Volunteer roles for the Human Rights sector

Volunteer Role

Till Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop: Oxfam Boroughbridge Shop

Why we want you.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full.

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be.

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep.

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst.

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.

Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors

and asking them a few questions.

Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise

income.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety.

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

Required.

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a

task.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please.

speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role Retail Volunteer
Volunteer Manager Shop Manager
Where you will be based Oxfam Boroughbridge Shop
Why we want you
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged
18 and over.
We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a
difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full
training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a
passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be
looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep
active.
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces
you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst
learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing
Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
Researching valuable and vintage stock.
Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe
working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety
training to all volunteers.
The skills you need
We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is
required
Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
What's in it for you
Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to
understand what is covered)
Access to training and development
Grow your confidence and meet new people
Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
Possible references for future employers
Disclaimer
Additional information:
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an
inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,
please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon
application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please
speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role

Ecommerce Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop:  Oxfam Wetherby Shop

Why we want you.

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged,

18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full,

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be,

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep,

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst,

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Researching valuable and vintage stock.

Photographing and listing items for the online shop.

Describing items for online listings.

Preparing items for postage and dispatch.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety,

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

required

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please

speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role

Stock Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop: Oxfam Wetherby Shop

Why we want you.

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged,

18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full.

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be.

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep,

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst,

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the

team.

Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.

Researching valuable and vintage stock.

Photographing and listing items for the online shop.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety,

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

required

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please

speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role

Till Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based :

Shop: Wetherby Oxfam Shop

Why we want you.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full.

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be.

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep.

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst.

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.

Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors

and asking them a few questions.

Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise

income.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety.

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

Required.

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a

task.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please.

speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role Retail Volunteer
Volunteer Manager Shop Manager
Where you will be based Wetherby Oxfam  Shop
Why we want you
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged
18 and over.
We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a
difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full
training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a
passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be
looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep
active.
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces
you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst
learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing
Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
Researching valuable and vintage stock.
Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe
working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety
training to all volunteers.
The skills you need
We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is
required
Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
What's in it for you
Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to
understand what is covered)
Access to training and development
Grow your confidence and meet new people
Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
Possible references for future employers
Disclaimer
Additional information:
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an
inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,
please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon
application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please
speak to a manager for assistance.

We are recruiting volunteers to oversee and help at Pride stalls across the UK.  

It Gets Better UK is making the world a better place for LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ youth in the UK face serious mental health challenges, worsened by societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of support: 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ young people have experienced suicidal thoughts, and 33% have self-harmed.​

In a world which often tells LGBTQ+ young people not to be themselves, we're providing LGBTQ+ youth with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate their identities safely, and know they are not alone and that their futures are filled with possibility. We collect and share the stories of LGBTQ+ adults who've been there themselves, to help LGBTQ+ young people find a community where they can see themselves reflected and envisage a future worth experiencing.

At Pride, we share positive stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage attendees to share their story, message to their younger self, or message of support. The conversations we have are uplifting and often emotional. 

What will I be doing? 

• Choose one or more Pride events which you commit to attending with us. 

• Help set up and tidy up stand at beginning/end of event. 

• Welcome people to the stall, invite them to learn about stories from others in the community, and share their own stories.

• Support fundraising and raising awareness with our branded badges. 

• Engage event participants in positive messaging opportunities and story-collecting via our whiteboards: “a message to my younger self”. 

• Get photo consent from participants so that we can share their messages on our platforms. 

• Help produce video messages, recording participants' stories of hope. 

• Promote volunteering roles within It Gets Better and let people know to how to get involved. 

• Signpost people to our resources and how we can support them. 

• Listen to stall attendees’ stories with warmth and respect. 

What skills / experience do I need? 

• A personable and friendly manner 

• Confidence in crowds, speaking to strangers and members of the public

• Sensitivity to, awareness of LGBTQ+ issues 

Which Pride events will It Gets Better UK be at?  

• Stockport Pride, Saturday 1 June
• Wolverhampton Pride, Saturday 7 June
• Edinburgh Pride, Saturday 21 June
• Cardiff Pride, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June
• London Pride, Saturday 5 July
• Bristol Pride, Saturday 12 July
• London Trans+ Pride March, Saturday 26 July
• Black Pride London, Sunday 10 August
• Crawley Pride, Saturday 16 August
• Glasgow Pride, Saturday 19 July

• Don’t see us at a Pride near you? Contact us about running a stall with our support!

Time commitment: Pride events are usually Saturdays in June, July, August. Full-day or half-day. 

Support for you: You’ll receive our Volunteer Handbook and attend a briefing. Each stall will have multiple volunteers so nobody is alone.

What will I gain? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after your successful participation 

• Reimbursement of expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

How do I apply?  

Please contact us via Charityjob or our website - We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek a reference, and share our resources for you to read. 

Could you befriend an asylum seeking or refugee young person? HIAS+JCORE is seeking volunteer befrienders for our transformative JUMP project! As a befriender, you'd meet fortnightly with your young person for at least 12 months, and receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You'll also get ongoing support from our JUMP project staff.

The difference you'd make

The young people JUMP support might benefit from a befriender because they’ve left their families behind and often feel isolated, bewildered and lonely. Some have no one to talk to. Some want to improve their English. Some would like to get to know London better. The impact made by our befrienders is long-lasting and varies depending on both the befriender and young person's interests. 

What do volunteers get out of JUMP?

• A chance to help people in real need
• The opportunity to ‘give back’
• A new friend
• Increased understanding about asylum and refugee issues and policy 

Skills required

• Able to establish good relationships with young people.
• Able to use a non-judgemental, non-directive approach to working with young people.
• Empathy, sensitivity and patience.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Reliable in making and keeping commitments, including arrangements to meet up.
• Aware of the needs of young people.
• Sympathy for the difficulties that asylum seeking/refugee children and young people face.
• Willing to enhance own awareness of the issues facing asylum-seeking and refugee children/young people through training.
• Aware of safeguarding and child protection issues, and (i) willing to enhance this through JUMP training, and (ii) willing to follow HIAS+JCORE’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Willing to ask for help when uncertain when befriending and to discuss the experience of befriending through regular updates and supervision.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers will be required to:

• Meet with an unaccompanied asylum seeking or refugee young person fortnightly for at least one year.
• Establish a warm, supportive friendship with the young person within JUMP befriending boundaries.
• Help to build up the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
• A JUMP befriender will be someone the young person can talk to. They must be prepared to support the young person with a range of possible activities, such as: developing everyday life skills, getting around London, taking part in recreational or educational opportunities, applying for work experience or a job. They should be prepared to offer support with English, and where possible other types of academic work.
• They must make time to travel, if necessary, within London to meet with the young person. While we try to match people who live reasonably close by, this is not always possible, and young people can often have precarious housing situations and move neighbourhoods. It is important to consider the travel time, as well as contact time, potentially involved in befriending.
• A JUMP volunteer should be prepared to enjoy cultural/ sporting activities with the young person, and to take advantage of free entertainment and other opportunities in London.
• They should regularly communicate with the project coordinator after meeting the young person, providing feedback once a month about activities undertaken and to attend supervision face-to-face twice a year.
• They must submit monthly expenses incurred during the activities undertaken with the young person, and immediately alert the JUMP project coordinator or HIAS+JCORE Safeguarding Lead to any safeguarding (child and young person protection) issues.

What is the application process?

After submitting your application, you will be contacted to arrange an informal telephone interview. If all goes well at this stage, we would request two references and get you booked onto a day's training. The training will cover the role of the befriender and offer some more information about the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee young people. Before being paired with a young person we would also request an enhanced DBS check.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.