Volunteer Roles

Closing Date: 10th October

Term: 3 years per term with 2 terms expected – maximum 3 terms

Application Process: Please ensure you apply with your most updated CV and a supporting statement on why you believe you would be the most suitable individual to join our Trustees. 

Interviews:Week of 21st October

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up by late rugby legend Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017. A devastating disease with no effective treatments and no cure, each of us have a lifetime risk of developing MND of 1:300. The condition takes the life of one third within a year of diagnosis and half within two years. 

The Foundation has a single, clear vision: a world free of MND. Funding research lies at the heart of everything we do; it’s what allows world-leading experts to investigate potential drugs, expedite new treatments and, fundamentally, work towards finding a cure for this disease. In April 2023, we launched our ambitious new research strategy “Catalysing a Cure”, which outlines our continued commitment to our vision and to all the people affected by MND.

Trustees

We have an exciting voluntary opportunity to bring in new Trustees to join the board and we are keen to hear from candidates who can bring high level experience, skills and expertise to support the delivery of our ambitious plans.

As a Trustee, you will be taking on a highly valued and critical role at the Foundation, which will include setting and monitoring progress against our strategic vision; working with our Executive team; and acting as a high-level ambassador for our work.

What we are looking for

To complement the existing skills and knowledge on our Board, particularly as current members conclude their terms, we wish to appoint new Trustees with high-level experience and expertise in the following areas:

●Fundraising, income generation or philanthropy

●Communications / Media / PR / Social Media

●Academia / Research

●Finance

Board meetings are typically held every quarter either in person or online.

We are seeking up to three individuals to join our Trustee Board and help shape the future of Longfield Community Hospice as we develop our next five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Longfield provides a range of services to people living with life limiting conditions, terminal diagnoses or with a need for end of life care, alongside supporting their families, carers and loved ones.  As a trustee you will play a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring that our services remain responsive and effective. This includes, 

• Ensuring we have a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and are focused on achieving them.
• Having clear oversight of organisational performance.
• Supporting the development of a healthy organisational culture. 
• Ensuring all legal and regulatory compliance.
• Ensuring organisational governance is maintained to the highest possible standard. 

Time commitment

The board meets every quarter, as do each of our committees. Meetings take place both online and face to face and last approx. 2 hours.

Time commitment is meeting attendance, time before meetings to read papers and occasional ad hoc discussions, strategy and planning sessions or events.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people with experience of one or more of the following,

• Enterprise & business development: Entrepreneurial and innovative with business expertise and income generation experience. Insights into commercial activities such as repurposing facilities or partnering with other providers, to maximize the use of resources for long-term sustainability.
• Fundraising & Income Generation: Broad understanding of income generation, particularly in engaging major donors and corporate partners, with a strong focus on diversifying income streams for financial sustainability. 
• Retail: Commercial or charity retail experience, with a genuine interest in sustainable practices.
• IT: Strategic guidance on maximizing  effective use of IT, driving IT innovation and ensuring strong cybersecurity measures across the charity.
• Finance: Finance background with experience in managing or being part of a finance team. 

What difference will you make?

Our services are needed now more than ever -  are you eager to make a real impact? It’s an exciting time to join the board at Longfield as our new five-year strategy will formally launch in April next year. We're focused on evolving, developing, and growing to reach more patients, with the goal of becoming a recognized centre of excellence in our field. Innovation will be at the heart of our approach, and we invite you to be part of this transformative journey.

Before you apply

The Reach TrusteeWorks team are supporting Longfield with their trustee recruitment. Please indicate that you would like to apply and the TrusteeWorks team will be in touch with further information. We’re also happy to answer any questions about the role. 

Could you help us support people facing court alone?

Do you have admin/receptionist experience? We’re looking for a volunteer to enable us to support people going through the civil courts without legal representation. This is a great opportunity to support the administration of our busy service based at The Royal Courts of Justice. The role is broad in scope, involving supporting the London team by managing the client flow at the reception, assigning client appointments to our volunteers, clarifying points with clients and answering general client and volunteer queries. You will also learn about how the court system operates and gain an understanding of legal cases.

