Volunteer roles for the Faith-based sector

Are you looking to gain finance experience while making a meaningful impact in the community? Join Hidayah as a finance assistant in this volunteer-based role under the guidance of the treasurer.

Hidayah is a volunteer-led organisation supporting LGBTQI+ Muslims through community support, advocacy, education, and wellbeing initiatives. The finance assistant supports the financial operations of the organisation by helping maintain accurate financial records, assisting with reporting and budgeting, and supporting the treasurer with day-to-day finance administration.

This role is flexible and requires a minimum of 2 hours per week, with occasional additional time required during busy periods or year-end processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Treasurer with financial administration and record-keeping. 

• Input and maintain financial data using Google Sheets and Sage. 

• Organise invoices, receipts, bank statements, and financial documentation. 

• Assist with bank reconciliations and volunteer expense claims. 

• Help prepare monthly financial updates and reports for the board. 

• Support budgeting, audits, year-end preparation, and strategy reporting. 

• Maintain confidentiality and handle financial information responsibly. 

• Attend monthly meetings and provide support where required. 

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Basic understanding of finance, bookkeeping, or accounting principles. 

• Good IT skills, particularly using spreadsheets.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

• Good organisational and communication skills. 

• Experience using accounting software such as Sage (desirable). 

• Commitment to the mission and values of Hidayah. 

Commitment Expected

• Attend periodic online 121s with the treasurer.

• Be available for occasional catch-up meetings with the treasurer and chair. 

• Respond to emails and finance-related tasks promptly. 

• Support accurate financial record-keeping and reporting. 

Benefits of the Role

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within LGBTQ+ Muslim communities. 

• Gain practical experience in charity finance and governance. 

• Build confidence and strengthen your CV. 

• Opportunity to work with a supportive and passionate volunteer team. 

• Networking, training and professional development opportunities.

Summary

Could you combine nursing skills, compassion and faith to offer care in body, mind and spirit?
Could you support people experiencing homelessness?

Detailed description

You could be part of our exciting pilot project as a volunteer Parish Nurse offering life-transforming whole-person healthcare, working alongside Chaplains, Complex Needs and Housing Support Workers.

 As a YMCA Parish Nurse you would:

• Help service users identify issues and self-manage their wellbeing so they flourish in body, mind and spirit. This might be 1:2:1 or in a group setting.
• Signpost, support, and provide information and reassurance enabling service users to access NHS and other professional or community support as well as internal support from YMCA colleagues and projects.
• Offer spiritual care from a Christian perspective, such as prayer or acts of worship
• Be instrumental in supporting the project develop in this pilot phase

Training for this role is provided by PNMUK as part of their on-going programme of support and personal development for Parish Nursing nationally. The next course is 15-17th November with follow-up online sessions.

This project is being developed and lead by One YMCA’s Chaplaincy Team, together with our Medium Complex Intensive Support Service (MCISS) and supported by Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK).

The Chaplaincy Team offer life-transforming spiritual care and pastoral support. For us Chaplaincy is about journeying with people, inspired by the life, example and teaching of Jesus. Our vision for Chaplaincy is to see even more of our service users and staff thriving through experiencing the love of God for themselves. Following a re-shaping of our work, Chaplaincy is now part of the newly formed Christian Mission team, which is at the heart of this growing charity. 

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive, and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute, and thrive.

What volunteers need�� Disclosure and Barring Service

What we will provide to volunteers

�� Reimbursement of costs�� Extra support

Providing a confidential non-judgemental listening ear to Residents and Staff. Supporting those wishing to develop their spiritual journey from a Christian perspective. The role will be based across one of our hostels in Watford, Borehamwood, Bishop's Stortford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield or High Wycombe, 

Activities include:

• Proactively engaging with Residents and staff to build safe relationships and trust
• Offering a ‘listening ear’ to all and giving emotional support
• Sensitively discerning when to offer prayer and support from a Christian perspective, and when to use faith based language
• Be inclusive and welcoming to people of all religious faiths and none, referring people to other faith communities as appropriate
• Working alongside support staff, volunteers & local agencies
• Maintaining records of support and feeding back concerns about Resident welfare to Staff/Line Manager.
• Attend regular volunteer team meetings
• Being proactive in seeking spiritual and emotional support for your own benefit as this is a challenging role.

