Remote volunteer roles

We're seeking a trustee with experience in arts, culture, philanthropy or charity governance to complete the board of a new international arts charity supporting emerging artists. As a trustee you'll play an essential role in shaping the early direction of ellipse art projects UK and helping us open new opportunities for emerging artists from Southeast Asia, Africa, in the UK.

This year, we're launching our UK charity alongside our existing French endowment fund, submitting our registration to the Charity Commission, and preparing our first major partnership with a cultural non profit organisation in London. The board will lead these foundational decisions. For this reason, we're looking for a trustee with experience in UK charity governance, ideally in the arts or culture sector. If you have set up or grown a UK charity before, even better.

Our board is intentionally small: three to four trustees, meeting two to three times per year (in person or online). We are just starting out and hoping to build a friendly, engaged and collaborative board, one that combines the strategic ambition of our founders with the calm, informed guidance of experienced trustees like you.

The mandate is three years, renewable.

Citizens Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Through our national network of charities, we give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

We are Citizens Advice—the people’s champion. We empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence they need to move forward, no matter who they are or what challenges they face.

Help shape the future of Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is one of the UK's leading charities, providing trusted advice to millions of people every year. We're looking for an experienced finance leader to join our Board as a Trustee, helping to ensure we remain financially resilient, well governed and able to deliver lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.

This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise at the highest level of the organisation, influencing strategic decisions and supporting the long-term sustainability of a charity with a vital public mission.

About the role

As a Trustee, you'll work alongside fellow Board members to provide strategic direction, effective governance and constructive challenge. You'll help ensure Citizens Advice continues to deliver on its purpose while remaining financially strong and well positioned for the future.

We are currently seeking a Trustee with significant financial expertise who can bring strategic insight to the Board and support our approach to financial governance, sustainability and long-term planning.

Subject to approval by our membership, the successful candidate may also be appointed as Treasurer of the charity.

About you

You'll be a professionally qualified finance leader with substantial experience of leading finance within a large and complex organisation.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering financial strategy and governance.

• A strong understanding of high-performing finance functions, including financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.

• The ability to support effective strategic decision-making through sound financial oversight and insight.

• Experience of strengthening financial sustainability and diversifying sources of income.

• A track record of coaching and supporting senior finance professionals.

• The ability to explain complex financial issues clearly and confidently to senior leaders and Boards.

Previous non-executive or Trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We value the different perspectives and experiences that people bring to our Board.

We're looking for someone who is

• Passionate about the mission and values of Citizens Advice.

• A collaborative and inclusive leader who values openness and partnership.

• An excellent listener who builds trust and strong relationships.

• Able to provide constructive challenge with diplomacy and respect.

• Someone who demonstrates integrity, authenticity and sound judgement.

• Ambitious about the difference Citizens Advice can make for people and communities across the UK.

As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to one of the UK's most respected charities. Your expertise will help shape strategic decisions, strengthen our financial future and ensure Citizens Advice continues to provide trusted advice for generations to come.

If you're an experienced finance leader who wants to use your skills to make a national impact, we'd love to hear from you.

We hope you will consider making an application to join our Board as Trustee of Citizens Advice.
To apply, please provide:

• A CV (no more than three sides) or equivalent biographical information.
• A short covering letter that explains your motivation, suitability, availability and confirms that you would not be subject to any conflict of interest.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is of strategic importance within the organisation and recognised as integral to all we do as a service.

Central to pursuing our EDI mission is building diverse and inclusive teams in which everyone has a sense of belonging. We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our all EDI work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from people we would like to see better represented in our organisation and sector - people of colour, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. We follow the social model of disability. We will offer an interview to disabled candidates who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident Interview Commitment where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

We have been awarded the top charity in Third sectors' employer index, where it's recognised that Citizens Advice is an organization that not only prioritizes the people we serve but also values the wellbeing of its employees.

Please note, in the event of a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the application early.

