Volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.
Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.
Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.
The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.
We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.
What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.
Connecting people and green spaces to deliver lasting outcomes for both.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We work with hundreds of adult volunteers every year at Skelton Grange Environment Centre, running practical and wellbeing based volunteering sessions and managing and improving our beautiful wildlife area in South East Leeds.
Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team, working both independently and with volunteer teams and the local community at Skelton Grange Environment Centre, helping to plan, prepare and run sessions. You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and Volunteer Officers.
Typical activities for Volunteer Officers include:
- Leading or assisting groups of volunteers on practical conservation tasks, including preparing and organising activities, supporting and training volunteers (including some with additional support needs) looking after tools, refreshments and group welfare.
- Assisting with public events and related activities.
- Working to develop and maintain the wildlife area as an exciting and inspiring location for visitors to get a hands-on experience with nature. This will include both development work and routine maintenance.
- Keeping the activity days and resources up to date and developing new resources or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project.
Benefits to you:
We will aim to train Volunteer Officers in:
- Leading a range of practical tasks and events with volunteers on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Practical development and maintenance of the wildlife area at Skelton Grange - including habitat management, practical conservation and surveying skills.
The Volunteer role will give you real responsibility in a supportive environment, and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
As well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field, we will provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.
It's also a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile, and have lots of fun with some great people!
We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.
What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with other people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector, or you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time.
How much time:
2-4 days per week.
To maximise your experience and make the most of your new skills, many people aim to complete 100 days of volunteering within 6 to 12 months.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
PUBLICITY & MARKETING VOLUNTEER
Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.
Our Publicity & Marketing volunteers play an essential role in publicising and raising awareness of their local branch’s activities.
What the role involves
This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:
• Collecting case studies from the clients we help
• Writing stories for the local press
• Distributing literature
• Arranging talks
• Working with the Central Team to promote panel activities
We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
What you’ll need for this role
• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email
• Confident using social media platforms
• Warm, approachable and confident to engage with clients to gather their story
• Able to follow REMAP policies and procedures
• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices
• Able to keep people’s personal details safe
• A commitment to our values
You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.
If it works better for you, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.
Why volunteer
When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you – your hard work, skills and commitment.
N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.
REMAP exists to improve the quality of life for people who experience short or long-term disability through infirmity, illness or ageing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal. Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year. They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.
Helping Volunteers are responsible for welcoming visitors onto our premises, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere (along with a cup of tea), and supporting our Listening Volunteers to help everything run smoothly.
We are looking for volunteers who have the empathy to greet distressed visitors, the willingness to undertake a variety of admin and other tasks and the resilience to support their team. Our HVs need to be proactive, self-starters and team players with a basic understanding of IT. We ask for a weekly commitment of four hours for a period of at least six months.
We are primarily recruiting Helping Volunteers for our new site near Liverpool Street. We also have limited vacancies available at our other sites in Hammersmith, Pimlico and Kings Cross.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The People and Culture (P&C) Committee is responsible to the Board of Trustees for oversight of the People and Culture Strategy and its effective implementation, including the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda. The scope of the P&C Committee includes HQ volunteers as well as the staff workforce. It sets and reviews the salary of executive management; oversees the annual cost of living review, is focused on developing the right working culture for the organisation and scrutinises and approves HR policies.
The role of an Independent Member is to provide the People and Culture Committee with advice, guidance and scrutiny to assist the Committee in making key decisions.
Main Responsibilities
Along with other members of the Committee:
- Review the People & Culture Strategy which supports the organisational strategy and recommend it to the Board
- Act as advisor to ensure Equity, Diversity and Inclusion considerations for staff and HQ volunteers underpin the objectives within the People & Culture strategy
- Conduct high level monitoring and oversight of the achievement of objectives within the People & Culture strategy
- Oversee the HR function to assure that we are legally compliant, effective and responsive to the needs of the organisation and its people
- Ensure that the culture of the organisation is appropriate to achieve its objectives and support its values
- Monitor HR key performance indicators to assure the Committee and the Board that the Scouts is a good employer
- Ensure that robust and suitable HR policies and procedures are in place, that ensure fairness, equality and best practice in the management of staff, including an effective Reward Policy to underpin the successful recruitment and retention of staff
- Recommend to the Board the annual staff pay award
- Ensure the effective recruitment of ELT members via the Chair of the Committee
- Approve remuneration for ELT (with the exception of the Chief Executive whose remuneration is determined by the Board)
- Ensure an effective performance management policy and appraisal process is in place for ELT
- Assure itself that staff/volunteer relationships are effective
- Oversee the wellbeing of our people, working in collaboration with the HQ Health, Safety and Welfare Committee.