You will be based in our office in the Central Family Court. Training is provided. Minimum commitment of six months.

Who we are

No one should have to face court alone and everyone has a right to a fair hearing. The people we support can’t usually access any formal legal help, yet need to be able to present their own cases clearly and without emotion – often facing professional barristers in court. At a time of great stress, this can seem an insurmountable task. Our 500+ volunteers work with people who often feel they have nowhere else to turn, offering them the chance to feel heard and understood. A court hearing may be the final stage of a case, and careful preparation for hearings makes the court experience more manageable. We provide a free service for people facing civil and family court proceedings across England and Wales, offering support and guidance before, during, and after court. We help people explore the practicalities and equip them to manage their cases to the best of their abilities, and face court with dignity and self-assurance.

Our values

Client-focused: We take the lead from our clients

Engaged: Everyone in our organisation has a voice and all voices are listened to

Trusted: We strive to live up to the confidence placed in us by the people we work with

Committed: We know that what we do matters and our skilled team is committed to delivering a high quality service

Respectful: We all look after one another and take the time to talk openly and honestly with everyone we work with

Welcoming: We are open to difference, encourage ideas and look for opportunities to learn

Your responsibilities

• Sit at our reception desk, greet clients, manage the flow of clients, explain what we can do to support them and manage their expectations
• Take responsibility for managing the London office email inbox when volunteering
• Act as the first point of contact for client emails and booked appointments
• Answering the phone
• ​Accurately capture data and information with high standards of record keeping

You will sometimes need to:

• Input details of court hearings onto the relevant spreadsheet
• Support with data collection and evaluation
• Input appointment availability onto the booking system
• Manage/oversee any changes to availability and adjust our booking system accordingly
• Signpost clients

Who we’re looking for

Essential skills, experience and qualifications:

• Administration experience
• Competent use of Microsoft Word, Excel, email and Zoom
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a wide range of people
• Reliability, Enthusiasm, flexibility and commitment are important
• Being well organised with attention to detail and flexibility to work as part of a team and independently

Previous experience of working with volunteers and an understanding of the law and/or a passion for social inclusion is also desirable.

Application process

Please send us your CV and cover letter (max one page) outlining interest in and motivation for the role.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis on Zoom.

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to bridge generations and create meaningful change? Do you want to play a vital role in guiding a charity at the heart of the East London community?

Magic Me is looking for new trustees to join our Board and help us continue our work creating connections between generations through creative arts. This is a voluntary role, and we welcome individuals from all walks of life, particularly those from racially minoritized backgrounds, people under 30 or over 50, and those with lived experience in East London.

Why join as a Trustee?

As a trustee, you will:

• Shape the future: Guide Magic Me’s strategic direction and ensure we stay true to our mission.
• Champion our values: Help us build an organisation that reflects our values of Creativity, Collaboration, Inclusivity and Thoughtfulness and reflects the diversity of our East London community.
• Be part of something bigger: Work alongside fellow trustees and staff to challenge ageism, promote creativity, and create lasting change through intergenerational projects.

No previous trustee experience is required, as we offer full support, training, and mentorship for first-time trustees through our ‘Board Buddy’ system.

We are looking for trustees with:

• Skills in project/programme management or the creative arts: Whether you are a creative practitioner, artist, or have experience in managing projects, your expertise can help us enhance our creative arts programs and reach more communities.
• A passion for our vision: We need individuals who are committed to our values and our vision of creating a world without ageism, where everyone can enjoy their unique creativity and full potential.

As part of your responsibilities, we’ll be asking that you form a new Creative Strategy Committee to provide guidance and support for the development of our arts projects, ensuring that the voices of our participants are heard at the highest level of governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and oversight: Ensure Magic Me operates for public benefit and aligns with its charitable objectives.
• Financial stewardship: Help ensure our resources are used effectively and participate in discussions on budgets and financial statements.
• Ambassadorial role: Promote Magic Me’s work to external stakeholders, enhancing our public profile.

Time Commitment & Location:

• Time Commitment: Approximately half a day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and sub-committee participation.
• Location: Board meetings take place in person in Bethnal Green, London. Committee meetings are held online.

Interested in applying?

We use a blind application process to ensure fairness. For a detailed job pack and more information on how to apply, follow the ‘Apply’ button to our website.

To apply, you will need to submit:

• A current CV
• 250 words or a 2-minute video explaining why you want to join Magic Me and which of our values resonates with you the most.

Application Deadline: 7th November at midday.
Interview Dates: 21st, 27th, or 28th November (via Zoom).

For more details on the application process, please refer to the full Trustee Job Pack, via the application page on our website.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to the Magic Me family!

About Crisis

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We believe everyone should have somewhere safe and warm to call home and are committed to ending homelessness. Every year we work side by side with thousands of people from all sections of our communities to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.

How you will contribute to ending homelessness

The Housing First team at Crisis Skylight London provides intensive support to 40 clients who are multiply excluded and have experienced a long history of homelessness. You will be supporting the team and its clients with administrative tasks, including recording and analysing accurate data, identifying community services that clients can access, contacting clients to encourage involvement in the service and other general admin tasks.

Time Commitment: Minimum 8 hours per week during office hours, any day(s) Mon-Thurs.

Core tasks

• Identifying community services that coaches can access as part of client support and updating the team’s bank of resources
• Using internal data systems to record, track and communicate accurate client information and activities
• Supporting with document gathering/redaction for service evaluation and ensuring client data is accurate and up to date
• Promoting activities by maintaining effective communication with the team and members and preparing advertising materials
• Contacting members to encourage member involvement in development of the service, e.g., carrying out surveys by phone
• Assisting with printing, filing, photocopying, scanning, shredding and recycling and any other general administration that is required

Who we are looking for

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint and Publisher) and the ability to use the internet
• Excellent organisational skills, reliable and able to prioritise tasks
• Able to work efficiently as part of a team and proactively using own initiative
• Friendly and polite with the confidence to interact with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds including those with English as a second language
• Patient and non-judgmental approach to supporting clients
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and maintaining boundaries
• Able to commit to the role for a minimum of six months
• A strong desire to help end homelessness 

What you will gain

• Workplace experience in a national organisation
• The opportunity to share existing skills or develop new skills in a welcoming and supportive environment
• A platform for building confidence
• The opportunity to be part of a friendly team who are committed to ending homelessness
• Full induction and training for the role followed by support from a dedicated Volunteer Supervisor
• An understanding of the Housing First approach
• A reference from a reputable organisation

Additional information

• Following a successful interview, references and a Basic DBS check, completion of compulsory e-learning and training are required before commencement of this role
• A Crisis IT account will be issued for this role
• Volunteers must comply with Crisis policies, including health and safety, IT, data protection and code of conduct
• Out of pocket travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed on production of receipts/statements
• We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and particularly welcome Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, disabled and male applicants as well as those with lived experience of homelessness as these are currently under-represented groups in our volunteer pool

Application deadline: Sunday 13th October at 2pm

In-person interviews: Wednesday 23rd October

Are you a warm, empathetic person with good communication skills? Could you offer four hours a week to support families in urgent need?

We Stand - Formally Mosac  provide a free National Helpline service to non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. We are currently seeking Helpline Volunteers to provide support, information and a listening ear to parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused.

We know a caring, sensitive and non judgemental response can make a real difference to someone seeking support. We are looking for volunteers with good verbal, listening and communication skills, no previous experience on a helpline is required. Trained, experienced staff will always be on hand to provide support and guidance.