This vacancy closes at 23.59 on the closing date.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Chair Specific Duties

• Rebuild with Hope operates within the law, and according to its constitution and its commitments to stakeholders and is adequately resourced to meet its commitments.
• Rebuild with Hope develops an effective strategy in line with the core values of the organisation
• All Board Members are fully involved in discussions and decisions, and the contribution of individual Members is monitored. The Chair will encourage group decision making, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose, and will foster a sense of inclusivity and shared mission by informing the Board at each meeting of any ‘Chair’s business’ which has taken place since the last meeting
• The Board’s agenda is appropriate and focuses on the key strategic issues, all planned business is dealt with in an equitable, fair manner and a conclusion is reached in each case, and that decisions are clearly and accurately minuted
• The Board continually monitors Rebuild with Hope’s progress, and that Board Members have regular, timely and relevant information on strategic and financial issues and key risks
• Board Members have a proper knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• The Board delegates, as appropriate, to its Committees and to its Chief Executive
• Regular reviews of Board, Committee and Chief Executive performance are undertaken, and a programme of development processes for the Board, its Members, and the Chief Executive is established
• Periodic reviews of the composition and workings of Rebuild with Hope are undertaken to ensure it continues to respond appropriately to changes in the wider environment
• Effective use is made of the Board’s time within, and between, meetings
• The Board receives professional advice when necessary
• The support and commitment of Rebuild with Hope’s partners and key stakeholders are developed and sustained
• They represent Rebuild with Hope as required and foster positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. The Chair will ensure that a high profile is maintained for the organisation, and that stakeholders are kept informed of our work
• Positive working relationships are maintained among Board Members and with the Chief Executive to enable an appropriate balance of challenge and support to be provided 

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

VOLUNTEER ROLE: ADMIN & OPERATIONS LEAD

Build the systems. Keep us organised. Power the mission.

URBAN YOUTH is launching a movement across London — transforming unused spaces, delivering street‑level youth work, and creating opportunities that empower young people to rise, grow and thrive.

To make that happen, we need someone who can keep the engine running behind the scenes.

We’re looking for a Admin & Operations Lead — a detail‑driven, organised, proactive volunteer who can help us build strong foundations, set up systems, and keep our charity compliant, efficient and ready to grow.

If you’re someone who loves structure, clarity, organisation and smooth operations… This role is made for you.

What This Role Is All About

You’ll be the backbone of our start‑up operations — helping us stay organised, compliant and ready to deliver high‑impact youth work across London.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Loves admin, systems and structure

• Enjoys creating forms, templates and documents

• Can manage emails, correspondence and digital organisation

• Wants to help build a charity from the ground up

• Has an eye for detail and a passion for efficiency

• Can work remotely (London preferred but not essential)

You’ll help us create an operations system that feels smooth, professional and future‑ready.

Your Mission

As Admin & Operations Lead, you will:

• Set up systems and processes that keep URBAN YOUTH running smoothly

• Create forms, templates and documents for volunteers, programmes and governance

• Manage emails and correspondence with professionalism and clarity

• Support compliance across safeguarding, data protection and charity standards

• Organise digital files, records and operational tools

• Help build an operations structure that supports growth and impact

• Work closely with the team to ensure everything is coordinated and efficient

Your work will help us stay organised, safe and ready to deliver youth work that changes lives.

Why This Role Matters

• Behind every great youth programme is strong organisation.
• Behind every safe, effective charity is solid operations.
• Behind every movement is someone who keeps things running.

Your leadership will:

• Strengthen our foundations

• Improve our efficiency

• Support volunteers and programme leads

• Ensure compliance and good governance

• Help us grow sustainably and confidently

• Make our youth work possible

This is your chance to help build a charity that’s ready to scale across London.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Are organised, reliable and detail‑focused

• Have experience in admin, operations or charity support

• Enjoy creating systems, forms and documents

• Communicate clearly and professionally

• Can manage inboxes, schedules and digital organisation

• Want to support a charity empowering young Londoners

• Are proactive, positive and ready to build something meaningful

If you’re someone who loves order, structure and smooth operations — we’d love to have you on our team.

• JOIN US.
• HELP US BUILD THE FOUNDATIONS THAT CHANGE LIVES.

We’re committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding. All volunteers will be required to complete a DBS check.

URBAN YOUTH

YOUTH WORK. ANYWHERE. FOR EVERYONE.

Are you looking for a new opportunity to make a real difference, change lives, and help create a positive, supportive environment?

Hidayah is a volunteer-led organisation supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims through community support, advocacy, education, and wellbeing initiatives. It creates safe, inclusive spaces where people can connect, feel empowered, and have their voices heard, while promoting equality and positive change across the UK and beyond.

The Wellbeing Officer Trustee provides guidance, support, and signposting on mental health and wellbeing to volunteers and service users.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement proactive wellbeing strategies to reduce harm and support volunteers in public-facing roles. 

• Manage and respond to wellbeing queries via the designated inbox, including triage and signposting. 

• Create and maintain wellbeing resources for service users and volunteers. 

• Use feedback and data to identify wellbeing needs and improve support provision. 

