Voluntary volunteer roles

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity helping Anglican clergy and their families.
Founded in 1655 and with assets of over £110m, the charity provides financial grants, services and resources for serving and retired ministers, ordinands, and clergy families.

We are looking to appoint two outstanding new Trustees, to join the Board and the charity at this exciting moment. Specifically, we are eager to hear from candidates with experience of at least one, ideally more, of the following areas:

• Ordained ministry in the Church of England (for example, as a parish priest,
• chaplain, Area Dean, or Archdeacon);
• Communications and digital media (especially within the charity sector);
• Fundraising and supporter engagement;
• Personal experience of the Trust’s grants, services and resources (for example, as
• an applicant, or as a diocesan officer responsible for supporting other ministers);
• Wider knowledge of the Church of England or Anglican Communion.

Increasingly, the Trust also advocates for clergy, as well as acting to support them, which recently contributed to a 10.7% rise in the basic clergy stipend across England. In 2026, we published a new three-year strategy focussed on “going upstream” – understanding better the root causes of challenges facing clergy, supporting those in new ways and offering a broader programme to empower clergy, while focussing our grants on those in the greatest need.

Although the charity’s excellent relationships with the Church of England and other Anglican Provinces are important, the Trust is proudly independent, and offers a confidential service to those seeking its help.

The Board of Trustees – referred to in our Royal Charter as the Court of Assistants - is responsible for setting the charity’s strategy and vision, for overseeing the work of its Chief Executive, and for scrutinising performance. There is an occupational requirement for Trustees to be supportive of the Trust’s Anglican ethos and identity (but not to be practising Anglicans).

The charity’s operations, profile and programme have grown significantly in recent years, and a key element of the Court’s role is to support, challenge and affirm the work of the charity’s executive leadership team. Trustee's main takes and accountabilities include:

• Formulating and reviewing strategic aims
• Monitoring performance
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Guardians of the charity’s assets
• Promotion of the charity and engagement with stakeholders

We hope for candidates who bring some experience and understanding of the charity sector, as well as a genuine and active passion for the important work which the Trust does. Strong candidates will have an ability to think strategically about the current and future needs of our applicants, and how best to meet those in a challenging and changing climate. They will understand and represent the Nolan Principles of public life, and the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship. The Court takes seriously and wishes to reflect the glorious diversity of God’s Church,
and would particularly welcome applications at this time from women, those who identify as of Global Majority Heritage, and people living with disabilities.

The Court meets four times per year; in-person attendance is expected at those meetings (usually in central London), as well as for an annual twenty-four-hour awayday,  normally in February. All Trustees are asked to serve on two of the five sub-committees, which meet four times a year, where online attendance is usual (though in-person attendance welcomed). Trustees are encouraged (but not required) to be present at our annual Festival in St Paul’s Cathedral each May.

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of NEBDN and make sure the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering its charitable purpose. Trustees share overall responsibility for ensuring NEBDN is run properly and in the best interests of the charity. Under charity law, this includes three core duties: compliance, care, and prudence.

Duty of compliance – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; in particular ensure that the charity prepares reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and accounts as required by law. Ensure that NEBDN does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there. Comply with the requirements of other legislation (e.g. the Companies Act, the Equality Act) and other regulators which govern the activities of NEBDN. Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of NEBDN funds or assets.

Duty of care – as a Trustee you will:

Use reasonable care and skill in their work as Trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that NEBDN is well-run and efficient. Consider getting external professional advice on all matters where there may be material risk to NEBDN, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties.

Duty of prudence – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN is, and will remain, solvent. Use NEBDN’s funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of NEBDN’s objects. Avoid undertaking activities that might place NEBDN’s endowment, funds, assets, or reputation at undue risk. Take special care when investing NEBDN’s funds or borrowing funds for NEBDN to use.

Specific duties of Trustees of NEBDN

Strategic Direction

Trustees help shape the long-term direction of NEBDN by ensuring there is a clear vision, mission and strategy. They work closely with the Chief Executive and senior team, providing support, oversight and constructive challenge.

Performance management

Trustees oversee the organisation’s performance, including its impact, effectiveness and wider organisational culture. They help ensure NEBDN remains focused on delivering value to its stakeholders.

Compliance

Trustees ensure that NEBDN meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and maintains high standards of accountability, governance and public trust.

Prudent management of assets

Trustees act as stewards of NEBDN’s assets, including its finances, reputation, systems and resources, making sure they are protected and used responsibly.

Good governance

Trustees play an important role in maintaining a strong and effective governance culture, ensuring NEBDN operates with integrity, transparency and sound decision-making.

