Voluntary Social Welfare Volunteer Roles

We are seeking a committed, experienced and strategic Chair to lead our charity as we enter the next stage of our organisation's evolution. We have big plans and ambitions and want someone to help steer us through a time of opportunity and challenge for our sector.

This is the dawn of an exciting era of growth and change. We've just introduced a new profit-for purpose commercial counselling and therapy subsidiary, and our charity is beginning an ambitious national expansion journey. We're in search of a Chair who can offer strong direction, creating opportunities to continue this growth and help us accomplish our strategic objectives.

As The Chair of the Board of Trustees you will have the opportunity to:

• Set the vision, mission and standards of the organisation
• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing
document
• Make sure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of
its objectives
• Safeguard and promote the good name and values of the organisation
• Guarantee the organisation’s administration is both effective and efficient
• Secure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the charity’s property and ensure the proper investment of
its funds

You’ll lead the governance and direction of TLC alongside a team of trusted senior professionals.

You’ll have full access to all necessary training and reimbursable expenses, and the chance to actively improve the health and wellbeing of people across the UK. 

Whether you’re an experienced Chair or an experienced Board member looking to take your first step into chairing a charity, we want to hear from you. 

About ESRA

We help people in East Sussex to live free from addiction and follow an abstinence base programme. Our recovery hub is run by staff with lived experience and volunteers, most of who are in recovery themselves. We provide a range of health and well-being services that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of local people in recovery.

The Chair will play a key role in the strategic direction of ESRA and support the Board with their leadership skills.

What will you be doing?

The Chair will hold the Board and Senior Management Team to account for ESRA’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

The Chair will also support the CEO and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely to achieve agreed objectives.

Main Responsibilities of the Chair

· Strategic leadership

· Governance

· External Relations

· Efficiency and Effectiveness

· Relationship with the CEO

Please request a copy of the candidate pack for a full list of responsibilities

What are we looking for?

We are interested in an individual who brings the following: 

· Have commitment to the mission and values of ESRA

· Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team

· Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort for the role

· Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities

· Someone with existing charity experience, for example either on a charity Board, or a CEO of a charity

· Experience of working in drug and alcohol services is desirable

We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We would also love to hear from candidates with lived experience of addiction. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our Board discussions.

What difference will you make?

This is a great opportunity to use your skills and experience to help ensure that the charity continues to provide its valuable services, to empower people in East Sussex to live free from addiction.

Time Commitment and Location

· The Board currently meets quarterly

· There is an away day once a year

· Ad hoc communication in between Board meetings with the CEO.

· This can be a hybrid role, so the new Chair doesn’t necessarily need to be based in Hastings

Are you...

- Friendly & confident meeting and greeting visitors?

- Happy to signpost and refer older people to relevant support in Lambeth?

- Able to use a computer to capture visitor numbers?

- Able to commit to 2-5 hours per week (minimum of 2 hours)?

Then this is the role for you!

Age UK Lambeth will:

- Provide training,

- A comprehensive guide to support with information giving

- Reimburse expenses

- Provide regular support and guidance

All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.

Skills required for this role are:

· Ability to empathise with others.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understanding of confidentiality.

· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.

· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.

· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.

· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.

· Good computer skills.

· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).

Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.

Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.

Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?

If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)

Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust is dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and communities through a range of mentoring, befriending, and community-building activities.

These activities include:

• The trust runs mentorship workshops, provides training, research, and consultancy services.

• It provides one-to-one mentoring and befriending support to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and other vulnerable adults with different needs.

• Children's activities: For children and young people, the trust provides coaching in basketball and table tennis, teaches dance, art, gardening, and promotes healthy eating & environmental awareness.

• Community impact: The mentoring program aims to create a strong and cohesive society by bringing people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds together. Additionally, the children's program intends to bridge the intergenerational gap by bringing families together.

• Assistance to organisations: The trust also assists organisations that support vulnerable individuals/groups through research, consultancy, training, fundraising, and in setting up their own mentoring schemes.

Wheat Mentor Support Trust is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Social Media role to join our team!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world? 

Do you love connecting with people and spreading meaningful messages? 

If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Volunteer Social Media Ambassadors. In this role, you will have the chance to use your creativity and communication skills to promote our cause and engage with our online community.