• Build and maintain relationships with external mental health and wellbeing services. 

• Attend Trustee Board meetings and provide regular updates. 

• Support planning, events, and organisational activities where possible. 

• Assist with fundraising and promotion of Hidayah initiatives. 

• Participate in internal communications and maintain shared systems (e.g., Google Drive). 

• Contribute to the Annual Report. 

• Respond to communications promptly. 

• Uphold Hidayah’s values and mission. 

• Serve until the next AGM (subject to a 6-month probation period).

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Knowledge & Experience

• Understanding of mental health, wellbeing, or emotional support in a community or voluntary setting. 

• Experience supporting individuals through advice, signposting, mentoring, or similar roles. 

• Awareness of safeguarding, confidentiality, and boundaries when working with vulnerable people. 

• Experience working or volunteering in collaborative or community-based environments. 

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strong listening, communication, and empathy skills. 

• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to sensitive or emotional situations. 

• Good organisational skills and ability to manage inboxes, queries, or tasks efficiently. 

• Ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision. 

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. 

• Basic IT skills (email, Google Workspace, or similar tools). 

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, approachable, and non-judgmental. 

• Reliable, responsible, and consistent in availability. 

• Committed to equality, inclusion, and supporting LGBTQ+ Muslim communities. 

• Able to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and emotional boundaries. 

• Passionate about improving wellbeing and community support

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18+ and based in the UK. 

• Willingness to commit to a voluntary trustee role (approximately 4–5 hours per week minimum, with flexibility for additional time when required).

WHAT BENEFITS DO I GET FROM THIS ROLE?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in LGBTQ+ Muslim wellbeing. 

• Governance and leadership experience. 

• Opportunity to shape wellbeing support services within the community.

• Training and development

Role Summary

As a Notion Specialist, you will play a key role in helping volunteers and teams effectively utilise Notion for their work. Your expertise will ensure that teams can optimise workflows, manage information efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly within the platform. You will provide training, manage permissions, and support teams in structuring Notion workspaces tailored to their needs.

Key tasks

1. Training & Support

   • Conduct training sessions for volunteers on how to use Notion.

   • Develop and maintain training materials (e.g., guides, videos, FAQs) to support ongoing learning.

   • Provide one-on-one or group support to answer Notion-related queries.

2. Workspace Optimisation

   • Help teams structure their Notion workspaces to suit their workflows and case scenarios.

   • Assist in building and refining dashboards, databases, templates, and automations.

   • Provide recommendations on best practices for using Notion efficiently.

3. Permissions & Access Management

   • Set up and manage permissions to ensure appropriate access levels for different roles.

   • Regularly review and update access permissions to maintain security and efficiency.

4. Process Improvement & Documentation

   • Identify opportunities to improve organisational efficiency using Notion.

   • Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices within Notion.

   • Support teams in integrating Notion with other tools where relevant.

5. Ongoing Support & Troubleshooting

   • Act as the go-to person for troubleshooting Notion-related issues.

   • Stay updated on new Notion features and advise the team on potential improvements.

   • Gather feedback from users to continuously enhance Notion use across the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• Strong experience using Notion, with the ability to teach others effectively.

• Understanding of database structures, workflows, and automations within Notion.

• Excellent communication and training skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot and provide creative solutions to Notion-related challenges.

• Organised, proactive, and able to work independently.

• Experience with integrating Notion with other tools (desirable but not essential).

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Job Title: Honorary Treasurer (Trustee)
Location: Westminster, London (Fully Remote)
Role Type: Volunteer / Trustee

About our community: The Guild of Benevolence are passionate about extending financial, educational, and mental health support to Marine Engineers and their families. We are a small, warm, and dedicated team who truly care about making a long-term difference.
A new chapter for our team: Following the retirement of our long-serving Treasurer, we are seeking a qualified finance professional to serve as Treasurer on our Board of Trustees. The Treasurer will provide strategic financial oversight, ensure regulatory compliance, and advise the board and Business Manager on long-term sustainability.

How You'll Help Us:
Guide our finances: Work alongside our Business Manager to keep our budgets on track and help us stay on course for a secure future.
Keep us on course: Ensure our annual accounts and charitable filings, such as the Charity Commission, are completed smoothly.
Share the story behind the numbers: Help the Board make well-informed decisions by sharing clear, financial updates at our meetings 4X per year.
Protect our resources: Offer considered oversight and guidance on our financial policies.