What will you get out of it?
• The opportunity to develop leadership skills
• Improve financial skills, develop/ improve management skills
• The opportunity to gain a range of business skills
• The opportunity to enhance your continuing professional development
• The opportunity to influence and develop dental nurse education and future qualifications
• The opportunity to get involved in strategic development

Who are we looking for

Essential

Commitment

Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a charity Trustee Empathy with the vision, mission and aims of NEBDN Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including participating in other tasks as arise from time to time (e.g. interviewing new staff, attending Board and other meetings); keeping informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues, which affect its work. Focus

Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically Ability to think creatively Ability to keep mission-focused Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence Willingness to listen and learn Communication and team working

Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions Ability and willingness to influence and engage Ability and willingness to work effectively as a member of a team to form an effective governing body for the organisation. Willing to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others  Ability and willingness to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis. Ability and willingness to adopt and an evidence-based approach to the board’s work Ability and willingness to agree ways of resolving differences in views and opinions  

Accountability

Ability to be objective, accountable and honest Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular Ability to manage difficult and / or challenging situations Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and / or sensitive information Commitment to NEBDN and to our mission, vision, and values – aims and objectives.

Desirable 

The knowledge, skills and experience in the list below are relevant to NEBDN’s main areas of activity, and they are represented across NEBDN’s executive and staff, who apply them at operational level. 

NEBDN is looking for Trustees who have the knowledge and understanding to maintain an oversight of these activities at a strategic level in a complex charity, and who can contribute well informed views, constructive challenge, and a commitment to best practice.  NEBDN would normally expect each Trustee to be able to do this in at least one of the areas below.  A Trustee’s ability to contribute in this way will often, but not always, draw on professional and / or practitioner experience at a senior level. 

Management

1. Strategic leadership and management within a small / medium sized or large organisation

Stewardship and governance

Trusteeship in a similar size or larger organisation, together with implementation of best practice in UK and / or international corporate governance Specialist expertise

An area of expertise relevant to NEBDN such as dentistry, accountancy / financial management, law, education and training, project or programme management, human resources, or organisational development Public policy formulation and influencing techniques Fundraising Marketing, communications, or public relations Service development and / or provision at a senior level in a health, education, or social care setting Developing and delivering services, which promote inclusion, equal opportunities, and diversity International

International development at strategic level, particularly planning and delivery of services, governance and structures, and financial management

What the role involves

• Preparing for and attending approximately 4 meetings of the Board each year
• Being a member of, and participating in, at least one of our subcommittees – this will include face to face meetings, video conferencing, and work outside of the meetings
• Attendance at the annual AGM and Strategic planning day.
• Ad hoc assistance as required.  

Time and commitment

The role requires around 10 days per year, plus time for reading and preparation. Trustees are expected to contribute to Board and committee discussions and to support good decision-making throughout the year. Board committees currently include Governance, Education & Standards, and Finance & Business Effectiveness.

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel, subsistence and care costs incurred in carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

Role Purpose:

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensuring that St. George's Crypt fulfils its charitable objectives, makes a postive impact in the Leeds community, and remains financially sustainable. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the charity's values, reputation, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• set and review the charity's strategic direction in alignment with its mission to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Leeds
• ensure that all activiites deliver public benefit and comply with charity law, the governing document, and regulatory expectations
• monitor risks and ensure that robust governance structures are in place
• support and review the work of the Head of Finance and finance team
• oversee the external audit process, from appointment of auditors to implementation of any recommendations

Financial Oversight:

• oversee financial performance, ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently in line with donor expectations and regulatory requirements
• review budgets, annual accounts, and financial policies, ensuring sustainability of services such as emergency shelter, addiction recovery programmes and meal supervision
• ensure effective oversight of the Crypt's financial affairs and its financial viability

Support for Senior Leadership

• provide guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• ensure leadership decisions reflect the charity's values and strategic propositions

Advocacy & Representation

• ​act as an ambassador for St. George's Crypt within Leeds and beyond, promoting awareness of its services and impact
• represent the charity's values of compassion, dignity and hope 

Compliance & Accountability

• ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including those set by the Charity Commission
• uphold confidentiality, ethics, and good governance practice at all times
• ensure the Crypt fulfils its mission and values, taking advantage of new opportunities and navigating challenges and managing risks appropriately
• ensure the Crypt has sound financial policies, controls and governance in place, and complies with these

Monitoring Impact

• evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as residential support, training opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives
• ensure all services remain responsive to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds
• give clear strategic direction, setting overall policy and goals, and monitoring progress and impact
• understand the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and provide guidance on accounting and financial reporting for the charity

About Mind

We're Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

About the Role

Our volunteers are at the heart of Mind Retail, and without the help and support we receive from our volunteer teams we wouldn't be successful at what we do. As a Financial Analysis Volunteer, you will be working behind the scenes with the data that drives our retail network, providing an effective and proactive reporting support for retail Shop Teams, internal colleagues, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Whether you are a student eager to gain practical experience with real-world datasets, or an experienced finance professional wanting to give back to the community, your insights will directly empower our teams and make a tangible difference to Mind Retail.

