Volunteer roles for the Social Welfare sector

Could you be a star baker, master chef or perhaps you simply enjoy baking or cooking! We are recruiting for a volunteer to join our team supporting individuals to learn new recipes together as a group.

Baking and cooking helps to relax, get creative and indulge in our senses. Often, it can spark nostalgia and helps us to recreate positive experiences or memories. Inspire and motivate people in our services to do something that brings joy, an opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with others over sharing baked goods and delicious meals.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Research and plan new recipes for cooking/baking sessions in collaboration with the group each week
• Encourage individuals to participate in the sessions and delegate cooking tasks
• Support individuals to shop for ingredients needed for the session
• Support individuals each week in setting up for the sessions and tidying away afterwards
• Encourage individuals to participate in all aspects of the planning and attendance
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Food Safety Certificate/knowledge or willingness to complete relevant training
• Passion and knowledge of healthy eating and cooking
• Ability to engage, encourage and motivate individuals to participate in sessions
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Skelmersdale & District Foodbank are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the board as a trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice, working with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Treasurer’s key tasks:

• ensure the board fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly and efficiently, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and do not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, progressed and evaluated and ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for, regularly attend, and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• acting with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• serving as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community, promoting the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and present on behalf of the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Skelmersdale & District Foodbank
• a passion for combating poverty within Skelmersdale and its surrounding areas
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping all financial records up to date
• willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• willingness to speak their mind
• the ability to think creatively

Applications are particularly welcome from people who live or work in West Lancashire and who reflect Skelmersdale’s diverse community.

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Skelmersdale & District Foodbank.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. We support more than 4,500 volunteer teams across the UK. Together, they bring comfort, connection and companionship to tens of thousands of people every year.

We are looking for three new trustees to help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure that we remain true to our purpose of spreading joy, comfort and companionship through the magic of pets.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that PAT achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that PAT has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time commitment

• Attend all full Board meetings. The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• Preparation for meetings – read papers, understand numbers, assimilate arguments.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year.
• Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• At least two visits per year accompanying a PAT volunteer in a different sector and or attending/supporting an event with PAT volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with the following skills and experience: 

Animal Care and Behaviour - The wellbeing of the companion animals is of upmost importance to us. Someone with experience in veterinary care will help us develop best practice in our own operation and set an example to the sector. 

Education - Our volunteers visit over 1,600 schools. Someone with education experience will help us to ensure we deliver the best possible service to children and young people. 

Volunteer Management - A key part of our current strategy is improving our volunteer engagement and our volunteer experience. Therefore we’d welcome applications from people with a background in volunteer management and volunteer led organisations.

What difference will you make?

You will bring your own skills and perspectives to help us shape PAT’s next phase of growth. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a truly unique charity, one that harnesses the bond between people and their pets to transform lives every day.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Pets as Therapy with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PAT, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. 

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Skelmersdale & District Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. 

Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies

Key tasks:

• approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• manage the charity’s resources responsibly and efficiently, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and do not over-commit the charity
• ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, progressed and evaluated and ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
• ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• prepare for, regularly attend, and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community, promoting the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and present on behalf of the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Skelmersdale & District Foodbank
• a passion for combating poverty within Skelmersdale and its surrounding areas
• experience of working in a governance role
• willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• willingness to speak their mind
• the ability to think creatively

Applications are particularly welcome from people who live or work in West Lancashire and who reflect Skelmersdale’s diverse community. The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Partnership engagement
• Benefits advice and support

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Skelmersdale & District Foodbank.

Trustee - Rees Foundation (Scotland Based)

Are you committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of care-experienced individuals in Scotland?

Would you like to help shape the future of a growing charity dedicated to supporting those who have been in care? As we expand our work into Scotland, we’re looking for a new Trustee who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and adults with care experience. With our recent entry into the Scottish Charity Register, this is an exciting time to join us and help shape our growth and strategy in Scotland, enhancing our ability to offer meaningful support where it is needed most.

