

• Keen to learn new skills

Things our volunteers do:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need

• Accepting donations of items and money from the public

• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid

• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell

• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items

• Merchandising stock on the shop floor

• Creating attractive shop window displays

Support will be provided throughout your time with us, you’ll also benefit from;

• Meeting new people and making new friends in your local area

• Learn new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, cash handling, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more

• Your own shop discount!

• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of the animals in our branch.

About TLC 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

Service Introduction 

The Social Media department is integral to our organisation. The social media team works together to create informative and entertaining content to build a community around the Trans Legal Clinic. We have assisted over 70 clients since October 2023.

Our Social Media department is made up of committed Social Media Content Officers, working under the Social Media Manager. 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Design and Content Creation 

Be adept and comfortable using Canva, with an eye for design. 

Create engaging and eye-catching posts and content for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn. 

Write engaging captions and copy for social media content to drive engagement across social media channels.  

Confident using video editing software and a willingness to learn new editing software as and when required. 

Write and edit scripts for video posts. 

Teamwork 

Engage with assigned tasks and support other volunteers in the social media team.

Keep your fellow volunteers and manager updated on your content creation and any issues you encounter throughout the process.   

Set out to reach team performance targets.

Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions.

Be respectful to colleagues and support good communication between all stakeholders. 

Work with caseworkers to create content for specific raised issues. 

Research and Outreach 

Create resources for the organisation and those seeking information on our website in a digestible way. 

Reach out to other organisations, especially those that work with trans* people, to collaborate and share knowledge and resources.   

Conduct research into relevant topics and how they affect trans* and gender diverse people. 

Review 

Review and evaluate own performance to identify strengths and areas for development. 

Undertake development and training opportunities. 

General 

Adhere to Trans Legal Clinic’s Policies and Procedures at all times. 

Cover for other members of the team and department as necessary. 

Be proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying upon areas for improvement and development. 

Undertake any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the role and/or reasonable duties required by more senior members of staff. 

Attend and participate in external meetings and briefings as required. 

Interested in and committed to supporting good mental health through counselling?

Could you be the next Chair of Sandhurst Counselling Services?

 We are looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic individual to lead our charity through the next and exciting phase of our existence, as Sandhurst Counselling Service transforms onto a durable financial footing.

If you have the skills and enthusiasm to cooperatively govern, lead our trustee Board to bring our strategy into action, you could be the next Chair of our small and long-standing charity, based in Sandhurst, Berkshire. As we are also recruiting for a new Treasurer, you could be part of our new ‘transformation team’.

About us:

Sandhurst Counselling Service evolved from a drop-in service started in August 1990 by St Michael's church in Sandhurst, and provides a safe confidential space for anyone feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, hopeless or lost, to help people find their way. The charity is an unincorporated Charitable Trust with an income of  ~£60k p.a.

Trustees have set out a plan for our immediate and longer-term future that initially includes transforming our funding base between now and September 2025.

About the role

We’re looking for someone with an understanding of leadership for our charitable organisation. If you have previous experience of governance in an appropriate corporate or charity environment, or of general charity trusteeship, that will be highly-valued.

This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to our values and to the future of our charity both essential qualities.

Our trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with understanding of our counselling services, and we require all new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and our delivery.

If you can think and lead strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you also must be able to work collectively with other Board members.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles alongside our values to govern our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The Board meets quarterly face-to-face at our premises, GU47 8HN, on a mid-week afternoon (this is flexible, and can be subject to future discussion/negotiation), for up to three hours.

As Chair you will need to dedicate approx. six hours per month to the role, and at key times, a little more. This includes preparation for and attendance at Board meetings; many of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as at face-to-face meetings.

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our existing trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone), explanation about this important role and any assistance in your application.

Treasurer (trustee) for Sandhurst Counselling Services 

Do you have financial skills to help an organisation that supports good mental health?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled person to be the next Treasurer for Sandhurst Counselling Services, a small and effective charity based in Sandhurst, Berkshire.

If you have understanding and experience of governing charity or similar not-for-private-profit finances, you could be the Treasurer, and alongside our new Chair, head up our new ‘transformation team’.

About us:

Sandhurst Counselling Service evolved from a drop-in service started in August 1990 by St Michael's church in Sandhurst, and provides a safe confidential space for anyone feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, hopeless or lost, to help people find their way. The charity is an unincorporated Charitable Trust with an income of  ~£60k p.a.

Trustees have set out a plan for our immediate and longer-term future that initially includes transforming our funding base between now and September 2025.

The role and what we are looking for in a new Treasurer 

Our Treasurer works closely with the Chair and other trustees, our Administration and Clinical Managers,  and leads liaison with the External Examiner for our annual accounts. Although all trustees are equally responsible for our finances, our Treasurer maintains the overview and leads the Board in our discussions of financial matters.

Our Board includes people with understanding of our counselling services, and we require all new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and our delivery.

Your experience of managing finances or bookkeeping is important. We’d welcome a financial qualification, but that’s not a prerequisite, as our finances aren’t complex. An understanding of how charity finance works would be beneficial, and the ability to clearly communicate our financial information to other trustees is very important. Support from our Administration Manager is always available, as they deal with day-to-day matters.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles alongside our values to govern our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The Board meets quarterly face-to-face at our premises, GU47 8HN, on a mid-week afternoon (this is flexible, and can be subject to future discussion/negotiation), for up to three hours.

