Volunteer Roles

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy
Service) is a children’s rights charity
that provides high quality advocacy,
support services and legal
representation for care-experienced
children and young people across
England and Wales.

At NYAS, we are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team of volunteers
who help us to change young lives on a daily basis. We could not deliver the
level of service that we do without the commitment of our volunteers.
By volunteering with NYAS, you have the opportunity to be a positive role
model, advocate for their needs, and empower them to reach their full
potential. Offering your time and support means you can make a meaningful
difference in their lives.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll have the incredible opportunity to build a
meaningful relationship with a young person in care. You'll provide them
with guidance, support, and most importantly, friendship. Whether it's
enjoying fun activities, offering a listening ear, or simply being there, your
presence can be life-changing for a young person.

We are pleased to be offering an exciting new one-year attachment to The Old Vic Theatre Trust Board exclusively to one Lambeth resident aged 18–30.

The Lambeth Baylis Trustee provides a unique opportunity for a young person to discover how a Board of Trustees in an arts organisation works. Across the UK, less than 1.2% of Trustees are under 30 and 0.5% are aged 18–24.

The role aims to provide a specific youth viewpoint in relation to The Old Vic’s activities and strategy.

What is a Board of Trustees?

A Board of Trustees offers guidance and expertise to senior management. At The Old Vic, this means the Artistic Director, Executive Director and the Senior Leadership & Management Teams.

What is the time commitment?

Board meetings, of which you would be expected to attend at least three during your year, are normally held four times a year. In addition, you would be invited to attend theatre performances and fundraising events and have informal meetings with relevant members of the Management team. Attendance at these events is a key part of the role, particularly if you are to get the most out of the experience. Board memberships are voluntary, unpaid positions, however for the Lambeth Baylis Trustee, expenses will be covered.

What would make a good Baylis Trustee?

The Old Vic is looking for people who want to try something new, who are keen to make an impact on The Old Vic’s activities and have any of the following attributes:

• commitment and enthusiasm
• good, independent judgement
• creative thinking
• willingness to speak their mind
• effectively working as a member of a team
• demonstrating selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

We are particularly keen to hear from people who have had limited or no access to Arts opportunities in the past and are committed to identifying and resolving barriers which may ordinarily exclude young people from accessing theatre.

No experience is necessary.

What support will be provided?

The Lambeth Baylis Trustee will undergo an onboarding programme to learn about the theatre and the work we do, as well as sessions to understand how a Board works before the first Board meeting.

The Lambeth Baylis Trustee will be appointed a “buddy” (Euan Borland, Education and Community Director), have opportunities to attend Old Vic events, shadow members of The Old Vic Management team and undergo any relevant training throughout the programme.

Are there any specific criteria?

The candidate must be a Lambeth resident aged between 18–30.

Why is this a Lambeth-only scheme?

The Old Vic offers a range of youth engagement projects for residents of boroughs across London. This project has been specifically funded by Lambeth, our home borough, and as such is restricted to its residents

If you have time to spare on a Thursday or Friday evening and are interested in supporting a local youth group we would love to hear from you

Surrey Young Farmers currently consists of 8 clubs (7 junior and 1 senior) who take part in a range of weekly term time activities such as go karting, countryside walks, farm visits, sports evenings, and craft evenings and we are looking for Assistant Club Leaders to join our Cranleigh, Merstham or Chobham Clubs.

By volunteering with us, you can help young people aged 10 – 17 years old build their confidence, have adventures, learn new skills and have loads of fun - no matter what your experience. All we ask you to bring is your enthusiasm, you don’t need to know anything about farming, or have even heard of us to get involved!

The position is unique as it allows you to bring your own skills, interests, experiences, and projects into the role, to really get stuck in, and to have a positive impact on the young people involved as well as the surrounding community. In the past clubs have been involved in fundraising and community events such as cake sales, barn dances and local litter picks. 

What we Offer

A chance to get involved and make a difference in your local community

Learn new skills

The opportunity to make new friends

Training Opportunities

Add to your cv  – this is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in a career in teaching, youth or social work and we are happy to provide references for volunteers

We welcome Duke of Edinburgh volunteers (18 years plus)

Also, we would love to see more Young Farmers clubs in Surrey, so if you’d be interested in setting up your own club, we can offer you guidance and on-going support 

What skills do I need?

We do not require applicants to have any special skills or experience asides from enthusiasm, friendliness, confidence to try something new, and a willingness to get stuck in!

If working with young people is something you have never done but want to try, we encourage you to apply and will support you throughout the role. As the role is with young people listening, support, and communication skills are highly valued.

You will be working with a diverse group of young people, so this is an exciting opportunity if you do have outdoors, craft, or previous youth experience.

A fabulous chance to join Big Change and contribute to our mission to see a society in which young people can thrive in life, not just exams. We're on the lookout for two new trustees, ideally one with experience in finance, and one with experience in systems change. 

Join the Board of Solent Mind as Treasurer, as we continue our ambition to support more people than ever to develop positive mental well-being.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 24th June 2024.

Location: Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire

About Solent Mind

Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire, (£14m) and part of a network of over 100 Local Minds who tailor trusted mental health services to its communities. We give anyone with a mental health issue somewhere to turn to for support.

With geography spanning Southampton, Portsmouth and southern Hampshire, we supported almost 45,000 people in 2022/23 to access mental health support, whether early intervention, therapeutic care, peer support in primary and secondary services, through to crisis support when people feel at their most vulnerable.

The organisation has doubled in size over the last 5 years, with the unprecedented demand for Mental Health services. In response, we have been increasing our delivering teams, and having been through an organisation restructure, we now have an almost new SMT at the helm.

Who we are looking for

Solent Mind is seeking a qualified Treasurer to join their Board of Trustees.

Ideally, you will be a successful senior financial leader within a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation with expertise working with auditors and some board and charity governance experience.

A collegiate, practical approach is particularly sought, alongside the willingness to be available to act as a sounding board for the Finance Director and CEO when required.

Empathy with and/or interest in the mental health and well-being landscape and the challenges in our community is desirable.

We also welcome applicants from minority and ethnic communities who are underrepresented on the Board. We value diverse perspectives from the widest possible range of backgrounds.

Please click 'Apply via website’ 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 24th June 2024.

Why We Want You

We are FARA. We have been around for over 30 years and have 40 Charity Shops across London. Our Greenford store as an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to come and help us. By volunteering you will be helping not only the work of the charity, but also creating a pleasant experience for our community of customers. You will also help us make sure the items FARA can’t sell, find the right home, maximising our contribution to a sustainable economy.

The Volunteer Role

The role will be but not limited to:

· Visual merchandising including window displays

· Greeting and assisting customers

The Volunteer·

Someone who has a passion for volunteering

· Someone who is friendly, approachable and enthusiastic

· A creative flare

What's in it for you

Our shops are run by friendly, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You will gain experience volunteering with a team that supports each other to develop, challenge and celebrate their contributions with FARA.  Full training will be provided.

Working timesLocation:

FARA Greenford UB6 9PR

• Shop Opening Hour: 09:00– 17:00
• 4 hours per week

Opening hours will differ slightly between shops but essentially they are all structured around a 4-hour morning and afternoon shift. However, shops will try to be as flexible as possible to allow you to volunteer when you are able.

Position: Communications and Project Intern

Location: Home-based (remote)

Commitment: Flexible hours (voluntary)

About Lived Expert

Lived Expert, founded by Mark Johnson MBE, is a pioneering social enterprise focusing on harnessing the power of lived experience. We've led transformative projects in areas like addiction, homelessness, neurodiversity, and the justice system, and now seek an enthusiastic intern to contribute to our mission.