About us

The Rees Foundation is a national charity based in Worcestershire, supporting adults who have experienced foster care or residential care at any stage in their lives. We focus on the often-challenging transition from care into adulthood and the long-term impact care experience can have. At Rees, we believe care does not end at 18, 21, or 25, it is a lifelong journey, and everyone deserves ongoing support and someone who cares.
We listen, offer practical and emotional help, and create projects that genuinely change lives for the better.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring the charity stays true to its mission and values. Our Board of Trustees shares responsibility for guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring good governance, financial health, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Board members are required to attend four quarterly meetings a year, which last for up to three hours as well as three of four times a year to review grant applications. They are currently held during the day.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has skills in areas such as governance, finance, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Can commit to attending regular board meetings (online and occasionally in person).
• Enjoys working collaboratively and has a forward-thinking outlook.
• May bring knowledge or experience of the care system in Scotland (lived experience is especially welcomed).

Want to know more?

If you think you could contribute to our Board, we would like to hear from you. For an informal conversation about the charity and the Trustee role, please contact Melody Douglas, CEO.

To apply, please email Kathryn Mylott, HR Generalist to request a recruitment pack with more details about the charity and the role.

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is seeking people with a passion for sex workers’ rights and
safety to join our Board of Trustees.

About NUM and the role of trustees
NUM is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to end all forms of violence against them. We design and deliver safety tools, carry out research, and provide specialist support services for people in adult industries. We serve sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and modes of work. Our secure digital reporting and alerting system warns communities about dangerous individuals, while our experiential support staff and trained Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer one-to-one, trauma-informed advocacy. We ensure sex workers have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives.

Our wellbeing drop-in service (first launched in Glasgow) has now expanded to Manchester and London, alongside the addition of our dedicated vocational support programme for people looking to transition, diversify, or leave sex work. Our racial justice programme reclaims narratives on sex work and race through in-depth conversations, research, and collaborations between racialised sex workers and anti-racist activists, focusing on experiences across five key areas of public life. We conduct research, deliver education packages for professionals, and advocate for policy change to improve safety, rights, and recognition for sex workers across the UK.

We place lived experience at the heart of all services and decision-making, ensuring our
work reflects the needs, priorities, and expertise of the communities we serve.

Trustees at NUM play a vital role in helping us fulfil our core mission of ending all forms of violence against sex workers. They support NUM as an organisation and the members of the NUM team by providing support, advice and guidance through our day-to-day operations and the overall strategic vision of the charity. Some of that takes place at quarterly trustee meetings, where the CEO reports on NUM’s work and brings decisions and choices to the board for discussion and advice, and some takes place between meetings when individual trustees have skills or experience that can support team members and have the time to take on a supportive or mentoring role. Our current trustees bring with them a wide range of
experience from sex worker organising and advocacy, media and public engagement,
campaigning and social justice, academia, finance, and other aspects of the third sector.
They also oversee legally required duties such as approving the annual report, reviewing
risks and finances, and ensuring the charity complies with the law and meets its charitable
objectives.
Trustee roles are voluntary positions. However, NUM will pay for any reasonable expenses incurred as part of the role.

Who we’re looking for
The most important thing is that you believe in NUM’s work and want to join us to help us
continue this. We need people willing to volunteer their time to shape our practice and our services, and guide the charity as we continue to meet the needs of sex workers across the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from those with:

• Lived experience within sex worker communities
• Legal expertise (particularly relating to organisations, governance, and charity law)
• HR expertise (including recruitment, compliance, and employment law)
• Fundraising and income generation expertise

This experience may come from trustee roles, management positions in third-sector organisations, or other relevant voluntary or lived experience. You don’t need prior trustee experience — what matters most is commitment, skills, and a willingness to learn.

We value skills, competencies, and lived experience over job titles, and encourage applicants to draw on the full range of their background — including voluntary roles or sex work-based examples from their working history. We are looking for people who understand the realities of working within a charity and who can bring fresh ideas, insight, and expertise to support NUM’s mission.
If you don't have the specific skills listed above but believe you could contribute in other ways, we’d be happy to hear from you — please get in touch to discuss.