What we're looking for:
A professional background or qualification in accounting, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, CPA, or equivalent experience.
Familiarity with NGO or charity finance is a bonus.
A warm, collaborative approach and the ability to work well in a team.

Time commitment: Approximately 4-10 hours per month, including our Trustee meetings held quarterly. This role is remote working but you are welcome to visit us in the office in Central London to meet and spend time with the team.

Ready to join us? If you are looking for a rewarding Trustee role where your skills will help improve lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope Foundation was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Help older people claim welfare benefits through home visits, form-filling and friendly support.

About Us

Age UK Buckinghamshire is a local, independent charity and part of the wider Age UK Network. We support older people across the county through vital services including befriending, information and advice, dementia support, practical help at home, and welfare benefits support - helping people stay independent, connected, and supported.

Our work is more important now than ever. Many older people face growing challenges such as the rising cost of living, social isolation, and difficulty accessing support. 

As demand for our services continues to increase, community support is essential to help us reach more people in need. By raising awareness of what we do, we can ensure that older people know where to turn for help, and inspire others to support our work through volunteering, fundraising, and partnership.

What do Welfare Benefits Volunteers do?

Help older people boost their income by becoming a Welfare Benefits Volunteer.

Many older people face financial difficulties because they are not claiming all the welfare benefits they are entitled to. At Age UK Buckinghamshire, we support older people to access the benefits they deserve by offering personalised advice and practical help.

Our trained volunteer advisors visit people in their own homes to guide them through the claims process, completing benefit forms on their behalf and ensuring applications reflect their individual circumstances.

Following full training, you will be matched with clients for one-off home visits, usually lasting one to two hours. Along the way, there’s often time for a friendly chat, and perhaps a cup of tea, while making a real difference to someone’s quality of life.

What skills does a Welfare Benefits Advisor need?

• Empathy and patience with older people
• A professional, friendly and approachable manner
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills
• A non-judgemental approach
• Willingness to learn about older people’s benefits

What training do we provide?

Successful applicants complete 2 training sessions covering the needs of older people and welfare benefits.  At the end of this initial training, you will be “buddied” with one or more experienced volunteers, first as an observer and later as an advisor until you have the knowledge and confidence to undertake one-to-one visits.

How much time do we expect you to give?

Once trained, you can commit to as many or as few visits per week as you wish. Each visit takes, on average, about 1 – 2 hours.  There are quarterly meetings that provide support and additional training days from time to time to keep up with new legislation.

What is our commitment to you?

• We will provide initial and ongoing training to help you develop your knowledge and skills.
• We will continue to support you in your role, providing information and advice as necessary.
• We will discuss with you any problems you may have with your role, or any concerns we have.
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses.

Become a Community Discharge Support Service Volunteer and help someone get back on their feet when they come home from hospital.

What do Community Support Volunteers do?

Our friendly Community Support Volunteers visit people when they have come home from hospital, typically once a week for 4 – 6 weeks.

At a time when people are recovering and really appreciate a bit of extra help you could be supporting with shopping and light housework. But it’s often the company and encouragement of our volunteers that is appreciated the most as we check in and chat!

By doing this we help with recovery and reduce the chance of readmission to hospital.

You can also help from our office in Aylesbury  by making welfare and check in calls with our clients and helping to arrange these visits.

What you will get out of it

It's a great way to make a real difference to someone's life at a time they especially need it.

You'll be giving something back to your community

You get to be part of Age UK Buckinghamshire's volunteer team

Volunteers tell us they find this really rewarding and get lots out of it themselves.

What is expected of me?

Community Support Volunteers are expected to visit each client once a week for up to 6 weeks.

These visits are flexible, based on your availability.

Our office support volunteers are asked to help for 1 – 2 hours a week.

Volunteers complete a short relevant training session and provide references.

Age UK Bucks ‘Age Better Bucks’ volunteers will support local older people to achieve personal goals – by helping them navigate and take advantage of a Support Plan devised by as community worker, that is designed to help them meet the challenges of older age.

This could be by phoning them to provide encouragement, explanation and support, and to check on progress, and also to help them with attendance at appointments and going to new groups or activities.

What do Age Better Bucks Volunteers do?

