Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (5+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Fundraising & Partnerships Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Purpose: To lead all donor relations, sponsorships, and income-generation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage high-value donors, sponsors, and investors.

• Create innovative fundraising campaigns and grant proposals.

• Build long-term relationships with corporations and philanthropists.

• Collaborate with the marketing team for event-based fundraising.

• Mentor board members in effective fundraising techniques.

Requirements/Skills:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, or grant writing.

• Strong negotiation and networking abilities.

• Passion for social causes and storytelling.

Benefits:

• Access to elite philanthropic and corporate networks.

• Recognition as a key force in funding life-changing housing and support programs.

• Direct involvement in shaping financial growth strategy.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (5+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Marketing & Communications Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Purpose: To lead GLF’s brand, public image, and outreach campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute marketing, social media, and PR strategies.

• Build brand visibility across TV, radio, digital, and print.

• Collaborate on storytelling campaigns that attract donors and partners.

• Support fundraising campaigns through brand partnerships and sponsorships.

• Mentor GLF’s in-house communications staff.

Requirements/Skills:

• Proven marketing, PR, or media background (agency or nonprofit experience preferred).

• Strong storytelling, digital strategy, and branding expertise.

• Ability to connect emotionally with audiences through campaigns.

Benefits:

• Showcase your expertise in building one of the UK’s most inspiring social brands.

• Public exposure and leadership in major awareness events.

• Creative freedom to shape messaging that impacts real lives.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

We are seeking to appoint a volunteer Van Driver, who would work alongside the member of staff responsible for our established Food Bank.  They will also be undertaking other tasks related to the Food Bank, e.g. Putting together food parcels and stock rotation.

Maidstone Homeless Care is a well-established charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the Maidstone area . We run an active day centre, busy food bank and a small residential unit supporting homeless people. 

The Day Centre and Food Bank are open every morning, Monday to Friday.  Cover will be required Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For further information, please call Nick/Brian at Maidstone Day Centre

Do you know your Single Crochet from your Slip Stitch? Your Half Double Crochet from your Chain? Then you're the person for Crochet Club!

Our customers at Tentercroft Court would like to learn how to crochet and are looking for someone to teach them the basics.

You'll be helping them to learn how to crochet and maybe assist them to make a blanket or two! They're complete beginners, so even just learning some terminology and simple stitches would be super.

The residents are really flexible as to when they'd like to run the club, so this could be on a day and at a time to suit you. We see this being up to 2 hours a week maximum.

You must be over the age of 18 if you're doing this role on your own. However, we're happy to consider someone over 14 if they volunteer with a parent or guardian, who's over the age of 18.

We’re on the lookout for a volunteer who’s keen to make a real difference in our communities — and pick up some new skills along the way!

This is a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while helping residents at Asquith Court and Charlotte Court enjoy regular chair-based exercise sessions. These schemes don’t currently have any sessions, but they’re really keen to get started — ideally once a month to begin with (and maybe more if it’s a hit!).

We’ll support you every step of the way, including covering the cost of your Amac Certificate in Chair-based Exercise Instructing - which you can complete online at your own pace. Once you’re qualified, we’ll work with you to build a schedule that fits around your availability.

Each session will last up to an hour, and we’ll also cover your travel expenses between the two schemes.

Because you’ll be working with potentially vulnerable residents, you’ll need to be 18 or over to take on this role.

If you’re passionate about helping others stay active, feel good, and have fun — we’d love to hear from you!

Often told you make a lovely cup of tea?  We need your help!

We're looking for a friendly volunteer (or two!) to join us once a month at our Deansfield Court Saturday Social events to help make refreshments for all our lovely attendees.

We need helpers between 1.30pm - 3pm, but you'd be welcome to stay and enjoy the entertainment.

We'd like someone who's passionate, friendly and willing to help with serving refreshments. You just need to be able to talk to others and be a friendly face for those attending.

What will you be up to?

• You'll help set up by getting the cups ready and popping the kettle on.
• Making the all-important brews and beverages.
• And at the end of the event you'll make sure everything's washed, clean and tidy.

Due to the nature of the role supporting potentially vulnerable members of the community, you must be over the age of 18 if you are doing this on your own. We're happy to consider someone over 14 if they volunteer with a parent or guardian, who is over the age of 18.

Lead Volunteer

Winter Bucket Collection

09:30 – 18:30, Wednesday 12th November 2025

High Street, Slough, SL1 1JS

We’re looking for a lead volunteer to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at Slough for a bucket collection event, to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!