Key Responsibilities:

- Create engaging content for our social media platforms

- Share inspiring stories and updates about our organisation

- Interact with followers and supporters to build a strong online community

- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop impactful social media campaigns

Benefits:

- Gain valuable experience in social media management

- Showcase your creativity and communication skills

- Make a meaningful difference by spreading awareness about our cause

- Join a supportive and passionate team of like-minded individuals

Requirements:

- Passion for our cause and a desire to make a positive impact

- Strong communication, creative and writing skills

- Graphic design / illustration skills

- Familiarity with popular social media platforms

- Ability to commit a few hours each week to the role

If you're ready to use your social media skills for a great cause and be part of an inspiring community, we would love to have you on board! 

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Grant and Bid Writer to join our team!

As a Volunteer Grant and Bid Writer, you will play a crucial role in securing vital funding for our organisation's impactful projects. Your responsibilities will include researching funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals and bids, and collaborating with our team to develop innovative funding strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong interest in grant writing, fundraising, and community development. Whether you're a seasoned professional or looking to gain valuable experience in the field, we welcome passionate individuals who are eager to contribute their skills to a meaningful cause.

At Wheat Mentor Support Trust, we are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment for our volunteers. You will have the chance to work alongside our dedicated team, gain hands-on experience in grant writing, and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Bid writers should be able to come over to the office to work with the Executive Director. Therefore, those who live and work in London are our priorities.

If you are ready to make an impact and empower our community through effective grant and bid writing, we would love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to create positive change and support those in need.

As a mentor on our young peoples programmes, your support will:

• Empower your mentee to help them achieve and identify goals to get them where they want to be, through encouraging your mentee to consider future options and assist them in developing strategies to attain their goals.
• Develop a trusting, supportive and non-judgemental relationship, to support them through their challenges by providing emotional, social and practical support to boost confidence and independence.
• Support your mentee to make social connections with their local community, services or groups and refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.

What impact will this have?

• By becoming a mentor with Unfold, you will be supporting those who often face exclusion, this as, although we are open to everyone, 93% of our service users are from racialised groups, 60% of our referrals come from other supporting service and we have also adapted our services to support Afghan evacuees
• With the opportunity to be a mentor for a young person on our Asylum Seeker programme, you will be a welcoming and reliable person of support in often difficult and challenging times, supporting the navigation of achieving goals in new environment. 
• With 89% of the young people we work with saying that having a mentor has improved their life, your skills and experiences are needed and will have a positive impact.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring1–2-hour a week, over a period of 24 sessions. Through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee.
• Attend monthly online group supervisions held weekday evenings. Supervisions are a great place to meet other mentors, share skills and ideas around mentoring, hear from organisation who can enhance your mentoring experience as well get support with the challenges you may face.

Training

• We provide training based in positive psychology building skills that are transferrable, such as empathic leadership, coaching-style approaches, the growth mindset, mentoring, inclusion and more and an additional 1 hour training for mentors supporting asylum seekers. 
• Throughout your mentoring journey, we’re always on hand to help, with ongoing support from a designated Programme Officer, as well as a range of tailored resources.

Background checks

• A DBS check is required.

• Mentors for Refugees will empower women to overcome challenging circumstances and help them find ways to connect and integrate with their local community.
• Mentors will support women to make social connections with the local community and groups, refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.
• Mentors will provide a safe space to discuss the challenges women face. Through encouragement and active listening, mentors will support their mentees’ mental wellbeing.

What impact will this have?

• Mentors will help women break cycles of social isolation, improve family cohesion and wellbeing.
• By being part of the Unfold mentor family you will be helping us to have greater reach in making a positive impact on the lives of many vulnerable women, living in Westminster.
• By becoming a mentor with Unfold you will be supporting one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities. We aim to break the barriers that keep refugee women excluded from mainstream services.

Training

Through our comprehensive training and ongoing support, you will develop skills in positive psychology and coaching style techniques, cover topics including safeguarding, confidentiality, the person-centred approach and the growth mindset, all of which will help you to effectively support someone to making steps towards positive change.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring for  1–2-hours a week, over a period of 24 in person sessions. Although occasionally session are held online, through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee. 
• Attending monthly group online meetings, which is a great opportunity for all the mentors to come together discuss challenges, successes and further develop mentoring skills. 

What else do I need to know?