• Work with the Community Support Connector from Age UK Bucks to accept a client and understand their goals and support plan – and which services they have been referred to for support
• Contact the client to introduce yourself, and explain what you can help them with and if that’s OK with them
• Agree how your support is best provided – e.g. weekly calls for progress and encouragement, or help with something specific on their plan. That could be a home visit (if appropriate) to help them make a call or prepare for an appointment; attend a group or activity with them; or help them take a bus etc.
• Report back to the Community Support Connector if there are any issues or concerns and agree when your support can stop
• Ideally, you’d support a few clients each week or month, depending on how much time you have

The role is to support and help the client to access the referrals and support put in place for them – and not to support them with care or specific needs yourself. Referrals might be to local care services, to local groups or clubs, or to an occupational therapist for home adaptations, other voluntary organisations and support groups etc.

Our Age Better Bucks Service

Age Better Bucks supports over 65s who could benefit from extra support to manage their well being and remain independent. It is for older people experiencing challenges or need extra support to stay independent and well – for example increasing loneliness/isolation; bereavement; health/mobility decline; mood change.

Our team of support workers will assess their needs and circumstances specific to them, and develop an action plan with them to ensure more support and help can be arranged. We check in with the client after 6 weeks to see how they are getting on, and after 6 months to see how they are and check if anything has changed, got worse or improved.

The service is designed to give people the tools, contacts and support to make positive changes and especially to tackle the impact of loneliness and isolation.

An action plan, or support plan, will be devised with all clients, identifying their main goals based on their individual needs and challenges, and referring them, with their consent only, to other services and support we agree can help. At this stage we’ll assess if a volunteer like you can help then take full advantage of this support.

What you will get out of it

• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference
• It's a great way to support older people making a real difference to their lives
• You'll be giving something back to your community
• You get to be part of Age UK Buckinghamshire's volunteer team
• We will reimburse reasonable, approved out of pocket expenses
• Volunteers tell us they find Volunteering really rewarding and get lots out of it themselves
• You will be fully supported by our Team and wider Age UK Buckinghamshire support.

What is expected of me?

We tell you about each client and ask if you’d like to take it up. You would then arrange and complete the call or visit when convenient. The work you do is conducted in line with guidance we provide and you must comply with necessary procedures including Data Protection/Confidentiality and Personal Safety.

After the visit/contact you will complete and submit a contact form. Volunteers complete relevant training, provide references and complete a DBS check.

Key skills and requirements

• Good listener, clear communicator and able to maintain confidentiality. A good conversationalist!
• Ability to lead the conversation, provide feedback to the team and summarise the conversation.
• Non-judgmental. Able to respect others’ differences and choices
• Patient, flexible and reliable
• Able to work independently with guidance and support
• Ability to travel around the area to visit people
• A regular commitment to give 1-2 hours a week would be appreciated but the role is flexible, you can work from home, do visits, only make calls, whatever works for you.
• An interest in helping older people live the lives they want

Befriending Volunteer 

Would you like to offer companionship to someone who feels lonely, help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with their community, or simply brighten their week with a friendly chat? 

What do Befriending Volunteers do?

Our volunteers support older people (50+) who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or cut off from their usual activities. Volunteers help clients rebuild confidence, reconnect socially, and enjoy meaningful conversation. 

Support can take different forms depending on the client’s needs: 

Short-term Face-to-Face Support (up to 6 months) 

• Visiting someone regularly to help them work towards personal goals 

• Encouraging confidence to get out and about again 

• Supporting them to re-engage with interests, community groups, or social activities 

Long-term Befriending (for those most isolated) 

• Providing stable, ongoing social support 

• Regular facetoface or telephone companionship 

• Building a consistent and trusting relationship 

National Telephone Befriending 

• Offering friendly conversation over the phone 

• Providing regular social contact for people unable to meet in person 

This is a rewarding and varied volunteer role where every person you meet will be different — and you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing. 

What you will get out of it

• A chance to support older people and make a real positive impact 

• A meaningful role where relationships grow and confidence returns 

• Opportunities to meet new people and experience new things 

• Being part of Age UK Buckinghamshire’s volunteer team 

• Full training, ongoing support, and guidance from your Outreach Support Worker 

Our volunteers tell us they find befriending incredibly fulfilling and often get as much from the relationship as the client does 

What is expected of me?

• We will talk you through each potential match before you decide to take it on 

• Most volunteers commit around 1–2 hours a week 

• Shortterm matches typically last up to 6 months; longterm befriending is ongoing 

• Time may be spent visiting someone at home, accompanying them to a local activity, or chatting with them by phone 

• Volunteers complete a short online training program and provide references 

• A DBS check will be required (provided at no cost) 

Who can volunteer?

If you are warm, friendly, patient, and enjoy chatting with people, this could be the role for you. You do not need any formal qualifications, just a desire to support someone who is feeling vulnerable or alone.