How You Can Support Us

Working closely with our finance, commercial, and data teams, you will help to translate financial data into meaningful insights for stakeholders. Day-to-day, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and improvement of financial reports and financial models.
• Assisting in looking at the numbers to understand the differences between what we expected to happen and what actually happened (referred to as variance analysis). You will also help check that our data is consistent across the teams.
• Helping us continuously identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance data visualisation capabilities.
• Working with the team to organise our data better and automate repetitive tasks. If you want to learn, or already know about, advanced Excel features (like Power Query or macros) and Power BI (creating interactive dashboards), this is a great place to practice and apply those skills.
• Using a range of office software including email, spreadsheets and database information to produce timely and accurate reports.
• Assisting with ad hoc tasks relating to the reporting and analysis.

What You'll Gain

• Practical experience in financial analysis, data visualisation, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to real-world datasets and the chance to contribute to process improvements, including automation and more efficient reporting methods.
• Opportunity to improve your interpersonal skills and commercial knowledge.
• Understanding of policies and procedures, along with enhancing your administrative and IT skills.
• Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses.

About You

• Ideally, you will be actively studying towards an accounting qualification CIMA or ACCA, or working towards a relevant finance degree. Equally, you might be an experienced professional wanting to volunteer your financial knowledge.
• Comfortable working with numbers, have a high degree of accuracy, and a great eye for detail
• Confident using MS Office applications, particularly Word, Excel & Outlook and familiar with Power BI.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, excellent telephone manner, and able to build good working relationships. You should also be comfortable using your influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisation skills, able to prioritise tasks, with the ability to work as a team and on your own initiative.
• Willingness to learn, a flexible and adaptable approach, and a commitment to our values & behaviours. Ability to work within Mind Retail's policies and procedures.

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Retail sector experience.
• Experience with using Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated - regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Community Café Volunteers

The Bridge Community Hut, N15 6SE

Love cooking? Enjoy meeting people?

Join our friendly community café team!

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to help create a welcoming space where local residents can enjoy good food and great company.

�� Open 3 days per week (including Saturdays), 10:00am – 4:00pm

What you’ll do

• Help prepare simple, nutritious meals
• Serve food and drinks with a smile
• Keep the kitchen and café clean and organised

 What we’re looking for

• Friendly, positive, and team-oriented
• Interest in cooking or community work
• Willingness to learn (no experience needed!)

 What you’ll gain

• Valuable café and teamwork experience
• New skills (with training available)
• A pathway into employment
• Meet new people and be part of your community 

How to apply 

To apply, please email or post your CV

The difference you will make to cats and people

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 events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised 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

This is a key support role that helps keep the fundraising function organised and running smoothly.

• Booking events and completing relevant forms.
• Maintain a current contact list of volunteers.
• Manage and prepare equipment ahead of events (some heavy lifting required, can be shared by more than one person).
• Manage and update volunteer availability rotas.
• Update the “cat book” and event information pack ahead of each event.

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can support learners on site at Westminster Adult Education Services based atLisson Grove NW8 8LW, New City College Tower Hamlets E14 0BX and Morley College Stockwell SW4 6RA. 

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Every year, RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals. We also support local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals stay well and remain with the people who love them.

As a separately registered RSPCA branch, we are responsible for raising our own funds locally. Donations, grants, gifts in wills and support from our community are vital to making sure we can continue helping animals in need.

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us grow and develop our income so we can reach more animals and pet owners across our local area.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your research, writing, communication or fundraising skills to make a direct difference. You will help us identify funding opportunities, support grant applications, encourage donations, promote gifts in wills and build long-term support for the Branch.

What can you expect to be doing?

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, you may help with:

• Researching suitable grant-making trusts, foundations and local funding opportunities
• Helping to prepare information for grant applications and funding bids
• Supporting the development of donation appeals
• Helping us promote gifts in wills and legacy giving
• Identifying opportunities to build relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Keeping simple records of funding opportunities, applications and outcomes
• Supporting thank-you letters and updates to donors, funders and supporters
• Working with staff and volunteers to understand the Branch’s funding needs
• Helping to gather stories, statistics and information that show the impact of our work
• Looking for opportunities to raise funds for specific projects, such as veterinary care, animal accommodation, equipment or rehoming work

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous fundraising experience
• An interest in animal welfare and the work of the Branch
• Good written communication skills
• Confidence with research and gathering information
• A careful and organised approach
• Good attention to detail
• The ability to work independently and follow agreed guidance
• Reliability and discretion when handling information
• A positive and professional approach when representing the Branch