• A DBS check is required
•  Due to the nature of our users of this programme, we are only accepting female volunteers for this role.
• In person session will take place near to where your mentee lives, within Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.
• We especially welcome mentors over the age of 50, for our Women2Women: Sharing Wisdom, Sharing Lives sub programme. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to bridge a gap in your CV and get back into work. We provide references and development opportunities through training.

Mentors for Women provide emotional, social and practical support to women with children aged 5 and up, either online or face to face.
Asa mentor you will 

• Empower women to identify changes they wish to make and goals they wish to achieve. 
• Over 12 to 24 weekly sessions, offer coaching style support to women to help them achieve their goals and get them where they want to be. 
• Provide a listening ear and talk thorough the challenges women face. 
• Support women to make social connections with their local community or groups, refer and signpost them to other organisations providing more specialist support if needed.

What impact will this have?

Your mentoring will help women break cycles of social isolation, improve family cohesion, and wellbeing by providing support in a wide range of issues.
By being part of the Unfold mentor family you will be helping us to have greater reach in making a positive impact in the lives of many vulnerable families and young people, living in Westminster.

Commitment

• We ask volunteers to commit to delivering mentoring for  1–2-hours a week, over a period of 24 in person sessions. Although occasionally session are held online, through mentee and mentor testimonies we have seen the positive impact holding sessions in person vs online has, and so we would ask any perspective volunteers to be prepared to be available for all in person session should this be the required need of your mentee. 
• Attending monthly group online meetings, which is a great opportunity for all the mentors to come together discuss challenges, successes and further develop mentoring skills. 

Training

Through our comprehensive training and ongoing support, you will develop skills in positive psychology and coaching style techniques, cover topics including safeguarding, confidentiality, the person-centred approach and the growth mindset all of which will help you to effectively support someone to making steps towards positive change.

Mentors have a designated Programme Officer, offering 1-2-1 support when you need it. 

What else do I need to know?

• A DBS check is required
•  Due to the nature of our users of this programme, we are only accepting female volunteers for this role.
• In person session will take place near to where your mentee lives, within Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea boroughs.
• We especially welcome mentors over the age of 50, for our Women2Women: Sharing Wisdom, Sharing Lives sub programme. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to bridge a gap in your CV and get back into work. We provide references and development opportunities through training.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for volunteers to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential with experience in learning and development, who can lead on empowering our volunteers through virtual training sessions, helping us in creating a positive impact!

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup charity committed to empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As a Learning and Development Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in creating training, including materials and delivering training sessions virtually through Zoom, Teams or other online platforms to our volunteers across the UK.

We are especially interested in training in any of the following areas;

• Induction into Unlock YOUR Potential
• Induction into Volunteer Roles and Teams at Unlock YOUR Potential
• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
• Individual Action Planning
• Building Rapport
• Dealing with Challenging Behavior
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Mental Health Awareness
• Mental Health First Aid
• Employability Skills Induction (How to help people develop employability skills)
• Life Skills Induction (How to empower and engage people with life skills)
• Mentoring Induction (How to be a good mentor)

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• A passion for Learning and Development and empowering others.
• Experience in Learning and Development.
• Ability to design the needed training session or sessions, along with training aids and materials.
• Collaborative approach working well with others, while being ablr to work independently.
• Commitment to the vision and values of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

Flexibility with delivery of training including daytime availability, evening avalability and weekend availability.

Join Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential: Empowering Volunteers, Transforming Lives!

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of GRAPHIC DESIGNER (Remote), where you will lead on the design of visual branding identity materials.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup social mobility charity committed to empowering individuals of all ages from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, Graphic Designer, you will play a crucial role helping us get recognised by creating visually appealing brand identity materials that will spear head our new start-up charity to success, such as;

• A branding guidelines demonstrating our positive uplifting brand identity and ensure our brand is consistent across the board.
• Social media posts to generate interest and help create a buzz around Unlock YOUR Potential and our work that helps people learn more about us and get us recognised.
• A5 size introduction brochure to help Unlock YOUR Potential raise its profile as we currently do not have a website.
• Branded info graphics that we can use for our social media and also our upcoming website to keep our brand consistent.
• Branded documents such as booklets, training manuals, forms and posters.

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• Graphic design experience with the ability to create uplifting positive branding materials that help us stand out and shine.