Helpline Volunteers will:

• Receive full training prior to the formal induction (8 week training programme) Dates to be confirmed 
• Commit to volunteer 4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year
• Receive ongoing support and supervision from a friendly team
• Make a difference to the lives of families impacted by child sexual abuse

Opportunities for you: 

• To contribute to We Stand’s aims of supporting families affected by child sexual abuse

• You will receive training, continual development and support in the role

• Work from our office or remotely from your own home

• Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills

• Out of pocket expenses for travel and subsistence will be met by We Stand

Your Responsibilities: 

• Answer calls that come through the National Helpline 

• Provide support, information and signposting to relevant support organisations 

• Complete all call log and monitoring information after each call 

• Attend mandatory supervision meetings fortnightly or monthly to support you in the role. 

• For volunteers working remotely - attend 30 minute supervision after your shift.

Job Title: Event Coordinator Volunteer - Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge 2025
Reporting To: Global Challenges Manager
Volunteer Contract Type: March – May 2025 (2-3 months)
Principal Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone
Expenses covered: Return flights, Accommodation (Street Child Compound, Makeni), Phone credit allowance, Wi-Fi access, Visa, Airport Security Tax, Airport transfers (Lungi International Airport to Makeni – return)

Come and be a part of something extraordinary and support the team in delivering the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon & Cycle Challenge (SLM).

SLM has long since established itself as an incredible event that showcases the work of Street Child, enabling participants to explore the wonderful country of Sierra Leone and make a positive impact all whilst taking on a challenge.

We are seeking someone with an interest in running/cycling/adventure and ideally experience in International Development to come and join our project. Whether you have just finished studying at university or are taking a career break and looking for a challenge, this is your chance to make a unique contribution to an internationally recognised NGO. 

Key tasks you will be involved in are: 

• Support the SLM team with stakeholder meetings
• Support the SLM team with race day plans, recruitment & procurement
• Arrange all in-country transport including buses, shuttles and 4x4’s
• Manage all necessary hotel/guesthouse reservations
• Liaise with Street Child of Sierra Leone staff to organise programme visits
• Recruit race day sponsors and participants

To be a great fit for this position you will be a highly self-motivated and pro-active individual, with excellent organisational skills. We are ideally looking for someone with experience in logistics and event coordination, but are open to alternative, relevant experience.  

Key skills: 

• Ability to work quickly and effectively in an unfamiliar environment, forming strong relationships with our local team 
• Ability to be flexible and work outside your specific duties when needed; have fun and laugh along with a sometimes unpredictable environment! 
• An interest in marathons and/or endurance events (whether personal or professional) 

Terms:

Successful applicants will be living primarily in the Street Child compound in Makeni, Sierra Leone, with basic conditions. You will be expected to travel independently around Sierra Leone, and will spend time either in Street Child accommodation or local guesthouses. 

Included:

• Return flights
• Accommodation (Street Child Compound, Makeni)
• Phone credit allowance
• Wi-Fi access
• Visa
• Airport Security Tax
• Airport transfers (Lungi International Airport to Makeni – return)

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income. 

We are looking for trustees to join our board. As a trustee, you'll help us:

• Set our strategy and direction

• Ensure we’re financially sustainable

• Monitor our performance and impact

• Make sure we’re meeting the needs of our community

You don’t need specific qualifications but we’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about social justice, our purpose and our values

• A strategic thinker able to see the big picture and develop long-term plans

• A good listener and communicator

• Collaborative and willing to contribute their unique skills and experience 

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: governance, finance, fundraising, legal, HR or marketing would be particularly welcome.

This is a voluntary role, but the rewards are invaluable:

• Make a different in your community 

• Develop your skills, experience and gain valuable insight in the non-profit sector

• Work in a supportive and friendly environment with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers

• Be part of something bigger than yourself and help build a more resilient community in LeicesterShire

We'll cover your expenses: we value your time and commitment and want to ensure serving as a trustee is accessible to everyone.

Visit our website to read the complete trustee pack and apply. We'd love to hear from you! Our CEO is also happy to have an informal chat if you have any questions.

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our September induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the volunteer coordinator and Rainbow Club manager when required.

