Students school volunteer volunteer roles
Help us to build for the future while navigating the challenges of today
Queen Mary Students’ Union is seeking to recruit External Trustees to join its Board of Trustees
We live in challenging times - cost of living increases mean many students are balancing work and study, higher education funding is under pressure, major domestic and international events increasingly concern, or directly impact upon our students. The Students’ Union plays a vital role in helping and supporting our diverse student membership and their elected representatives to navigate these challenges.
Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) represents the interests of over 31,000 students drawn from over 170 nationalities (approximately 43 per cent from overseas) at Queen Mary University of London. Queen Mary is a Russell Group university and describes itself as ‘a leading research-intensive university with a difference’.
Of our domestic undergraduate students, 91 per cent are from state schools, 77 per cent are BAME, and 46 per cent are the first in their families to enter into higher education. Queen Mary has the best record of all the Russell Group universities in England for recruiting undergraduate students from state schools and from lower-income families. The Students’ Union provides social, cultural, recreational, and sporting opportunities for our students, helping them to develop the skills they need to succeed in life after university.
The Students’ Union is a registered charity and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. It has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Students’ Union, including its governance, budget and strategy. In its last accounting year, the Students’ Union had a turnover of over £7.8m (including our wholly owned trading subsidiary, Queen Mary Students’ Union Services Ltd).
The Board of Trustees is made up of six elected Officer Trustees, six elected Student Trustees, and six External Trustees. Day-to-day management of the operation and administration of the Students’ Union is delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive Officer.
We are currently seeking to appoint three additional External Trustees. We will provide full training and support on the role and responsibilities of a Trustee and the work of a Students’ Union. As a Trustee, you will contribute the benefit of your experience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to both challenge and support us in our work. These are voluntary positions, but reasonable expenses will be paid.
Whether you have never considered being a Trustee before, or whether you have already served in this role, we would like to hear from you, particularly if you have experience in any of the following areas: wellbeing, welfare and support; equality, equity, diversity and inclusion; or business, finance and risk, and would like to use it to help us to build for the future. However, these are not essential - we will consider all applications based upon what you feel you can bring to the role.
To apply to join us as an External Trustee, please upload your CV, together with a covering letter explaining why you are interested and what you would bring to the role, by Monday 26 January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Varndean Governors are seeking committed individuals to join their effective cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.
At Varndean School we firmly believe that our Governing Body should reflect the rich diversity of our community, that we proudly serve. We are committed to creating an exclusive school and to provide diverse role models for our young people.
To uphold this commitment we have collected a range of diversity data from the current Board membership to inform our recruitment process. We may also collect data from anyone applying to be a Governor to ensure that we have an array of perspectives and skills around the governing table.
Varndean School is a truly exciting school to be involved in as a governor. Our aim is that all our students should leave us equipped to achieve their full potential – in whatever field they choose. Underpinning this vision is our rich and varied curriculum, our stimulating range of out of school activities and our unique schools within a school structure. This structure creates a caring community in which students can thrive and is frequently mentioned by parents as one of the key reasons they choose Varndean.
Our governors have a wide range of experience, but all share a commitment to helping the school’s dedicated staff deliver this vision.
Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and full programme of training both face-to-face and online to suit individual needs. There are also opportunities to volunteer alongside experienced governors and to take on a responsibility for an area of the school improvement plan. We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our vision for the school community and the educational outcomes of our students.
Our school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and you will be expected to share this commitment. All Governors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns. You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.
Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.
You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings.
Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!
For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.
We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.
Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.
For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile posted on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.
Role Purpose
We are seeking Volunteer Schools Workers to accompany our lead Schools Worker in delivering workshops to children and young people. You’ll help create a safe, positive environment for learning, support classroom activities, and be an encouraging presence for students as they explore important topics around respect, relationships, and digital culture.
Key Responsibilities
· Accompany the lead Schools Worker to sessions in primary and secondary schools.
· Assist with setting up and packing away resources and equipment.
· Helping facilitate and monitoring small group sessions
· Observe and note student engagement to help evaluate sessions.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Strong communication skills, especially with young people.
· Willingness to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and gender identities.
· Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as pornography, sexual harassment, and objectification.
· Calm, approachable manner that helps young people feel at ease.
· Openness to learning and developing new skills.
· Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with young people, staff, and colleagues.
· Good rapport with people of all ages and abilities.
· Commitment to confidentiality.
· Reliable timekeeping and punctuality for all sessions.
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service will be provided
· You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available
· Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager
· Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).
· Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.
Additional Information
· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
· We will require 2 x references
· You will be required to dress in an appropriate manner when accompanying the team to sessions (school smart)
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Niños de Guatemala (NDG) and be part of the change that breaks the cycle of poverty through quality education.
We are looking for passionate volunteers to directly support our schools in Ciudad Vieja and San Lorenzo El Cubo. Your work goes beyond the classroom:
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Assist teachers with the Dual Immersion Program and other key subjects.
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Lead workshops in sports, arts, or specialized skills.
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Provide personalized academic support to students from vulnerable communities.