​Time Commitment:

Theres no set deadlines as this is a volunteer role you will manage your own workload and as long as you keep us updated on the progress thats all that matters.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, help us create some needed branding identity, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

ADMIN MANAGER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of ADMIN MANAGER (Remote), where you will lead on Unlock YOUR Potential's Admin and Service Support aspects and function, ensuring a smooth running organisation.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup charity committed to empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, Admin Manager, you will play a crucial role in setting up and managing our admin function and resources, with a focus on supporting the smooth running of Unlock YOUR Potential, especially in admin, logistics and corporate services. This is a remote position, with meetings done via telephone or online via Zoom or other platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Setting Up the Admin Department: Establish Admin systems and processes tailored to a startup charity.
2. Ensure compliance with legal requirements.
3. Supporting and welcoming new team members and manage their transition, including setting up admin systems and proccesses relevant for the team member(s).
4. Develop and implement Admin policies and procedures and address team members’ queries related to Admin, logistics and processes and policies.
5. Organise meetings, interviews, recruitment and other important activites, providing full wrap around support for that activity.
6. Drive admin strategy in alignment with our overall mission.
7. Contribute to organisational success through effective admin practices.
8. Other duties required of a Admin Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• Experience in admin management and developing and implementing admin related systems, policies and procedures.
• Ability to Set Up an admin department: Proficiency in establishing systems and processes for a startup charity.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the vision and values of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per week (flexible). This can be done during daytimes, evenings or on weekends.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, drive positive change, and lead with purpose, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

HR MANAGER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of HR MANAGER (Remote), where you will lead on Unlock YOUR Potential's HR aspects and function, ensuring an amazing organisational culture and team spirit.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup charity committed to empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, HR Manager, you will play a crucial role in setting up and managing our human resources, with a focus on recruitment and retention of volunteers. This is a remote position, with meetings done via telephone or online via Zoom or other platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Setting Up the HR Department: Establish HR systems and processes tailored to a startup charity.
2. Ensure compliance with legal requirements.
3. Onboarding and Offboarding: Welcome new team members and manage their transition. Handle offboarding processes professionally.
4. Develop and implement HR policies and procedures and address team members’ queries related to HR policies.
5. Organise interviews and recruitment processes and support the recruitment process by creating job/role descriptions and preparing interview questions.
6. Implement a learning and development policy and foster talent growth and succession planning.
7. Drive HR strategy in alignment with our overall mission.
8. Contribute to organisational success through effective HR practices.
9. Other duties required of a HR Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• A recognised UK HR qualification and relevant experience.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to Set Up an HR Department: Proficiency in establishing systems and processes for a startup charity.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the vision and values of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per week (flexible). This can be spread over evenings and weekends.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, drive positive change, and lead with purpose, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

Unlock YOUR Potential is on the lookout for a visionary leader to join our team as our Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a volunteer capacity. This remote role is pivotal in steering our operations, fostering an exceptional organisational culture, and amplifying our impact.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a vibrant, impact-driven startup charity dedicated to uplifting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to delivering impactful programmes that encompass employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and comprehensive support. Our goal is to carve out new avenues for those in pursuit of positive transformation.

Role Overview:

As the COO - VOLUNTEER ROLE, you will be instrumental in overseeing our operations and ensuring the smooth execution of our mission. Your leadership will be key in nurturing our team and advancing our strategic objectives. This role is remote, with collaboration conducted via telephone or online platforms like Zoom.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide the charity’s operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects.
• Collaborate with the CEO and board to set ambitious yet achievable goals.
• Streamline processes to enhance productivity and resource allocation.
• Lead our passionate team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Implement robust systems to track progress and drive organisational success.
• Work closely with the finance department to safeguard the charity’s financial health.
• Ensure adherence to legal standards and proactive risk mitigation.
• Foster strong relationships with partners, donors, and the community.
• Be an ambassador for Unlock YOUR Potential, advocating for our mission and values.
• Carry out of duties that support the running of Unlock YOUR Potnetial and your role as COO.

Qualifications and Experience:

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill sets to apply. Ideal candidates will possess:

• Proven track record in a management role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.
• Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.
• Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with various stakeholders.
• Dedication to the ethos and aspirations of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

The role requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week, which can be accommodated during evenings and weekends, offering fantastic flexibility to fit around your life.

Join Us:

If you’re eager to make a significant contribution, inspire change, and lead with conviction, we welcome your application. Together, let’s unlock potential and enact meaningful change.

Unlock YOUR Potential is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation.