Health, Medical Volunteer Roles

Chair of Trustees

We are looking for a Chair of Trustees who is passionate about the cause but also keen to get involved and help drive the charity’s strategic direction.

Working for a small Muscular Dystrophy family charity, you will work closely with trustees and the charity’s founder and CEO to drive the organisations strategic direction.

Position: Chair of Trustees

Location: Hybrid / South East

Closing Date: 20th May 2024

The Role

You will work closely with the charity’s founder and CEO but also you will lead the trustees in strategy, good governance, and policy development. As part of this engagement, the Chair will provide support to the CEO, including supporting his wellbeing and ongoing professional development.

Other duties will include:

· When necessary, ensure the Chair and Trustees challenge the CEO constructively and only in the best interests of the charity as ‘critical friends’.

· Liaising with the Charity Secretary, and the CEO with drafting agendas and supporting papers for Trustee meetings, ensuring provision of timely information and sharing with all.

· Ensure charity business is covered efficiently and effectively in meetings.

· Undertake a leadership role to ensure that board members fulfil their governance responsibilities and that trustee decisions are acted upon.

· Maintain trustees’ commitment to board renewal, succession planning and trustee performance reviews, in line with the governing document.

· Ensure board and trustee performance is reviewed annually.

· Ensure the performance of the CEO is reviewed annually.

The Chair will also ensure that Trustees make an effective contribution and are engaged, fully involved and invested in the charity in discharging their responsibilities.

Time Commitments

· The time commitment required to fulfil the Chair role will be somewhere between 2-3 days per month

· MHF’s Trustee Board meets virtually once every 2 months, for 2 hours, within the financial year (1st Mar – 29th Feb)

· The Chair & trustees are encouraged to attend and engage with at least one Muscle Dream programme per year

· The Chair will conduct an annual review meeting with each trustee, outside of any other trustee meetings

· The Association of Chairs (AoC) are an independent association of Chairs of social purpose and not-for-profits – formed to help Chairs with their unique task to lead the board in delivering the organisation’s aims – the AoC offer some excellent resources including Chair Training (if required)

If you would like to progress your interest forwards, in the first instance, please upload your CV together with a covering letter outlining your skills, experience and motivations.

About You

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to bring their leadership and communication skills to the fore. Previous trustee experience and charity governance are essential.

You will not only have experience of being a charity trustee or someone who has held a senior management role, but also an individual who has a keen sense of strategic purpose, underpinned by an inclusive and compassionate style of leadership.

We are open to applications from those with relevant senior level charity experience and would love to hear from people with experience of income generation, small charity or small business leadership experience as well as experience of governance in a small charity.

The recruitment process is open and inclusive. Applicants will be communicated with in advance, so they know what to expect as the process unfolds.

About the Organisation

Small multi award-winning family-centred charity uniquely tackling the isolating and debilitating muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy (MD) for children and young people. Their vision is a world of hope, purpose, inspiration and empowerment for all children with MD. The organisation delivers highly personalised interventions (in-person & virtual) in the UK called Muscle Dreams that provide powerful physiological and psychological benefits from improving emotional and mental wellness to boosting confidence, uplifting self-esteem and increasing social connection.

One of the strengths as a board is its diversity. And as a charity, the community’s diversity. We are interested in hearing from applicants with diverse skills and experiences that reflect the diversity of the beneficiaries.

You may have experience in areas such as Chair, Chair of the Board, Chair of Trustees, Board, CEO, COO, CFO, Chief Executive, Charity, Senior Executive, Head of, Director.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Chair has the overall purpose of leading the Board, ensuring systems are in place to provide trustees with the support they need to carry out their role effectively and enabling trustees to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This will be done in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory guidelines/requirements.

METRO is an equality and diversity charity based in London, delivering services across the capital, East, and South East of England. We provide services across five domains: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Community, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Youth and HIV. We are looking for new Trustees to join our governing Board to support the charity and are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a Black, Asian or ethnic minority background, young people between the ages of 18 – 25 years, are lesbian, trans or non-binary, and/or those with clinical or financial experience.