We are looking for Trustees who are proactive and solutions-focused. Individuals who, when they see a challenge, are willing to take the lead in mobilising others and driving practical action. Someone who doesn’t wait to be asked, but steps in with energy, clarity and a positive mindset to help move things forward collectively for NUM and in the pursuit of our
charitable goals.

Other skills and attributes that we would like from any prospective trustees are:

• A strong commitment to the mission and core values of NUM
• A high degree of integrity
• The ability to think strategically and plan for the future with good judgement
• Critical thinking skills
• Creativity
• The ability to work well as part of a team to collectively make decisions surrounding
• NUM’s future work, vision and strategy
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training
• An understanding of safeguarding
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee

We know that great boards bring together a mix of perspectives, skills, and experiences - both lived and learned. We’re especially keen to hear from people whose voices are often underrepresented in leadership, including (but not limited to) people with experience in the sex industry, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, people under 30 years old, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you care about our mission and meet the core criteria, please consider applying - even if you don’t tick every single box.

The responsibilities of trustees at NUM include:

• Attend four regular board meetings a year (online and/or in person)
• Advise on, and help develop, organisational strategy and delivery, including policies that fall within your expertise
• Ensure compliance with governing documents and the law
• Ensure accountability to funders, NUM members and wider movement
• Maintain proper fiscal oversight, signing off and scrutinising reporting against budgets
• Oversee the management of risks to NUM’s funding, reputation and delivery
• Exemplify NUM’s values and culture through ways of working and interacting
• Maintain effective board performance (including appointing new board members)
• Effectively work with, and respect the expertise of the NUM staff and volunteer team

We estimate that the role will require approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly meetings and some responsiveness between these. The standard term for a Trustee is 3 years.

Volunteer Befriender: Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham

Do you have experience with young children and have two hours to spare a week?

Are you a compassionate and reliable person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of families?

Home-Start WKCHF is looking for volunteers to support parents and children who are facing challenges such as isolation, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.

About the Role

As a Home-Start volunteer, you will provide emotional and practical support to families with young children in their own homes. Your role may involve:                                                                                                                                                     

• Offering friendship, a listening ear and encouragement
• Helping parents build confidence in their parenting skills
• Providing practical support such as accompanying families to appointments, family hubs or groups
• Signposting to additional services and community resources

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and non-judgmental attitude
• Experience parenting or caring for children
• Good listening and communication skills
• Commitment to volunteering for two hour per week for a minimum of six months
• Willingness to attend free preparation course and undergo a DBS / reference checks

What We Offer

• Free Volunteer Preparation Training Course
• Regular 1-to-1 supervision and ongoing support
• Additional training opportunities to enhance your skills and experience
• Reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteer Social Events
• A chance to develop new skills and meet like-minded people
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on families’ lives

Join Us!

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and  disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play an important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of the children, young people and families we support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation.

Trustees also ensure the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Trustees are asked to attend 6 meetings per year, of which four run virtually via Teams. In person meetings run twice a year and are face-to-face for a full day – these are always run at one of our sites in the Kirklees area. Trustees also have the opportunity to join one of our committees, for example, our finance committee.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

est Cheshire Foodbank was established in 2012 to provide emergency food to people in crisis. We are part of the Trussell network of foodbanks and last financial year we provided food to 14,500 people in the 12 months to March 2025. We can only do this with the commitment of our volunteers, our small, dedicated staff team and the much-valued support of local businesses, organisations and individuals.

We are now looking for two new trustees, with relevant experience, who share our vision for a future without the need for foodbanks. You do not need previous experience as a trustee to apply for these roles.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and experience, particularly those who have lived experience of financial hardship and/or food insecurity. The successful candidates will be provided with an induction, training and support to help establish themselves in their roles.

Our Purpose is

1. to provide relief to individuals and families in crisis in West Cheshire, through the provision of emergency food supplies.
2. to provide practical, mental and spiritual support either directly or by referral to approved partner agencies to enable individuals and families avoid future crises.
3. to raise awareness of the causes of food poverty and to encourage both policy-makers and local people to take action.

