Voluntary Volunteer Roles in Europe

This is an opportunity to be involved with a pioneering project which seeks to use the historic North Wing building at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for inspiration, respite, and recovery.

Barts Heritage are looking to recruit four members to join their Heritage and Health Engagement Advisory Panel; two heritage or cultural professionals, a heritage and health practitioner, and an academic.

You will join an interdisciplinary team, which will include Barts NHS Trust staff, members of the Barts Heritage engagement team, and creative health practitioners. As a group you will:

1. Act as critical friends bringing varied experience and expertise from heritage, health, arts, and cultural contexts to guide and challenge project development.
2. Offer expert advice to ensure the project’s ambitions for innovation in approaches uniting heritage and health are met.
3. Act as advocates, sharing the work of the project within your sector, and connecting the Sharing Historic Barts project team to relevant people within your networks.
4. Play a part in ensuring the project’s work is sustainable and has a legacy.

Do you want to make a real difference to Scope, the disability equality charity, and our income?

Do you like a variety of roles, from talking to people to sorting stock, or are you not sure what you’d like to do?

Do you have a couple of hours a week to support your local charity shop?

You might like our shop volunteer role! 

About this role 

You will be vital to the work of your local Scope shop, generating income and raising awareness of our work in your local community. You will receive all training and support you need to get involved and enjoy your time volunteering. 

Your role may include: 

• sorting and organising goods for sale
• helping to display stock and window dressing
• tidying and cleaning the shop
• welcoming and supporting customers
• using the till and taking payments
• steaming clothes so they look better for customers
• pricing and tagging new donations

When and where 

You will be in our Scope Burton on Trent shop at 41 High Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1JS. We are flexible on the times you would like to volunteer. We’d love your help for as little as 1 hour a week, but if you can give more time that would help us even more.

Who we’re looking for 

We welcome anyone who is friendly and passionate about disability equality! 

Some volunteers want to learn more about charities or about retail. Others want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people. Other volunteers are interested in our training and development opportunities. Some people join us to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes people want to help a charity shop they like shopping in, while also getting a discount in the shop!

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Scope’s mission. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all volunteers.

Skills and experience you can gain 

• teamwork
• customer service
• till operation
• organisation
• retail skills
• communication
• stock preparation and management
• health and safety
• valuable experience for your cv
• experience of a large, national disability charity

What we can offer you ​

• introduction to scope
• demonstration of your tasks
• training courses, in person and online
• personal development opportunities
• support and regular catchups from a dedicated manager
• agreed travel expenses- all volunteers are entitled to claim their travel expenses if they work a minimum of a 4-hour shift.
• adjustments to make the role accessible for you
• work experience for your cv
• a work reference
• 20% discount in your scope charity shop

Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Volunteering at Scope 

Scope is a disability equality charity providing practical information, emotional support and campaigning for a fairer society. 

As a shop volunteer, you’ll help raise vital funds for our work towards everyday equality for disabled people. You will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people and their families. 

Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope. Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team.

Are you calm, collected and happy to chat on the phone? Join the volunteer team at our new brislington furniture store. With support from the shop team, you will be the first point of contact for customers, helping them with any phone or online enquiries, arranging collections of donations via our local van teams and explaining our Gift Aid scheme. You will also be using our online collections request system to process online collection booking requests. This is a busy front of house role for those who like to be in the thick of it and makes a huge difference in helping us continue to fund lifesaving research.

Typical tasks include:

· Dealing with face-to-face, phone and online enquiries, supported by the team

· Reception and front of house duties, helping around the cashier desk

· Completing administration procedures accurately

· Arranging collections of donations via our local van teams

Volunteering with the British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too…

· A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops

· Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust

· Access to training and development

· Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

· Refreshments available

· Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided

· Access to discounts with other retailers

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 16 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop.

Volunteer with us! - New Volunteer Oppportunity in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore - opening in Tewkesbury!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our brand new Tewkesbury superstore shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between.

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee Treasurer for the board.

What will you be doing?

About Been There

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

About the role

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee and Secretary of the board. Alongside relevant experience, you will also possess an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising multiple tasks, and will be a natural team player with excellent written and spoken English.

Main Responsibilities

● Financial Oversight: Oversee and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the board in a clear and understandable manner.

● Strategic Financial Planning: Work with the board to ensure that financial strategies and decisions are fully integrated into the strategic plans of the charity.

● Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity's assets. Monitor and manage financial risk.

● Statutory Reporting: Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory financial reporting requirements.

● Audit and Financial Analysis: Lead in the appointment and liaison with auditors, and provide insightful analysis on financial reports and audits.

● Budgeting and Forecasting: Oversee the development and review of the charity's annual budget and financial forecasts.

● Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

● Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of charity finance and governance.

● Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

● Skills: Excellent financial and analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

● Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.

● Ethics: A commitment to the values and mission of Been There, with a passion for making a difference in the community.

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity for people struggling with their mental health relating to body image. 

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team and your support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.

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. 

Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation, and IT skills.

 

What is an Administration Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.

The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders.

 

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.

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.

We aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent administrators to keep things running efficiently behind the scenes.

 

What would you be doing?

• Every SSAFA Branch has different needs, however, below are the main activities of a Branch Administration Coordinator.
• Overseeing enquiries: Overseeing the administration of the branch shared inbox and post, ensuring queries are answered.
• Getting people together: Organising internal meetings, both virtually and face to face
• Planning and organising: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to arrange events such as the Branch Annual General Meeting
• Note taking and recording: Maintaining accurate records of meetings and decisions.
• Communicating: Supporting the Branch Chair with internal communications, keeping other volunteers up to date and informed
• Tracking and ordering: Keeping a record of branch assets, ordering stationery, and ensuring maintenance of equipment
• Supporting health and safety: Supporting the Branch Chair with administration of personal, office and event risk assessments where required

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
• 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 I receive?

• 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.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from regional volunteering and operations employees
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• 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 people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people or events is beneficial.
• Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online diaries– you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

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 takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

 

Are 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? No 

Role summary

In this role, you will be helping to ensure that much needed meals get to the right people, connecting cooks and diners in your local area, and assisting with collection and distribution.

If you’re eager to get involved in the Nourish Now Project but are not interested in cooking an extra portion of a meal, signing up as a Connector may be for you. 

We’ll provide you with a cool bag, some spare containers and labels. Just leave these out on your doorstep on the agreed day, so people can leave their meals in the bag. You don’t even have to be in! Once you’ve got the meals, we’ll let you know where to drop them, or arrange for someone to collect the meals from you for distribution if you’re unable to deliver them. 

We also offer the opportunity to help collect meals from cooks who are unable to deliver directly themselves and drop these to our diners- all within walking distance of you! If you’re interested in getting involved in any capacity, sign up to find out more and begin making a positive impact in your community today! 

The Connector position enables you to connect with cooks and diners alike and to build relationships with those in your community. An integral part of our model is not only fighting food poverty, but also developing stronger community ties. A friendly face and a chat can be just as important to our diners as the meal itself.

About us 

The Act Now Initiative designs simple, sustainable solutions to the problems local communities are facing. In this role, you would be working on our primary project, Nourish Now, under which volunteer cooks make one extra portion of a meal per week, which is then distributed to people in urgent need of a nourishing meal and of social connection. So far, we have facilitated the provision of over 2,500 meals, using no transport, no extra kitchens, and no extra energy.

Conditions

• Volunteer hours: 1-3 hours per week - timings can be flexible to suit volunteers. 
• Location: From your home. UK wide.
• Expenses: This is a community volunteering opportunity. 

Responsibilities

• Assist with the collection and distribution of meals.  
• Leave a cool bag out on your doorstep, so people can drop their meals within agreed hours one day a week. 
• Our meal connectors often drop the meals at a local food hub, such as a soup kitchen, to be distributed. However, if this is a barrier to you getting involved, let us know and we can try to find someone who is able to collect the meals from you and distribute them. 
• Support the smooth running of the program in your community.
• Ensure any issues and ideas for improvement are brought to the attention of team leaders. 

If you think this role may be for you, please apply!

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Volunteer Project Worker Responsibilities: 

As a Volunteer Project Worker, you will play a key role in supporting our outreach sessions. Your friendly and welcoming demeanour will contribute to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for children of all ages and backgrounds. Whatever your PASSION is – come and teach our children!!! 

Your main responsibilities may include: 

1. Play Sessions: 

- Engage with children in interactive and imaginative play sessions, promoting creativity and social development. 

2. Cookery Activities: 

- Assist in cookery sessions, helping children explore the joy of preparing simple, nutritious meals. 