Additional activities could include:

• Facilitating group work for example: Retreat Programme, Bible Study, prayer or Mental Health Support.
• Welcoming new Residents by phone or in person
• Leading or helping with Chaplaincy lead events: Easter/Christmas activities, Remembrance Services
• Being an ambassador for YMCA’s mission in local Churches

Skills/Qualities/Experience:

• Be a good and active listener who can support others
• Be of a friendly, welcoming and cheerful disposition
• Self-motivated, reliable and punctual
• Sensitivity and courage to care for people experiencing a range of distressing situations including: grief, trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, suicidal thoughts.
• A commitment to your own spiritual development
• A good understanding of the Christian faith, as well as some understanding of other faith traditions
• Ability to use both faith and non-faith based language, as appropriate
• Good communication skills in English; in person & over the phone
• A willingness to learn new things and get stuck in
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values
• Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Training Support:

• A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided
• A one day ‘Chaplaincy Essentials’ training, plus a menu of additional training will be made available
• Online training: Safeguarding (Adults & Young People), Fire Awareness, Manual Handling
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line-manager
• Team meetings and social events
• Mileage and expenses may be payable

You will need 2 x references and a DBS (we will apply for and fund this). 

The Wellbeing Officer (Trustee) provides information, guidance and advice to volunteers and service users around topics such as mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, if service users or volunteers have any concerns, the best point of contact is the wellbeing officer.

What do we specifically expect of this role?

● Delivery of a plan to proactively assist officers and volunteers in public-facing roles, with tools and techniques to prevent or reduce any initial harm/trauma from purposeful or accidental harmful interactions - social media, live events, outreach, panel events, etc.

● Providing support for service users by way of triaging and responding to requests that come through to the wellbeing inbox. ● Building and maintaining wellbeing resources for service users and following a data-informed approach as to areas of wellbeing improvement. This includes building relationships with external service providers that can assist in helping members of our community.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all member of the Hidayah board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the committee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear;

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography);

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives;

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments;

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms; 1

● To check emails and to respond when needed;

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah;

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year;

If taking on the role, you're expected to be in post until the next AGM. This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Wellbeing Officer (Trustee)?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

● Reliable and regular volunteer.

● A team-player.

Additional:

● Experience of successfully working collaboratively.

● Preferably some experience of mentoring and/or supervision.

● Prior experience of wellbeing provision.

● Must be 18+ and live in the UK

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Title: Charity Worker (Volunteer)
Organisation: Morning Star International Church (MSIC)
Location: Croydon, United Kingdom
Compensation: Voluntary (no salary) – support and accommodation may be provided as per charity guidelines.

About Morning Star International Church (MSIC)

Morning Star International Church (MSIC) is a Christ-centered, Pentecostal church based in Croydon, UK, serving a multi-ethnic and multi-generational congregation. Our mission is to share the love of Christ through worship, outreach, discipleship, and community service.
We are seeking temporary Charity Workers who feel called to support our ministry’s day-to-day activities, outreach programmes, and events on a voluntary and short-term basis.

Summary of Role

Charity Workers will assist in non-pastoral, non-salaried, and supportive functions of the church. Under the supervision of the ministry team, you will serve in a range of activities aimed at supporting the mission and community work of MSIC.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These responsibilities are temporary and voluntary, supporting the charitable and religious objectives of Morning Star International Church.

• Welcoming and assist attendees during church services and events.
• Helping with ushering, seating arrangements, and basic hospitality (e.g., serving refreshments).
• Distributing service materials such as bulletins, flyers, and other church resources.
• Providing general support to church staff and volunteers during gatherings to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all.

Person Specification

Essential Attributes:

• A heart to serve others with humility and dedication.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and under supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• A flexible and adaptable approach.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in community or church-based volunteering.
• Familiarity with Pentecostal worship practices.
• Ability to communicate in English (spoken and written).
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of other languages (e.g., Swahili Language) is an asset.

Important Notes

• There is no contract of employment.
• The role is designed to support the charitable objectives of the ministry and provide the volunteer with experience in church-based events and service.
• No remuneration will be provided, though reasonable accommodation or support may be offered in line with charity regulations.

Application Process

To apply, please email the following documents:

• A current CV
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your availability
• Two references (preferably church or ministry-related)

Reference Code: MSIC/CW0126