Role Purpose

As a Communications and Project Intern, you'll play a supportive role in our dynamic team, helping to convey powerful stories and assist in project coordination. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about social change and looking to gain experience in the social enterprise sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in Communications Tasks: Support in creating content for social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.

2. Project Support: Help in coordinating various projects, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication.

3. Consultation Assistance: Aid in gathering and analysing insight from peoples’ lived experience for ongoing projects.

4. Collaborative Work: Work closely with the team to support various initiatives and campaigns.

Person Specification

· A keen interest in social enterprise, communications, and project support.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Organised and detail-oriented, with a willingness to learn.

Benefits

· Gain valuable experience in communications and project coordination.

· Work remotely with a flexible schedule.

· Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a meaningful sector.

· Receive guidance and support from an experienced team.

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting? You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products! We are recruiting for a volunteer to support and facilitate an art and craft group.

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic Independent Visitor volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Our Staffordshire Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Walsall.

• Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
• Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
• Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park.  We will match you with a child you share common interests with.

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.  

 *names have been changed
 

The Application

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process

Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold.  If this sounds like you, please click the apply button.  Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.​

Could you raise SSAFA’s profile in your local area? You just need patience and the ability to get on with a wide range of people and age groups, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be he role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Publicity Coordinator?

Publicity Coordinators work with other branch volunteers to develop a Publicity Plan to raise awareness of SSAFA that reaches potential beneficiaries, volunteers, and funders.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our beneficiaries come from all walks of life and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us. We need to recruit volunteers that reflect our local communities and raise money to fund our work. Could you spare a few hours a week to help us raise awareness?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about building awareness so beneficiaries know who we are and how they can benefit from and access support, promoting volunteer opportunities and encourage people to raise finds and celebrate success. This means that on occasions, you might need to be present at events. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can conduct the administration part of this role form home.

What would you be doing?

• Working with other branch volunteers to develop a publicity plan.
• Publicising SSAFA events.
• Work with Marketing/PR staff at central office to develop case studies of clients and volunteers and ensure that SSAFA branding and messaging are consistent.
• Develop and maintain networks with local press, TV and radio outlets through providing press releases, interviews, case studies etc.
• Working with the Digital Team at Central Office to develop and maintain a local on-line presence for the branch via a website and social media channels.
• Keeping a stock of SSAFA publicity materials and distributing them
• Liaising with PR staff at central office or on-call in the event of a PR/press situation.
• Supporting local and national campaigns to recruit new volunteers.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - communication and marketing workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team as well as Marketing and Communication Teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills
• Good written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Reliable attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely in line with SSADA policies.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative).

Is a criminal record check required? No

The Safe Space is a local hub for anyone who feels they are nearing crisis point. We are here to listen to what you need and work with you to help. This might be strategies to help you cope in the moment, a range of activities we provide free of charge, resources to take away or connecting you with practical local services. We offer face to face, telephone and video-conference support. As a part of this, we are looking for volunteers to offer peer led support to individuals who may access our service. This includes a variety of tasks, such as devising and facilitating peer led workshops with clients, supporting with 1:1 sessions, and completing administrative tasks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has lived experience of mental health/social crisis
• Preferably have had experience working with people who experience poor mental health
• Are comfortable with co-producing and facilitating peer led workshops
• Might be willing to take over running the workshops by themselves over time
• Are willing to actively participate with clients 1:1 and in group settings
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Safe Space Team

Time commitment and expenses:

• 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 12–5pm.  Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteer Independent Visitors from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Our Staffordshire and Stoke Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

• Are you passionate about wanting to help young people?
• Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month?
• Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment?

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you.

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park.  We will match you with a child you share common interests with.

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer:

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people.
• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake.
• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals.
• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together.  

 *names have been changed
 

The Application

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime
• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person
• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process

Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold.  If this sounds like you, please click the apply button.  Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email and we will be happy to help.​

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.