3. Sewing and Crafting: 

- Guide children in sewing and crafting activities, fostering their artistic expression and fine motor skills. 

4. Friendly Support: 

- Provide a warm and welcoming presence, ensuring that every child feels valued and included during the sessions. 

5. Sense of Humor: 

- Bring your good sense of humor to create a joyful and enjoyable environment for both children and fellow volunteers. 

6. Flexibility: 

- Be adaptable and ready to assist in various activities as needed during outreach sessions. 

Why Volunteer with Us: 

- Make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community. 

- Join a vibrant and inclusive team dedicated to creating a nurturing environment. 

- Enhance your skills in working with diverse age groups and backgrounds. 

- Be part of a welcoming and supportive community that values your contribution.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• For this role you must have a driving licence and be able to transport equipment 
• This role will require you to organise events for the branch 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

About Bookmark

Bookmark exists to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading. We partner with schools to develop whole school reading cultures and to provide one-to-one reading support.

For the children who need us, we’re changing their story. 

About the role

Each year, one in four children leave primary school unable to read well and disadvantaged children are disproportionately affected. Struggling to read can contribute to poor educational attainment, lower literacy in adulthood and has even been linked to a lower life expectancy. 

Bookmark volunteers spend one hour a week reading stories and playing games with a child aged between five and ten years old, on our secure online platform. The programme involves two 30-minute sessions a week with the same child, for six weeks. You book your programme through the Bookmark Volunteer Hub and select sessions at times that work with your schedule.

“It was such a wonderful experience. I was very happy knowing that I was helping someone. The child really improved a lot during the 6 weeks. It was really rewarding for me to see the improvement.” — Joe, Bookmark volunteer

Why volunteer with Bookmark?

New government data shows that attainment fell further for poorer pupils this year which has widened the attainment to the largest it has been in 10 years.  

As a Bookmark volunteer, you’ll help to bridge this gap. You’ll:

• Help children who struggle with their reading gain essential skills at a crucial age. This will prepare them to move up the school, ready to tackle new challenges without falling further behind. Three quarters of our volunteers noticed their reader become more confident with their reading.
• Make learning to read fun by bringing your own personality into the sessions and getting to know your reader’s interests. It’s amazing when you introduce a book, comic or poem for the first time that they love! 90% of teachers said that pupils enjoy reading more after our programme.
• Give a child one-to-one attention and be a role model. Teachers have told us that children really benefit from this dedicated time and found it boosted their self-esteem and confidence as well as their reading. You can read more about this in our Impact Report.

Helping a child with their reading is also really fun and rewarding. Over 60% of our volunteers said their own wellbeing had improved because of volunteering with Bookmark.

Is volunteering with Bookmark right for me?

Our volunteers are all ages and from all walks of life. At Bookmark we aim to make volunteering accessible to as many people as possible, so we can help more children.

• Are you over 18 and currently living in the UK?
• Are you passionate about literacy and its importance?
• Are you able to show enthusiasm, encouragement, empathy and patience?
• Can you commit to two 30-minute sessions a week, for six consecutive weeks?
• Are you willing to complete at least 3 six-week programmes a year?
• Can you provide two references for your application (for safeguarding reasons)?
• Do you have access to a PC, laptop or Chromebook with a webcam and internet connection (iPads, phones and/or tablets are not compatible), and do you feel relatively comfortable using technology?
  • If NO, then you can still apply to be to volunteer on our face-to-face programmes in certain locations.

Main duties and objectives

• Help children who struggle with their reading gain essential skills at a crucial age. This will prepare them to move up the school, ready to tackle new challenges without falling further behind. Three quarters of our volunteers noticed their reader become more confident with their reading.
• Make learning to read fun by bringing your own personality into the sessions and getting to know your reader’s interests. It’s amazing when you introduce a book, comic or poem for the first time that they love! 90% of teachers said that pupils enjoy reading more after our programme.
• Give a child one-to-one attention and be a role model. Teachers have told us that children really benefit from this dedicated time and found it boosted their self-esteem and confidence as well as their reading. You can read more about this in our Impact Report.

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create an environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Bookmark is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all sections of society and communities we operate in.

Bookmark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and requires everyone associated with the charity, including all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Exciting Opportunity Alert! Children with Voices is on the lookout for a passionate and skilled Volunteer Project Manager to join our dynamic team. If you're ready to contribute your project management expertise to make a meaningful difference, this opportunity is for you! 

Responsibilities: 

- Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables. 

- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations to guide project execution. 

- Lead project teams and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members. 

- Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met. 

- Identify potential risks and obstacles to project success and develop mitigation strategies. 

- Monitor project progress and address issues or deviations from the plan in a timely manner. 

- Coordinate the allocation of resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to support project activities. 

- Optimise resource utilisation and identify opportunities for cost savings or efficiencies. 

- Communicate project status, updates, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. 

- Solicit feedback and input from stakeholders to ensure that project outcomes meet their needs and expectations. 

- Establish and implement quality assurance processes to ensure that project deliverables meet established standards and requirements. 

- Conduct regular reviews and evaluations to assess project performance and identify areas for improvement. 

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, and reports. 

- Prepare and present project status reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders. 

Qualifications: 

- Proven experience in project management, successfully delivering projects on time and within budget. 

- Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices. 

- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. 

- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. 

- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset. 

- Experience in the non-profit sector or with social impact projects is preferred but not required. 

Join our team and be part of positive change! Your contribution as a Volunteer Project Manager will directly impact our projects, creating a better future for the community we serve. We cover transport costs and provide nourishing meals for our dedicated volunteers. Apply now and be part of our dynamic team!

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. 

Position Overview: 

Children With Voices, a dynamic and community-driven charity committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Bid Writer. This role is instrumental in securing funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to ensure the continuous growth and success of the charity's initiatives. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Research and Identify Funding Opportunities: 

- Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities aligned with Children With Voices' mission and projects. 

2. Proposal Development: 

- Collaborate with the charity's leadership team to gather information on projects and programs requiring funding. 

- Develop compelling and well-articulated grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and requirements. 

- Craft persuasive narratives that effectively communicate the impact of Children With Voices' activities. 

3. Grant Application Submission: 

- Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines, adhering to all application guidelines and requirements. 

- Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and communication with funding bodies. 

4. Relationship Building: 

- Establish and maintain positive relationships with potential donors, grant-making organisations, and other stakeholders. 

- Engage in effective communication to convey the charity's mission and project goals. 

5. Collaboration and Coordination: 

- Work closely with the fundraising team and project managers to gather necessary information for proposals. 

- Collaborate with other team members to ensure the integration of programmatic and financial data in grant applications. 

Qualifications: 

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

- Previous experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields is desirable. 

- Strong research skills to identify relevant funding opportunities. 

- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines. 

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and project management skills. 

- Passion for the mission and values of Children With Voices. 

Time Commitment: 

Flexible, with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per week. 

Location: 

This role can be performed remotely, with occasional virtual or in-person meetings as needed.

Position Overview: 

Children With Voices, a dynamic and community-driven charity committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Bid Writer. This role is instrumental in securing funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to ensure the continuous growth and success of the charity's initiatives. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Research and Identify Funding Opportunities: 

- Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities aligned with Children With Voices' mission and projects. 

2. Proposal Development: 

- Collaborate with the charity's leadership team to gather information on projects and programs requiring funding. 

- Develop compelling and well-articulated grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and requirements. 

- Craft persuasive narratives that effectively communicate the impact of Children With Voices' activities. 

3. Grant Application Submission: 

- Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines, adhering to all application guidelines and requirements. 

- Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and communication with funding bodies. 

4. Relationship Building: 

- Establish and maintain positive relationships with potential donors, grant-making organisations, and other stakeholders. 

- Engage in effective communication to convey the charity's mission and project goals. 

5. Collaboration and Coordination: 

- Work closely with the fundraising team and project managers to gather necessary information for proposals. 

- Collaborate with other team members to ensure the integration of programmatic and financial data in grant applications. 

Qualifications: 

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

- Previous experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields is desirable. 

- Strong research skills to identify relevant funding opportunities. 

- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines. 

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and project management skills. 

- Passion for the mission and values of Children With Voices. 

Time Commitment: 

Flexible, with an estimated commitment of 5-10 hours per week. 

Location: 

This role can be performed remotely, with occasional virtual or in-person meetings as needed.

Benefits: 

- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact. 

- Gain valuable experience in grant writing and fundraising within a charitable organisation. 

- Develop and enhance your skills in communication, research, and project coordination. 

- Travel expenses are paid and you will have a healthy meal! 

Note: This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Children With Voices is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for all volunteers.