MUSLIM VOLUNTEER MENTOR

Can you offer your support to a young person via mentoring?

FCCT are looking for volunteers to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-21 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:

FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending including signposting to relevant organisations:

• Accommodation
• Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
• Health
• Drug and Alcohol Misuse
• Finance, Benefits and Debts
• Children & Families
• Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour.

Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.

Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):

Mentoring Arm:

1. Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Muslim faith).
2. Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Survey Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
3. Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
4. Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
5. Identify relevant Mosques etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
6. Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
7. Mentoring of young people 
8. Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

• Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
• Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
• Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
• Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
• Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
• Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.

Training and Support

We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of volunteer fosterers and cat carers. They make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident, and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we can help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Supporting fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Ensuring that accurate and up-to-date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• Recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers, using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team...

Northumbria Cats Protection is run by a small team of dedicated, cat-loving volunteers.
In 2023, our amazing team of volunteers helped over 130 cats: 38 cats and kittens found their 'furever' homes, 90 feral cats were trapped and neutered and our fabulous local vets delivered 436 treatments to cats.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will significantly contribute to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand knowledge, meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The time for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually give between 10 to 12 hours a week. This 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 meet as part of our activities.

What is the purpose of this role?

 The Information & Advice (ISA) Service aims to provide advice on a range of subjects relevant to the needs of older people and to those who are caring for older friends, partners, and relatives.  The service operates through the City and County of Nottinghamshire. Currently the advice we offer is provided over the telephone, face-to-face office appointments and home visits.

The role of the Volunteer Benefits Advisor is to complete a Welfare Benefits Check with clients and provide advice on potential benefits entitlements, and supporting older clients with long-term health conditions or disabilities to complete applications forms which could include new claims, upgrade, or renew claims for the following: Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Blue Badge, Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit.

What impact does the role have?

This role provides vital support in helping ensure that people in later life are able to meet the extra costs involved in living with a long-term health condition or disability by claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Providing Welfare Benefits Checks and Welfare Benefits advice, within the boundaries laid out by the Service Coordinator, by telephone or face to face office or home visits.
• Identifying signposting opportunities to further support service user.
• Assisting the Coordinator in meeting targets of the Service e.g. providing extra information about service users’ needs for case studies, funding monitoring etc.
• Attending workshops, training, or events relevant to your role.
• Recording accurate case notes on our secure electronic database – this can be from our office or from a home computer with an Internet connection.
• Using an online benefits calculator tool to complete welfare benefits checks
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

Essential

· A genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people and a calm, sensitive approach to providing advice to older people, their family, and carers.

· Ability to think holistically to best meet clients’ needs and referring for follow up by the Volunteer Coordinator.

· Ability to treat customers with sensitivity and confidentiality.

• Previous experience of providing advice about benefit options.

· IT literacy and a willingness to input own client case notes on to the Charity’s database, together with recording of the appropriate individual client consents.

· Ability to work to deadlines.

· Willing to attend one to one’s support sessions, benefits training and volunteer meetings.

· Willing to volunteer within the guidelines of Age UK Notts’ Volunteering policy and adhere to the Volunteer Code of Conduct.                                   

Desirable (any of the following):

• Previous experience of working with older people.
• Previous experience of either working or volunteering in an advice role at CAB, Welfare Rights, Housing association or similar or to have worked in an advisory role for a statutory agency including DWP, Housing and Council Tax department, Adult Social Care department or a Housing Association.
• A sound knowledge of health and welfare benefits and claims processes (inc. Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, PIP) and ideally, experience of providing welfare benefits checks.
• Ability to accurately complete detailed forms.
• Ability to record information for reporting purposes, including writing case studies where applicable.
• Ability to work alone and using own initiative.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The needs of the role and your availability (including days and times) can be discussed at interview.  Ideally, we would like you to be available for a minimum of 3 hours each week.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to the lives of older people.

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.

· A comprehensive training programme.

· The opportunity to learn new skills.

· Experience to add to your CV.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

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

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you! What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.