Experience a unique cultural immersion near Antigua Guatemala and witness firsthand the positive impact that small gestures create. If you are seeking a deep-purpose volunteer experience and are eager to inspire the leaders of tomorrow, your place is with NDG!
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support to primary aged pupils in Maths and English and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.
"My student's confidence has come miles forward and my favourite part of the week is working with her on her maths and English!" - Primary Volunteer Tutor
What will you be doing?
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Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
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Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS1 and KS2 Maths and English.
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Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
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Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
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Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of Primary Maths and English Curriculum.
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Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
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Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
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Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
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Experience working with SEN learners is an advantage
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Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
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You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
What difference will you make?
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Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
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Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
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Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
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Enhanced DBS will be provided
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Safeguarding Level One Training
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Skill Development opportunities
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Direct experience working with children and young people
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Opportunity: CV Reviewer for Sixth Form Students
Are you passionate about helping young people kickstart their careers? Do you have experience in HR or recruitment and an understanding of early careers requirements? If so, we’d love for you to join our team!
We’re looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to review and provide feedback on sixth form students’ CVs, ensuring they are tailored to the positions they’re applying for. Your expertise will play a crucial role in helping students stand out and secure opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review and critique CVs, focusing on structure, content, and relevance to the role.
- Provide actionable feedback via email to students to improve their applications.
- Share insights into what employers look for in early careers applications.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in HR, recruitment, or a similar field.
- A strong understanding of early careers requirements and application processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
Time Commitment:
Flexible: 2-3 hours per week.
By volunteering with us, you’ll be making a direct impact on students’ futures while sharing your expertise in a meaningful way.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s help the next generation take their first steps towards success!
We ensure that ambitious state-educated students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to discover and achieve their dream career.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Make a difference – become a school governor
You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.
We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.
The Mission is to create a vibrant inclusive and aspirational family of academies, transforming life chances for pupils through excellent teaching, le


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
| Social Impact Family) Location: New Barnet
Children: Founders’ Triplets
⏰ Time Commitment: 2 hours per day | Monday–Friday (flexible by agreement)
✨ About This Opportunity
This is not a traditional nanny role — and we’re not a traditional family. We are a social-entrepreneur family building purpose-led businesses, community initiatives, and alternative education pathways rooted in home education, Montessori philosophy, practical life skills, and conscious parenting.
We believe:
- Children learn best through real life, not rigid systems
- Home, environment, rhythm, and example are the first classroom
- Education should develop the mind, hands, heart, and spirit
We are looking for a warm, curious, playful, and intentional individual to support our triplets through Montessori-inspired role play and hands-on learning — someone who sees childhood as sacred, powerful, and full of possibility. This role is ideal for someone who wants experience, mentorship, alignment, and future opportunity, not just hours on a CV.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll be supporting our children through purposeful play, routine, and exploration — helping them build confidence, independence, coordination, communication, and imagination.
Core Responsibilities:
- Facilitate Montessori-inspired role-play and learning activities
- Encourage independence, curiosity, and self-expression
- Create a calm, respectful, emotionally safe learning environment
- Engage the children in structured but joyful daily rhythms
- Support learning both indoors and outdoors
Example Activities:
Indoor Learning
- Practical life skills (pouring, sorting, cleaning, care of space)
- Sensory exploration
- Early language and communication games
- Counting, matching, and sequencing
- Role-play scenarios (real-life inspired)
Outdoor Learning
- Nature walks and observation
- Balance, coordination, and movement play
- Garden-based learning
- Imaginative outdoor role-play
- Mindful exploration and curiosity-led discovery
What You Will Gain
This role is designed to give back to you as much as you give to us.
You will gain:
- Hands-on experience in Montessori and home-education practice
- Direct mentorship from a social-entrepreneur family
- A deep understanding of alternative education models
- Experience that supports careers in:
- Early years education
- Montessori or Waldorf settings
- Child psychology or development
- Social entrepreneurship
- Community-based education projects
- A reference and real-world learning, not just theory
Future Paid Opportunities: This role begins as voluntary, but this is not unpaid forever.
As our companies and community initiatives scale:
- This role is intended to transition into a full-time 10hr days paid position
- Additional paid opportunities may open within:
- Education projects
- Family-run ventures
- Community and youth programmes
- Long-term alignment, reliability, and shared values will be rewarded
We believe in growing with our people, not replacing them.
Who This Role Is Perfect For
- purpose-driven individuals
- Students or graduates in childcare, education, psychology, or social sciences
- Montessori-curious or Montessori-trained individuals
- Creatives, carers, educators, or community builders
- Those disillusioned with rigid systems and inspired by conscious living
You don’t need to be perfect — you need to be present, patient, consistent ,curious, and aligned.
Schedule
- 2 hours per day
- Monday to Friday
- Flexible timing by mutual agreement
please have a good wifi connection for a remote Teams interview, and then also be able to travel comfortable to New Barnet (expenses covered for up to 60MINS away from EN4.)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the Board of Brockenhurst College and support the continued delivery of excellent education, training and career development across Hampshire.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 26th January.
Time Commitment: 4 - 6 hours per month.