Specific responsibilities Governance Trustee

• Ensuring WCFB is legally compliant with regulatory requirements in law.
• Advising and assisting Trustees and staff on all matters related to the charity’ compliance with charity law and other relevant legislation
• Ensure that all charitable activities undertaken by the charity are compliant with its charitable objectives as set out in the governing document
• Ensure all activities, processes and procedures of the Board of Trustees and the charity are consistent with the requirements of the governing document
• Acting as the principal contact with the Charity Commission for England and Wales
• Maintaining the Register of Trustees and informing the Charity Commission of any changes to it in good time
• Ensuring that all Trustees are eligible to serve in that capacity
• Ensuring that the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts of the Charity are submitted in good time to the Charity Commission
• Drafting the Annual Report of the Trustees for approval by the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper records of the Board of Trustees are maintained
• Oversight of all matters related to GDPR and Data Protection
• Ensure that all legally required policies and procedures are in place and maintained appropriately
• Ensuring that any agreements entered into by the charity with other agencies or partners are compliant with charity law and the charitable objectives of the charity as well as fully protecting the interests of the charity
• If and when necessary, drafting any amendments and updates to the governing document of the charity including its charitable objectives and ensuring that the proper procedures for these to be brought into effect are implemented.

In order to carry out these duties, the Trustee will need to become familiar with the generalities of charity law, and how to interact with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Information Commissioner's Office, the Trussell Trust and the support available from Trust Advice who are the Trussell Trust’s Governance partner.

General responsibilities of all WCFB Trustees

• Work alongside the Treasurer and the trustee board to ensure WCFB’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available as necessary
• Ensure WCFB is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and charity law reporting requirements
• Ensure that all charitable activities undertaken by WCFB are compliant with its charitable objectives as set out in its governing document
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects
• Understand and commit to WCFB’s strategic direction and mission
• Contribute to the development and review of WCFB’s strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with the needs of people struggling to afford the essentials
• Help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders, partners and people experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity
• Ensure WCFB has appropriate procedures in place to comply with current legislation and good practice including: employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving time, thought and energy to fulfil your role
• To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community
• Attend trustee meetings and produce feedback and reports as necessary
• Ensure decisions are informed by people experiencing financial hardship by working in a participatory and inclusive way at board level
• Demonstrate empathy and a non-judgemental attitude

What are we looking for?

West Cheshire Foodbank are looking for new trustees, with relevant experience, who share our vision for a future without the need for foodbanks. You do not need previous experience as a trustee to apply for these roles.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and experience, particularly those who have lived experience of financial hardship and/or food insecurity. The successful candidates will be provided with an induction, training and support to help establish themselves in their roles.

We are looking to recruit a Participation Trustee who:

• Can fulfil the role as lead trustee for their specific area of responsibility, demonstrate leadership skills and confidence to work as part of the Trustee team
• Has experience of working in a governance role
• Has an understanding of charity law
• Is friendly and approachable, able to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Is willing to listen to other perspectives and give others the space to share their knowledge and experience
• Has a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of WCFB
• Is willing to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Will act in the best interest of the charity
• Demonstrates sound, independent, judgement and the ability to think creatively
• Works effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• Being able to use your existing skills to make a difference
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community
• Make a real difference to the running of the foodbank as part of a team providing holistic support in the local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or in contact with WCFB
• Induction and training to support you in your role as a trustee

What difference will you make?

By leading on the food bank's governance, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with West Cheshire Foodbank.

West Cheshire Foodbank was established in 2012 to provide emergency food to people in crisis. We are part of the Trussell network of foodbanks and last financial year we provided food to 14,500 people in the 12 months to March 2025. We can only do this with the commitment of our volunteers, our small, dedicated staff team and the much-valued support of local businesses, organisations and individuals.

We are now looking for two new trustees, with relevant experience, who share our vision for a future without the need for foodbanks. You do not need previous experience as a trustee to apply for these roles.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and experience, particularly those who have lived experience of financial hardship and/or food insecurity. The successful candidates will be provided with an induction, training and support to help establish themselves in their roles.