Every 11 minutes this Winter, a family will lose their home. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.

The main thing we need you to do is help us lead and coordinate our bucket collection at Slough High Street. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal.

You’ll support volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will also be the main point of contact if any volunteers have any issues.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

Skills and Experiences We're Looking For...

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group.
• Passionate about joining the Fight For Home.
• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank.

What you get…

• Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.
• Contribute to our Winter Appeal, raising vital funds towards Fight For Home.
• Develop fundraising and communication skills.
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
• A certificate of appreciation for your help.
• Lots of fun!

Winter Bucket Collection

09:45 – 18:15, Wednesday 12th November 2025

(various 3-hr shifts available)

High Street, Slough, SL1 1JS

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at Slough for a bucket collection event in the community to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!

 Every 11 minutes this Winter, a family will lose their home. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.

Your role as Volunteer:

• The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets at Slough High Street.
• You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

What you get…

• Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.
• Contribute to our Winter Appeal, raising vital funds towards Fight For Home.
• Develop fundraising and communication skills.
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
• A certificate of appreciation for your help.
• Lots of fun!

Shop Volunteering Opportunities - Ilkley

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

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

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 08:00-16:00.

Location: Shop in Ilkley, LS29 9NQ

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

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

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

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

What can I do?

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

• Volunteering in the shop

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

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

• Volunteering in a leadership role

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

Skills and Experiences Required:

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

Induction, Learning and Development:

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

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

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

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

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

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

Catching Lives is an independent charity based in Canterbury, supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury & East Kent. 

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This is an opportunity to make a genuinely important contribution to a small community organisation that needs people with your skills and experience to continue providing its services to some of the most disadvantaged individuals.

What will you be doing?

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.

Role Description
-Ensure that the Board fulfils its function and legal duties, and that the charity follows best practice in governance.
-Maintain the Board’s focus on strategic governance, as opposed to operations.
-Ensure that the charity is working within its mission, supported by clear strategic
direction from the Board.

Person specification

The ideal candidate for Chair will bring the following experience, qualities, and commitments:
-Governance Experience. Experience as a trustee (You do not need to have previously been a Chair) OR at Director level within a charity.
-Strategic Thinking. A keen sense of strategic purpose and the ability to guide long-term direction.
-Inclusive Leadership Style. 
-Strong Communication & Listening Skills. 
-Awareness of Sector Issues. 
=Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
-Responsiveness & Availability.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the recruitment process

As a charity, we recognise the importance of having a diverse Board that reflects the wide range of communities across East Kent and the people we support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and deeply value the unique contributions that each individual brings to our organisation. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment—one in which all staff feel empowered, respected, and valued. Our goal is to ensure both our Board and our workforce are representative of the communities we serve throughout the region.
As part of this commitment, we actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment processes.
If you require any specific adjustments to support your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Greenwich

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

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

Availability: The shop is open Monday- Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00

Location: 6 Nelson Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9JB

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

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

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

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

What can I do?

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

• Volunteering in the shop

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

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

• Volunteering in a leadership role

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

Skills and Experiences Required:

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

Induction, Learning and Development:

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

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

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

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

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

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

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only required for the Christmas period initially, however we are also seeking a podiatrist volunteer for our year round service.

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need your HCPC registration number and PLI certificate to hand.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Crisis Podiatry Volunteers provide a range of treatments and advice for our guests. When you are homeless or insecurely housed, access to healthcare is challenging. 

As part of our preventative health work, you may provide general footcare advice and guidance. You may also treat corns and calluses, mycotic and gryphotic nails, blistering and maceration.

You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight. All treatments are clothed. 

You will be part of a specialist volunteer team which may include: Hairdressers, Masseuses, Optical Care and GPs. 

Our training will show you what to expect when running sessions and the type of sessions that work best for our guests.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need to provide evidence of your qualification OR a reference from your current employer.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Our Crisis nail bar gives guests a chance to feel pampered and confident and, along with salon and massage, is one of our busiest and most popular services. 

Nail technicians offer a shape, buff and polish service and can also offer hand massages. We do not offer shellac or nail extensions.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need an electronic copy of your recognised qualification and PLI certificate to hand.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Our massage service gives our guests a rare chance to release tension, relax and totally unwind. If you are a qualified masseuse, come and share your skills and make a real difference to homeless people this Christmas.