Who we are
Brockenhurst College, known locally as Brock, is a welcoming and inclusive further education college based in the heart of the New Forest. At Brock, we place learners at the heart of everything we do and have a strong reputation for delivering excellence in teaching and learning, as well as effective all-round student support. All students are supported in strengthening and developing both their academic and personal skills, learning to take responsibility for their own development, to support positive onward progression from the College.
About the role
We seek new Governors to become members of both the Board and at least one other committee, depending on their specialist knowledge and interests. In addition to attending scheduled meetings throughout the year, we encourage Governors to experience the College by linking them with senior leaders and different departments, providing opportunities for them to visit the campuses and meet and speak with students, apprentices and staff.
Peridot Partners and Brockenhurst College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Who we are looking for
Brockenhurst College is seeking Governors who have an enthusiasm for education and are motivated to help us build on our continued success for the benefit of our students, staff, local communities and employers. We want to hear from individuals whose distinct backgrounds, lived experiences and perspectives will enrich our governance, enhance our decision-making, and ensure we continue to reflect and serve the breadth of the communities we support.
We are searching for senior leaders from the local or wider community who have the capacity to interpret, question and scrutinise complex statistical and financial information. Ideal candidates will be able to offer constructive challenge and, as part of the Board, hold the executive team to account while providing thoughtful guidance and support.
Key areas of expertise we are particularly seeking include:
- Business leaders
- Finance professionals
- Education professionals
What matters most is that Governors are passionate about our mission, share our values and are enthusiastic about joining Brockenhurst College and keen to contribute to our future success.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and successful Governing Board and make a genuine impact on the future success of Brockenhurst College and its students. You will support the development and influence the direction of the College at a time of great momentum as we seek to grow the organisation and aspire to provide outstanding, meaningful education opportunities for students across the local and wider communities.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 26th January.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 English
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
- Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 English concepts and specifications.
- Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
- Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
- Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
- Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
- Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
- Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
- Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
- Enhanced DBS will be provided
- Safeguarding Level One Training
- Skill Development opportunities
- Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
Location
Remote/Online
Time
1 Hour per Week
Duration: 14 Weeks minimum
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.ed
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Science tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
"The phrase "time flies when you are having fun" comes to mind. It's been a really joy teaching my student." - Volunteer Tutor
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS3 Science
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
- Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Science concepts and specifications.
- Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
- Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
- Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
- Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
- Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
- Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
- Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
- Enhanced DBS will be provided
- Safeguarding Level One Training
- Skill Development opportunities
- Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
Location
Remote/Online
Time
1 Hour per Week
Duration: 14 Weeks minimum
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable Key Stage 3 Maths tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
"Thanks to the tutoring and exam prep I was able to achieve over 85% on all my exams, which resulted in me getting distinction credits on my course." - A-Level maths student
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person for one hour per week
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
- Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of KS3 Maths concepts and specifications.
- Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
- Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
- Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
- Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
- Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
- Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
- Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
- Enhanced DBS will be provided
- Safeguarding Level One Training
- Skill Development opportunities
- Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
Location
Remote/Online
Time
1 Hour per Week
Duration: 14 Weeks minimum
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Start the New Year by Making a Real Difference
Volunteer as a Family Mentor in Southend-on-Sea
As a new year begins, many families in Southend-on-Sea are facing ongoing challenges — from isolation and mental health struggles to financial pressures. With a little time and consistency, you can help make this year a turning point for them.
By volunteering as a Family Mentor, you’ll offer practical and emotional support that helps families stay strong, connected and hopeful — one visit at a time.
What you’ll do
As a Family Mentor, you’ll:
- Visit a family in their home once a week for at least six months
- Listen without judgement and offer encouragement
- Help parents build confidence and develop positive parenting skills
- Support families with everyday challenges
- Reduce isolation by connecting families to local community support
You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteering journey. We’ll carefully match you with a family and provide full training, regular supervision and ongoing guidance.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need professional experience — just warmth, reliability and a genuine desire to help.
You’ll need to be:
- Aged 18 or over and based in or near Southend-on-Sea
- Able to commit to weekly visits for six months
- Willing to complete a DBS check and provide references
- Patient, empathetic and happy to stand alongside families through challenging times
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Your life experience could make a meaningful difference to a family in your community.
What you’ll gain
Volunteering as a Family Mentor is rewarding for both you and the families you support. You’ll:
- Gain valuable skills and experience for work or study
- Build confidence, empathy and listening skills
- Join a supportive and welcoming volunteer community
- Receive full training and ongoing support
- Be reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses
“When I started, I didn’t think I had much to offer. Six months later, I saw a mum smiling more, feeling less alone — and I realised how powerful simply showing up can be.”
— Sarah, Volunteer Mentor
Why it matters
Families in Southend-on-Sea are under real pressure right now. By offering your time and kindness, you can help parents cope, reduce family breakdown, and give children the stability they need to thrive.
How to get started
- Register your interest online with Volunteering Matters
- Have an informal chat with our team
- Complete training and checks
- Be matched with a family — and start making a difference
Training for this role will take place on 4th and 5th February. You’ll need to be available on both days.
We turn local knowledge into action by working with volunteers and partners across the UK to build stronger communities for all.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