Time expectation
This is a flexible role and much of it can be done from home.
As a guide, fundraising volunteers may give around 2 to 3 hours per week, although this may vary depending on funding deadlines, appeals and Branch priorities. The role can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You are also welcome to spend time in our office if you would like to work alongside the team.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe
We want our volunteers to feel happy, confident and valued in their roles. You will receive support and guidance from the Branch, along with relevant information, policies and processes to help you get the most out of your volunteering.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What we can offer you as a volunteer

• Make a real difference to the welfare of local animals
• Help secure the funds needed to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome animals
• Support pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary care
• Gain valuable charity experience that can strengthen your CV
• Join a friendly, committed local team
• Help shape the future sustainability of our Branch

If you care about animals and would like to use your skills to help secure vital funding for their care, we would love to hear from you.

Chance to Shine is looking for volunteers to support our Strategy, Impact, and Evaluation department. We are looking for volunteers who can come to our Holborn office and dedicate approximately 2-3 days per month to supporting our data digitisation. You do not need to commit to full days; hours can be arranged to fit your availability but we ask that each session would be a minimum three-hour block between 9am and 5pm (e.g., one full day and three-four half-days across a month)

As a charity, we collect feedback from children via paper surveys to understand the impact of our programmes. We need dedicated volunteers to help us accurately transfer this data into our Excel systems so we can effectively report on our work and improve young people's wellbeing.

The key responsibilities are:

• Data Entry: Manually entering data from paper survey forms into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets with accuracy.
• Data Cleaning: Reviewing entries for errors or missing information.
• Deciphering: Interpreting difficult-to-read handwriting and making logical judgment calls (or flagging issues) where data is unclear.
• File Management: Organising and filing the physical paper surveys securely after entry. If you are comfortable using Excel, have good concentration, strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and good communication skills, we would love to hear from you.

Cats Protection in Poole are looking for a Volunteer Cashier in our charity shop.

Ideally you'll enjoy fashion, and the fun of a charity shop - you'll help shoppers find hidden gems. You'll help keep us looking beautiful - maintaining the shop floor, filling up our clothing rails, and using your creativity to help create exciting displays. You'll also be meeting our customers and helping them shop, as well as our kind donors, supporters, and cat-lovers!

Your kindness and hard work will help us care for cats and kittens in the Dorset area, with links to our Ferndown homing centre.

Full training will be provided, so experience is not necessary - but enthusiasm is a must!

Does this role sound like you? Please apply here, drop us a line, or simply pop into the shop and ask for a manager.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Prison-based volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work (FCW). Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.

Prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as providing groups information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills will vary from prison to prison.

Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work requires ideally a good level of needlework skill (or a willingness to learn), some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively. As a prison volunteer you will:

• Developing skills and confidence
• Teach prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects
• Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products within the framework of our training programme
• Encouraging and supporting prisoners to volunteer as class coordinators and peer mentors
• Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake their own creative projects

It is essential for volunteers to support FCW ethos, believe in rehabilitation, be an excellent teamworker, observe personal boundaries, be reliable and patient to ensure cell groups run smoothly, and have record-keeping skills and have at knowledge of tapestry/needlework. . 

Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based, therefore it is requred that volunteers will be able to travel to the relevant prisons. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. 

Please take some time to read the role description to find put more details about the role and what we offer to our volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in FCW’s workforce.

These include applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, and male identifying applicants as these are currently under-represented in our volunteers groups.

Make a Difference. Shape Futures. Join Us as a Co-opted Governor!

Are you ready to play a vital role in shaping the future of young people in your community? The Special Partnership Trust is looking for passionate, committed individuals to join our Local Governing Bodies at Nancealverne School.

This is your opportunity to bring your voice, skills, and perspective to a role that truly matters.

What You’ll Do

As a Co-opted Governor, you’ll be part of a team that makes a real impact by:

• Helping set the strategic direction of the school
• Supporting and constructively challenging school leaders
• Contributing your unique experience to strengthen governance

Your Focus Will Be On

• Pupil and staff wellbeing
• The quality of education and school provision
• Pupil progress and outcomes
• The school’s role within the local community

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Care deeply about education and making a difference
• Share our values and commitment to inclusion
• Are willing to engage in meetings and ongoing training

No prior governance experience is required—just enthusiasm and commitment.

Time Commitment

• Around 3 meetings per year (one per term, ~2 hours each)
• 1 Governor Development Day annually
• Safeguarding training (statutory requirement)
• 1 school visit per term

�� Why Join Us?

• Make a lasting impact on children and young people
• Develop new skills and gain governance experience
• Work alongside a supportive, purpose-driven team

�� Get Involved

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

To express your interest, please complete the application form on My New Term via our website.

Safeguarding:

The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All volunteer roles are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all candidates.