Volunteer roles

GMYN is seeking to recruit new trustees with the passion and drive to move the charity forward with our recently updated strategy.

Since 2007, we have supported over 15,000 young people across Greater Manchester who face significant challenges, including those with experience of the care system, young refugees, and those with social or mental health needs. We don’t just deliver programmes; we provide a "family" and a platform for young people to have their voices heard.

Following our 2025 Trustee Skills Audit, we are entering an exciting period of new opportunities and are looking for three new trustees to join our passionate board. We are looking for individuals who share our values of compassion, creativity, courage, learning and fun.

We are specifically seeking expertise/experience in the following high-priority areas:

• Finance & Audit Trustee: To provide scrutiny of financial information, budgeting, and support our long-term financial resilience.
• Fundraising & Income Generation Trustee: To help shape our fundraising strategy, focusing on corporate partnerships, grants, and traded income.
• Digital & Communications Trustee: To lead our digital strategy, helping us amplify our brand and marketing efforts.
• Young Trustees - Please see section below on “lived experience”.

However, you do not need to be an expert in these areas to apply. We welcome applications from anyone who shares our values. We believe that a diverse board with a wide range of perspectives is what makes us strong.

The Value of Lived Experience

GMYN aims to create an inclusive welcoming environment for young people and all those who work or volunteer at GMYN or wish to join #TeamGMYN.

Whilst our staff and board of trustees are diverse in many ways, we recognise we are not fully representative of the communities that we serve, and we want to change this. We especially encourage applications from the Global Majority, people from working-class backgrounds, and disabled or neurodiverse individuals.

At GMYN, we believe young people shouldn't just be part of our programmes—they should help lead them. We are looking for new Trustees help shape our future. We strongly encourage applications from:

• Young leaders (18+) who want to make a difference in Greater Manchester.
• Experts by experience: the unique insights you have from navigating the care system, living with a disability, or being a young person in Greater Manchester today. Your first-hand knowledge helps us make better, fairer decisions.
• People who currently use, or have previously been involved in, GMYN programmes including beneficaries, volunteers or GMYN alumni.

Your personal insight and "youth voice" are just as valuable to us as professional qualifications and experience. We want our board to reflect the diverse communities and the resilient young people we serve.

Why join #TeamGMYN?

Our current trustees choose to be part of GMYN because they want to:

• Make a meaningful difference for young people facing disadvantage.
• Gain a deeper sense of purpose by contributing to a cause rooted in compassion.
• Connect with diverse people and new perspectives within the community.
• Share their own knowledge to help more young people thrive.

The commitment

We expect trustees to try and attend all meetings. We have around 5 to 6 evening trustee meetings each year (on-line and face-to-face) plus attendance at the annual strategic planning day.

In addition to this trustees are encouraged to visit our projects and participate in focused working groups as and when needed.

Person Specification

Experience of youth work is not required to be a GMYN Trustee. Neither is previous experience as a trustee.

The main qualities that we are looking for are:

• A demonstrable passion for supporting young people so that they can build a positive future for themselves.
• Commitment to regularly attend and fully engage in board meetings and be pro-active in-between meetings.
• The ability to think at a strategic level and leave the day-to-day operation of the charity to the Senior Leadership Team.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other Trustees and senior level staff.
• Curiosity and the ability to ask challenging questions when required.
• Skills and experiences that are relevant to the high-priority areas as shown above.

Guidance for applicants 

If having read this information you would like to apply, we would suggest you set up a short informal chat with our Chair, Liam McDaid Jones. He can provide you with a bit more background to GMYN; where we’ve come from, and where we are heading. He can also answer any other questions you may have about the trustee role.