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Liverpool, Halton and Knowsley group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Liverpool, Halton and Knowsley area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Telea
Telea is a cutting-edge digital health platform designed to revolutionise speech therapy services for people who living with Parkinson's Disease. Telea addresses several challenges faced in speech therapy services, including, Access to Care, Adherence to Intervention, efficient Service Delivery, reduced Waiting Times and assisting with Staffing Shortages

Telea's solution is a comprehensive digital health platform designed to revolutionize speech therapy services. It enables seamless communication and interaction between speech therapists and their clients, facilitating remote delivery of therapy exercises and monitoring of client progress. The platform consists of two main components: a patient app and a therapist web app.

The patient app allows clients to access therapy exercises and activities from the comfort of their own homes using their mobile devices or tablets. These exercises are personalized to each client's specific needs and therapy goals. Clients can receive real-time feedback and guidance as they complete their exercises, fostering engagement and motivation throughout their therapy journey.

On the other hand, the therapist web app provides speech therapists with a centralized platform to manage their caseload and interact with their clients. Therapists can create customized therapy plans, track client progress, and adjust interventions as needed. They can also conduct virtual therapy sessions and remotely monitor client performance, optimizing therapy delivery and maximizing therapist efficiency. This not only empowers the therapist but also the client improving their quality of life overall through speech therapy.

Role Description

• Telea is looking to highlight and bring to life the stories of people living with Parkinsons. They are looking to create a series of short interviews with people who are living with Parkinson's and share their stories and journeys to raise awareness. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, and 1 in 5 people get diagnosed - They want to make sure that awareness is raised around this condition with the general public and make sure their stories are never forgotten. If this sounds like a role you would like to be part of, They are looking for somebody with some editing experience and videography skills. They would like to do a few interviews. You will need to be based in Ireland, ideally in the South (They are based in Cork).

• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 1-2 months ��

Franchine Young Ireland
They are an emerging organic brand with a passion for reconnecting people with clean and plant based ingredients. They have a desire to create a brand that means well at every stage, protecting people, animals and our environment.

There is an ‘ugly’ truth inside the Beauty Industry that simply has to change. Single use plastics, toxic ingredients, greenwashing, animal cruelty and a complete disregard for people, animals and our planet for many years. Many people are unaware that most products may contain ingredients known as Endocrine Disruptors, (EDCs). Recent evidence suggests exposure to EDCs is associated with early onset menopause. Marketing messaging continues to focus on unrealistic images of beauty that have resulted in anxiety, low self-esteem, and low self-confidence in many women, as well as affecting the hormonal journey. It’s time to take a stand, to challenge the large corporations and to provide solutions and alternative options for conscious consumers.

Franchine Young Ireland is an emerging organic brand with a passion for pure ingredients, simplified skin care and a desire to protect people, animals and our environment.

Organic, plant based and cruelty free and they believe passionately in taking less from our earth, a minimalist approach to skincare. We believe in doing ‘no harm’ in the complete life cycle of our products – from Field to Face ® they have created a simplistic and effective skincare routine, Mother Nature’s Method®.

They are passionate about health and exposure to unnecessary chemicals and processes within the beauty industry. They seek to create innovative products that simplify, excel in caring for the skin without harming anyone or thing, including our earth, in the process. They look forward to meeting like minded volunteers that can bring skills and experience in all areas of the business to growing the brand.

Role Description

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER Researcher

• You will have a keen interest and understanding of working with sustainable and natural ingredients. The purpose of the role is to research usability of the products and to provide knowledge of how the team should build them, including new products and developing the best methods of marketing for launch.

• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 6+ months ��
  
   

Franchine Young Ireland
They are an emerging organic brand with a passion for reconnecting people with clean and plant based ingredients. They have a desire to create a brand that means well at every stage, protecting people, animals and our environment.

There is an ‘ugly’ truth inside the Beauty Industry that simply has to change. Single use plastics, toxic ingredients, greenwashing, animal cruelty and a complete disregard for people, animals and our planet for many years. Many people are unaware that most products may contain ingredients known as Endocrine Disruptors, (EDCs). Recent evidence suggests exposure to EDCs is associated with early onset menopause. Marketing messaging continues to focus on unrealistic images of beauty that have resulted in anxiety, low self-esteem, and low self-confidence in many women, as well as affecting the hormonal journey. It’s time to take a stand, to challenge the large corporations and to provide solutions and alternative options for conscious consumers.

Franchine Young Ireland is an emerging organic brand with a passion for pure ingredients, simplified skin care and a desire to protect people, animals and our environment.

Organic, plant based and cruelty free and they believe passionately in taking less from our earth, a minimalist approach to skincare. We believe in doing ‘no harm’ in the complete life cycle of our products – from Field to Face ® they have created a simplistic and effective skincare routine, Mother Nature’s Method®.

They are passionate about health and exposure to unnecessary chemicals and processes within the beauty industry. They seek to create innovative products that simplify, excel in caring for the skin without harming anyone or thing, including our earth, in the process. They look forward to meeting like minded volunteers that can bring skills and experience in all areas of the business to growing the brand.

Role Description

• They are looking for a VOLUNTEER Graphic Designer

• ​​To assist with completing a rebrand for product packaging - to assist and guide web developers on aesthetics of website.

• Volunteer 4-6 hours per week remotely for 3-5 months ��

About Care for Veterans

Care for Veterans (CfV) was established in 1919 as the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home to care for soldiers returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities. For over 100 years, it has provided long term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end of life care to Veterans and their families.  The 62-bed home has been at Gifford House in Worthing since 1933.

CfV are seeking a Trustee with a finance and/or accountancy background, preferably with an ACCA/ICAEW qualification (or equivalent).  The successful candidate will join and in time, chair the Finance Committee.

What will you be doing?

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributing at four board meetings, a strategy offsite and four Finance sub-committee meetings a year. These are usually held during business hours in Worthing.
• Develop a good understanding of CfV’s operations and the environment in which it operates;
• Monitor the performance of CfV in a constructive and inquisitive way;
• Making their time, skills, and experience available to CfV and its executive (in and outside of regular board meetings) and supporting key fundraising events;
• Average time commitment is 12-15 days per year

What are we looking for?

• You will have a background and/or qualification in finance or accountancy (ACCA/ICAEW or equivalent preferred). You will have strong commitment to the improving the lives of veterans and the work of CfV.
• Previous trustee experience is not necessary as new trustees will be given support and training. 
• Due to the work of the charity a DBS check and references will be required.
• What difference will you make?

OUR TRUSTEES

• Bring a range of diverse professional and real-world experience to the Board;
• Have a strong empathy with the Armed Services community;
• Are articulate communicators with integrity and a strong commitment to CfV’s beneficiaries;
• Are committed to the highest standards of charity governance.

Before you apply

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please send an up-to-date CV and supporting statement to us via Reach, via the URL provided.

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.

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.

Do you want to help stop needless deaths from sepsis and help improve recovery of those affected by Sepsis. UKST are looking to recruit additional Trustees to its established Board

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that affects 245,000 people in the UK every year. At least 48,000 of those people lose their lives to the condition. We believe that earlier diagnosis and treatment across the UK would save thousands more lives a year.

The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) was founded in 2012. Founder and Executive Director, Dr Ron Daniels BEM, is an NHS Consultant in Intensive Care:

“We seek to save lives from sepsis, and improve outcomes for survivors, by educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness, providing support for those affected by this devastating condition and political lobbying. We will protect people by enabling the prevention of severe infection and the treatment of sepsis, whist helping to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly.”

The UK Sepsis Trust has ambitious plans to increase awareness, educate wider networks beyond direct care health professionals and provide support to an ever-increasing population of survivors and bereaved. We are seeking to diversify the existing Trustee Board by gaining access to broader and deeper skills, backgrounds, and experiences. Our Trustees work in partnership with our Chairman and Chief Executives to ensure our resources are applied to maximum effect to achieve our purpose – through a clear vision and strategy, whilst exercising stewardship to operate an appropriate framework of governance.

We are particularly interested in candidates from various backgrounds including:

• Clinical/Sepsis
• Finance & Charity governance
• Corporate Fundraising engagement
• Digital, web and apps

Key Tasks and Responsibilities will include:

• Working with the Chairman, fellow Trustees and Management Team to ensure UKST’s cultural values and ethos are fully understood and adhered to throughout the organisation
• Encouraging team-working and collaboration across the charity’s activities including supporters and volunteers
• Along with fellow Trustees, making decisions that will best enable the charity to carry out its purposes. Contributing to balanced and informed decisions about the long term as well as the short-term requirements for UKST
• Ensuring the Charity’s assets and resources are only used to support it carrying out its purpose
• Providing ad hoc advice to the Management Team on specific topics relevant to their skills and knowledge
• Keeping up to date with Charity Commission legislation changes
• Continually monitoring the Trust’s progress to determine if strategic priorities need to be adjusted

Person Specification

• Significant leadership experience and commitment to our purpose
• Ability to drive organisational change and navigate growth
• Willingness and ability to understand responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees of a Charity
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement, and work effectively as a Board member
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion, and numeracy to the extent required to understand the financial records and accounts

Time Commitment

The time commitment of the Trustees is variable but as a minimum they are required to attend the following:

• The Trustees have four formal meetings each year with the management team (2 of which are in person in either Birmingham/London).
• In addition there are four informal meetings with the management team along with regular Trustee only meetings which are all held virtually
• The Finance and Governance Trustee would also be required to attend four finance and audit committee meetings per year.

If you are interested in joining the team please apply with a cover letter and CV. 

How you can make a difference 

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world. Sense International’s work began in 1994 with the aim of sharing the knowledge and expertise of our parent organisation, Sense UK. Since this time, we have set up locally registered organisations in India, Kenya, Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda. We have also established programmes of work in partnership with national organisations in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The fundraising team consists of seven members, and you will work alongside the team, getting involved in different projects and support with tasks as they arise. 

Key Duties

• Support the Sense International team to deliver administrative tasks for a wide range of fundraising activities. 
• Provide project support to the team in relation to donor stewardship, fundraising appeals, and approaches for major gifts to individuals, companies and charitable trusts and foundations. 
• Conduct research to find donors for major gifts, corporate and charitable trust, and foundations. Assuring alignment to Sense Internationals charity mission. 
• Draft donors thank you letters and communications.
• Help with fundraising materials such as reports, social media, and proposals. 
• Support with administration of fundraising campaigns and events. For example, writing letters for auction and raffle prizes.
• Keeping mailing lists and donor contact details up to date on the internal database.
• Option to attend events, when required, for example London Marathon cheering post and annual Gala Ball.
• Maintain a confidential, sensitive, and discrete approach to personal, sensitive, and organisational information.

What your role will involve

• Helping the fundraising team raise funds to support deafblindness in 8 overseas countries.
• Representing the organisation in a positive professional manner, supporting the vision that no one is left out of life.

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Experienced in working in an office environment. 
• Able to demonstrate excellent written, and verbal communication skills with good attention to detail. 
• Are confident using a PC, familiar with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel and using e-mail/internet.
• Able to build good relationships and build rapport easily with a wide range of people. 
• Confident to work on own initiative and dealing effectively with a variety of tasks.
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense International and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training and support throughout your volunteering with Sense International.
• An opportunity to build your CV skills.
• A great opportunity to share your skills and experience.
• A chance to deepen your understanding of the great work we do at Sense International.
• A fulfilling flexible experience that can fit around your schedule, including remote working

Sense International's parent charity is Sense UK

About Sense UK

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Sense values

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate. 

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.