You will need to dedicate about six hours per month to the role which includes preparation for and attendance at Board meetings; many of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as at face-to-face meetings.

 How to apply

This high-profile appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our existing trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone), explanation about this important role and any assistance in your application.

Job description

Duration: Short-term project (with potential for ongoing involvement)

About the Role

Children With Voices is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to help update our Impact Report (Deck) from 2021. This report highlights the charity’s achievements, including the number of people we have fed, the services we have provided, and our overall community impact.

We have multiple internal documents holding updated information, and we need a dedicated volunteer to extract key data, organise it, and integrate it into the updated version of the report. This role is crucial in highlighting the charity’s progress to funders, partners, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

•Review & audit the 2021 Impact Report – Identify outdated sections and areas requiring updates.

•Data Collection & Analysis – Extract key metrics from internal documents, including food distribution numbers, volunteering efforts, and service impact.

•Update & Refine Content – Ensure the report is accurate, well-structured, and engaging.

•Create Visual Data Representations – Develop simple charts or infographics to illustrate key findings (if applicable).

•Ensure Consistency in Branding & Messaging – Maintain a professional and cohesive tone aligned with Children With Voices’ mission.

•Collaborate with Team Members – Work with staff to verify data and gather additional insights.

•Finalise & Format the Updated Report – Prepare the document for internal review and external presentation.

Skills & Experience Required

•Strong Research & Data Analysis Skills – Ability to extract, interpret, and organise numerical and qualitative data.

•Excellent Writing & Editing Skills – Strong attention to detail and ability to present information clearly.

•Project Management & Organisation – Ability to manage multiple documents and keep track of key updates.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) & Google Docs – Experience with Canva or other design tools is a plus.

•Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to identify gaps in information and seek solutions.

•Graphic Design & Infographics (Preferred but not required) – Familiarity with data visualisation to enhance report presentation.

•Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively – Self-motivated but comfortable seeking guidance when needed.

•Experience with Impact Reporting (Preferred but not needed) – Any previous experience with grant reports, annual reports, or case studies is a bonus.

What We Offer

•Mentorship and support from the Children With Voices team.

•Opportunity to develop skills in research, data analysis, and report writing.

•A chance to contribute to a meaningful cause and help secure future funding for vital community programs.

•Volunteer reference upon successful completion of the role.

How to Apply

Interested volunteers can apply by submitting resume or CV witha short cover letter outlining their relevant skills and experience.

Contract: Volunteer

Hours: Up to 4 hours per month

Could you befriend and support a child in care?

We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Stockport!

About the Role

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.

Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.

Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Please mark any questions as N/A if they seem irrelevant to the Independent Visitor role.

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No.312278.

Grants & Bids Writing Volunteers Role Overview

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek Grants and Bids Writing Volunteers to join us celebrate our Silver Jubilee from across the world to help us apply for funding from major donors, development aid agencies and public sector tenders.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Grant writing

• Developing and writing grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organisations.
• Assembling and submitting grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets.
• Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities - including deadline dates, required materials,
• Researches and identifies potential sources of funders and corporate and governmental funding.
• Complete and submit grant applications to secure funding

 Tender & Bid Writing

• Write and submit tenders to win contracts.
• Maintaining awareness of tenders, acquiring PQQ questionnaires and tender documentation.
• Responding to tender invitations from the UK and other governments, EU tenders, the public sector and local authorities from the UK in areas such as health and social care.
• Recruit partners for the EU grants & tenders and other tender projects.
• Collating the input of contributions to create a coherent and well-structured final tender and ensuring the timely submission of tenders and other proposals.

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with the AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving, and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• Degree in any subject area that results in superb language writing skills, including grammar, clarity and style.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organised and have experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• You MUST have at least 3 years of experience writing and delivering successful grants and tenders, especially for public health contracts such as health checks, smoking cessation, etc., from the UK government, NHS, DOHSC, Ministry of Justice, London authorities, and county councils.
• An understanding and passion for issues affecting Africa's political, social and economic development and health, social care, climate change and environmental development.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

Trustee of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine trustees and we are looking to appoint another trustee with experience of strategic HR and/or cultural change.

The Role

The duties of a trustee are as follows.

·Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

·Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

·Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

·Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

·Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive and other staff members

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Person specification 

·A commitment to the organisation 

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

·An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

We are looking for Activity Leaders and Activity Assistants to help deliver activity session for various groups of young people and children visiting Cameron's Cottage.

Cameron's Cottage is a outdoor nature education centre for children and young people, based at RSPB Franchises Lodge on the edge of the New Forest. The Cottage has capacity to sleep up to 19, and welcomes both day visiting groups and those coming for a residential stay. RSPB staff lead the groups in a range of different activities, including nature walks, team building games, wildlife surveys known as 'bioblitz', conservation tasks, mindfulness walks and so much more! We are looking for volunteers who would be able to assist RSPB with delivering these activities, and there is the possibility for you to build up confidence and ability to lead these activities, if you are interested.

Please visit our volunteering page to find out more info and fill out our online form to help us connect young people back to nature!

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.