Just Like Us is seeking a new Trustee with strong financial acumen to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight and governance to help us make sure every LGBT+ young person is able to thrive. This role will act as the Board’s lead Trustee for financial oversight, safeguarding the financial health of the organisation, ensuring accountability, and supporting sustainable growth

Date: Sunday 10 May 2026 

Time: Various roles available between 8am & 6pm 

Location: TBC; stationed along the 15 mile route of The Banham Marsden March 

Role overview (dependent on location and role): 

• Welcoming and supporting walkers at the start lines 

• Marshalling along the route to help keep walkers safe and cheer them on 

• Welcoming and encouraging walkers at our three checkpoints 

• Helping provide information and handing out refreshments 

• Handing out medals at the finish 

Support provided:  

• Full event briefing, including detailed information about the day and your role

• Charity liaison in the run up to the event and on the day

What’s in it for you: 

• A t-shirt to wear on the day. 

• Refreshments.

• An opportunity to meet other amazing volunteers. 

• Experience of working at a mass participation event. 

• The chance to be part of an incredible day raising vital funds to transform the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and across the UK. 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Organiser, you'll bring your skills, energy and enthusiasm to lead, develop and plan activities and events with your local group. You’ll get involved in creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events, making sure they’re run safely and effectively, to be accessible to our MS community. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day, inspiring your fellow volunteers to get involved.  

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Administration Volunteer you’ll play an essential role in your local group.

You’ll act as the first point of contact for the group and circulate information to other volunteers and members. You’ll ensure that data and details are kept up to date, to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As our local group Lead Support Volunteer you’ll help recruit a team of Support Volunteers. You’ll support them to deliver telephone, face-to-face and online assistance to people affected by MS.

In this role you’ll develop your leadership, communication, organisation and team building skills.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Health and Safety Volunteer you’ll make sure all local group volunteers are aware of their health and safety responsibilities. You’ll help them understand and follow guidelines and procedures to coordinate safe activities.

In this role you’ll gain experience of health and safety, as well as develop your organisation, admin and communication skills.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs.

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll provide much-needed help looking after fundraising relationships, and with fundraising activities and events. You’ll help us look after the supporters who are fundraising for us — to make sure they’re happy and feel part of what we do. You’ll also support us with planning and running events, including preparation and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

In this role you’ll develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Leeds

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Sunday (times tbc)

Location: Shelter, Unit 28 Lands Lane, Leeds

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager / Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role   

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop or contact us.

Welcome

Thank you for showing interest in Voyage (Voice of Youth & Genuine Empowerment) and the possibility of becoming a Trustee.

Voyage is a London-based social justice charity tackling racial inequality and structural disadvantage. We empower and enrich the lives of diverse young people and transform disadvantaged communities by raising aspiration and attainment. We work with socially disadvantaged and excluded young people, aiming to combat social exclusion, improve educational achievement and build resilient, confident leaders. Our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of young Black people and young people from the global majority, radically transforming educational and employment pathways. You will find more information on our website outlining our mission, programmes, partnerships and impact.

Voyage is led and governed by our committed, majority-diverse Board of Trustees, Youth Advisory Board, CEO and leadership team. Our organisation would not succeed without the dedication of our programme leaders and staff team. We have bold ambitions for Voyage, including completing our transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status and deepening our work across three pillars: Education, Access and Youth Voice. To support this next phase, we now need additional skills on our Board. We are specifically looking for people with one or more of the following:

·broad fundraising or income generation experience

·experience in the higher or further education sector

·education product development or commercial/business development experience

·governance and board development

We are open to other skills and experiences too. If you share our passion for social justice and supporting young people from Black and other global majority backgrounds to raise their expectations and fulfil their potential, we would welcome your application. We are especially interested in people currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Sincerely
Siobhan O’Garro (Board Chair)

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About us

Our mission - We ignite and inspire the next generation, building resilience to tackle the UK’s most pressing issues.

Our vision - Every young person can be a voice for change in their community and the world.
Our philosophy - Each One Teach One.
Our values - Empower – Transform – Sustain.

We provide accredited transformational leadership programmes for young people from the global majority. We aim to increase educational attainment, build community resilience and develop empowered young leaders who go on to reach their full potential and often return to Voyage to inspire the next generation.