Our Purpose is

1. to provide relief to individuals and families in crisis in West Cheshire, through the provision of emergency food supplies.
2. to provide practical, mental and spiritual support either directly or by referral to approved partner agencies to enable individuals and families avoid future crises.
3. to raise awareness of the causes of food poverty and to encourage both policy-makers and local people to take action.

Participation Trustee specific responsibilities

• Ensuring WCFB practice and strategic direction is informed by the voices of people with lived experience of food insecurity and financial hardship.
• Support the WCFB strategic lead to develop and implement the Participation Framework, including periodic reviews to assess progress, learning and impact.
• Support all trustees and members of the staff team to take a participatory approach where appropriate and enact the principles of participation.
• Model a participatory way of working to ensure voices of lived experience are amplified and help inform and influence key decisions at Board level.
• Ensure trustees are informed of the impact of national and local policy changes for people using WCFB with implications for service delivery and lobbying.
• Willingness to share your experience of food insecurity and/or financial hardship, whilst recognising that your experience cannot represent a whole community.

General responsibilities of all WCFB Trustees 

• Work alongside the Treasurer and the trustee board to ensure WCFB’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available as necessary.
• Ensure WCFB is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and charity law reporting requirements.
• Ensure that all charitable activities undertaken by WCFB are compliant with its charitable objectives as set out in its governing document.
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Understand and commit to WCFB’s strategic direction and mission
• Contribute to the development and review of WCFB’s strategic plan, ensuring it aligns with the needs of people struggling to afford the essentials.
• Help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders, partners and people experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity.
• Ensure WCFB has appropriate procedures in place to comply with current legislation and good practice including: employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving time, thought and energy to fulfil your role.
• To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
• Attend trustee meetings and produce feedback and reports as necessary.
• Ensure decisions are informed by people experiencing financial hardship by working in a participatory and inclusive way at board level.
• Demonstrate empathy and a non-judgemental attitude.

What are we looking for?

West Cheshire Foodbank are  looking for new trustees, with relevant experience, who share our vision for a future without the need for foodbanks. You do not need previous experience as a trustee to apply for these roles.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and experience, particularly those who have lived experience of financial hardship and/or food insecurity. The successful candidates will be provided with an induction, training and support to help establish themselves in their roles.

We are looking to recruit a Participation Trustee who:

• Can fulfil the role as lead trustee for their specific area of responsibility, demonstrate leadership skills and confidence to work as part of the Trustee team
• Has experience of using a foodbank or of financial hardship
• Has volunteering experience in a community setting
• Has knowledge of the wider social issues associated with food insecurity and financial hardship
• Has knowledge of charitable law and funding or is willing to develop this
• Is friendly and approachable, able to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Is willing to listen to other perspectives and give others the space to share their knowledge and experience
• Has a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of WCFB
• Is willing to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Will act in the best interest of the charity
• Demonstrates sound, independent, judgement and the ability to think creatively
• Works effectively as a team member and demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• Being able to use your existing skills to make a difference
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community
• Make a real difference to the running of the foodbank as part of a team providing holistic support in the local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or in contact with WCFB
• Induction and training to support you in your role as a trustee

What difference will you make?

By leading on the food bank's participatory approach and ways of working, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with West Cheshire Foodbank.

We’re recruiting new Trustees to join our Board at Citizens Advice Wirral.

Our Trustees play a vital role in helping us remain a strong, effective, and forward-thinking organisation, ensuring we can deliver high-quality, accessible advice to those who need it most.

We welcome applications from people with diverse experiences, skills, and backgrounds, and are particularly keen to hear from:

• Wirral residents with lived experience of our services

• Individuals from underrepresented groups, including people of colour and LGBTQ+ communities

This voluntary role offers the opportunity to make a real impact in your community while developing your skills and experience in governance and leadership.

Learn more and download our candidate briefing pack on our website via the Apply button.

For an informal chat, contact us.

#TrusteeRecruitment #Volunteering #Governance #CommunityImpact #CitizensAdviceWirral

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.