Our work and plans

Voyage has recently come through a very challenging two year period that has significantly impacted our ability to attract investment and grow and rebuild staff capacity. At the same time, the national rolling back of ESG, DEI and wider CSR agendas has reduced investment in the very communities and young people our work exists to support. Despite this, Voyage remains resilient and is committed to overcoming these challenges. We have developed a business-led approach that places our young people at the centre of reversing this trend demonstrating the essential role that diversity, youth leadership and social justice play in future-focused industries.

We support young people through accredited education offers leading to employment and industry accesswork and opportunities to highlight the voice of our young people. This pathway of empowerment can be seen in our longest-standing strand, rooted in our BTEC level II accredited Safer cities course designed to support young people who are at risk of being marginalized due to challenging behaviour, damaging relationships and poor engagement with school.

A major element of our renewed strategy is our focus on sustainability and climate justice. Our mission helps us connect our diversity agenda to these sectors that are currently under-represented yet abundant with opportunity. Voyage is therefore aligning youth leadership, diversity and green-skills development through:

·our new Young Leaders Course - Sustainable Cities, supporting young people to understand climate resilience, urban change and green career pathways

·our Horizons Youth Programme for the Environment (HyPE), equipping at-risk young people with employability skills, training and entry points into environmental and retrofit careers

Further plans include:

·developing and rolling out a third BTEC accredited course linked to the under-represented but opportunity-rich digital sector - the Smart Cities;

·completing our transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status to give us more flexible and agile income-generation options;

·growing Youth Voice as both an income-generating and influence-building strand, enabling young people to shape policy, practice and public discourse; and

·position Voyage as a London leader in youth justice, climate equity and youth-led social innovation, with a developing national profile

Our constitution

Trustees provide oversight and scrutiny of Voyage’s management, operations and strategic direction, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and alignment with our mission, vision and values.

We are looking for additional skills in:

·governance and board development

·commercial or business development

·strategic fundraising and income generation

The Board

Trustees are appointed by the Nominations Committee with representation from the Youth Advisory Board. We are currently seeking at least two or more new Trustees to strengthen our Board and equip us for the opportunities and challenges ahead, including organisational growth, transformation to CIO status, programme development and national positioning. We are looking for people to act as advocates for Voyage, committed to our vision and mission. Prior trustee experience is not essential but can be very helpful.

We particularly welcome applications from:

·younger trustees

·disabled people

·people with lived experience of social and educational disadvantage

As a Trustee, you will support good governance, ensure the organisation is sustainable, effective and always delivering our charitable purposes.

Job Description

The Board meets 4–6 times a year for up to two hours, with an additional annual Away Day. Meetings are held both virtually and in person. We use an online portal to share papers and reports.

Trustees are expected to:

·prepare for and attend meetings

·contribute actively to discussions

·attend up to two events per year

The time commitment is approximately one day per month on average, occasionally higher at key points in the year.

Each Trustee will hold a specific remit or portfolio area aligned to their expertise and will keep the Board informed about developments and opportunities within that area.

Remuneration

Trustee roles are unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. If finances present a barrier to participation, please discuss this with us.

Engagement

Trustees are committed to governing in a way that is compassionate, transparent and grounded in the lived realities of the young people and staff who deliver Voyage Youth’s mission, while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operational delivery. The staff team is dynamic, hardworking and welcoming. Our small size allows Trustees to have meaningful involvement at all levels of the organisation.Trustees may also be invited to:

·take part in working groups

·represent Voyage at events

·advise staff in areas of professional expertise

Responsibilities of Trustees

Trustees share collective responsibility to:

·ensure compliance with the governing document and charity law

·maintain financial control and sustainability

·set and review strategy and performance

·ensure accountability and transparency

·uphold Voyage’s reputation and values

·oversee risk management, safeguarding and key policies

·support and challenge the leadership team appropriately

·act only in the best interests of the charity

Person Specification

We are looking for people who will bring diverse experiences and insight to our Board. All Trustees must be able to demonstrate:

·a passion for social justice and improved outcomes for young Black people and the global majority

·collaborative working and team contribution

·understanding of strategy and leadership

·ability to connect Voyage to networks and opportunities

·commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

·strategic thinking and constructive challenge

How to apply

Please apply by sending:

·your CV

·a cover letter (maximum 1.5 pages) outlining your interest and suitability

Send applications to: recruitment at Voyage Youth

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, contact us via the same email address. This will not influence the outcome of your application. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Please tell us if you require reasonable adjustments. Closing date for applications: Friday 27th February 2026 Interviews: Weeks commencing mid to late March 2026 (in person) For more information about us and our work, please visit our website.

Here’s a slightly shorter, smoother version that keeps the warmth and key details:

Do you love gardening and helping others?

Join our Friday morning gardening group as a Co-Lead and be part of something truly special.

During the growing season, students from a specialist SEND school visit our vibrant Victorian-style kitchen garden each week to plant, water, and harvest fresh fruit and vegetables. Bringing your gardening knowledge and practical skills, you’ll work alongside a staff member who specialises in supporting SEND pupils. Together, you’ll lead a friendly team of around eight volunteers who support the group each Friday.

Experience working with teens with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) is wonderful but not essential. You’ll be supported by skilled carers and HLC staff, and you’ll gain valuable experience along the way.

What to expect

Sessions run on Friday mornings during term time (April–July and September–October). You’ll help prepare activities, brief volunteers, welcome students, and pair them with one-to-one support for the session.

You may work directly with a participant or oversee the wider group — and, of course, hand out the all-important biscuits at break time! At the end of each session, you’ll lead the tidy-up, support a short debrief with students and volunteers, and share key updates and photos with the volunteer team to keep everyone informed and motivated.

You’ll play an important role in helping participants work towards meaningful goals, such as following instructions, managing transitions, and developing fine motor skills.

What we’re looking for

You’re patient, kind, and empathetic, especially when working with people with learning needs and disabilities. You’re reliable, flexible, and eager to learn.

Consistency is key, so we’re looking for someone who can commit to weekly Friday mornings during both the Autumn and Spring programmes. Your steady, friendly presence will help create stability and comfort for participants who may find change challenging.

Join us — and let’s grow something wonderful together, in the garden and beyond.

Time commitment

• Fridays, 9:30am–12:00pm

• Autumn: 4–6 weeks (September–October)

• Spring: 10–12 weeks (April/May–July)

An additional morning for garden maintenance and session preparation may be helpful in future, but this isn’t essential at the outset.

Skills and experience

• Gardening knowledge and practical skills (required)

• Experience with teens with PMLD (desirable, not essential)

Admin Volunteer (Legacy & In-memory Fundraising)

Are you looking to use your admin skills to make a difference?

Information about the role

You’ll be completing a range of admin tasks to support the Legacy and In-memory Fundraising Team such as sending emails, letters and cards and updating our database. This makes sure our supporters are well cared for and provided with the information they need.

Location: Shelter’s London office, 88 Old Street, EC1V 9HU

Suggested contribution: 1- 2 days a week. (can be flexible around your commitments).

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

· Responding to legacy and in-memory enquiries by email, post and phone.

· Making sure tailored thank you letters are sent to our supporters, helping them feel thanked, valued and informed on our work.

· Thanking online in-memory donations through Just Giving, Much Loved and other similar platforms.

· Sharing information about our free will writing service with supporters and referring them to our free will writing partner, the National Free Wills Network.

· Using our supporter database, Microsoft Dynamics 365, to update supporter records.

This role fights the housing emergency by making sure our supporters are thanked and supported for the personal decision to give an in-memory donation or pledge a gift in their will to Shelter. This helps raise vitals funds that enable Shelter to provide advice, support and campaign for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We’d love the volunteer in this role to be confident using IT and have great communication and listening skills, particularly when talking to someone at a sensitive time. It’s also important you have a willingness to learn and are enthusiastic about tackling the housing emergency.

Supporting you

· You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

· The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

· You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

· You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by filling in an application on our Shelter website. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact The Volunteering Team to see what options are available.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us in The Volunteering Team if you require more information. 

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