The person
A commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively are essential.
Candidates should:
- Have a strong track record of achievement, especially in the area of Reward and Recognition
- Have experience of contributing to, supporting and or/leading HR policy formulation and culture setting across a large organisation or movement
- Have experience of designing and managing pay, benefits and non-financial incentives to motivate people
- Have a breadth of vision and a grasp of governance issues alongside an eye for detail
- Have unquestioned integrity, effective communications skills and experience of high-level discussion
- Have an understanding and commitment to The Scout Association’s evolving strategic plan and vision
- Be able to digest and act upon large amounts of written material, and have the ability to consider and constructively challenge the performance, strategy and objectives of The Scout Association
- Have experience of the Scout Movement and, ideally, the role of HQ volunteers
- Have experience of working at, or volunteering with, a charitable organisation
Time Commitment
For this role, the appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled People and Culture Committee meetings (three in each year, generally two meetings online and one face to face in London)
Appointment term
Appointments are typically for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of a further term of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal.
Remuneration and expenses
In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties in accordance with the Association’s Expenses Policy.
We're Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people aged 4-25 develop skills for life.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.
Do you want to save lives in your community and gain valuable first aid experience? If so join our team, we meet bi-weekly on a Wednesday evening.
Interviews will be a mixture of via teams and face to face taking place in mid May.
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) -To be discussed at interview but expected to take place end of June/ beginning of July
Closing date for these opportunities is: 11/05/2025
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.
We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.
We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.
We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.
We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:
- Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
- The arts / music in particular
- Fundraising
- Law
- The Criminal Justice System
- Business development
- Financial management
- Strategy
In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning.
This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.
To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.
To apply click below and please include a CV and cover letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Volunteer Car Drivers to join our team based in Nottingham.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as a Patient Transport Volunteer Driver and become a vital part of our Patient Transport Service in your local area. Your commitment will ensure that vulnerable patients can access essential medical appointments on time with ease and comfort.
Our volunteer team is a diverse blend of individuals united by a shared desire to make a positive difference in their communities.
As a volunteer, you'll be the friendly face that patients rely on during their journey to appointments. Your role is simple yet profoundly impactful: providing safe and reliable transportation, while offering reassurance and support during a challenging time in their lives.
No prior experience is necessary - just bring your caring attitude, a 4-5 door car, and some spare time. Whether you're available from the crack of dawn or prefer flexible hours that fit around your schedule, every contribution counts.
By volunteering, you will experience the fulfilment of giving back to your community and supporting the NHS. Join our growing team of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing patient care and making a real difference in people's lives.
What benefits can you expect?
· 50p per mile with reimbursement for approved expenses
· The chance to make a tangible difference in your local community
· Be a part of our excellent EMED Volunteer Team
· Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support
· Opportunities to connect with new people
Other duties include:
· Drive patients to non-emergency appointments
· Assist individuals in accessing vital hospital services
· Coordinate with our dispatch teams for seamless operations
· Foster positive relationships within the community
· Enjoy the autonomy of volunteering independently while knowing you have the backing of a supportive team
What we're looking for:
· A valid driving licence with (no more than 6 penalty points)
· A friendly and empathetic demeanour
· Access to a 4 door (minimum) car
· Alignment with our organization's values
· Basic IT skills (like the use of smartphone)
Please note that this role will be subject to several regulatory pre-employment checks, and you will be asked to provide details of your full employment history should you be invited to an interview. Your HMRC record, available to download from the Government Gateway may help you in preparing this information when required.
Our Values
Collaborative – we work as one team with a shared purpose to meet the needs of our patients, passengers, colleagues, customers, communities, and the planet.
Agile – We listen, learn and adapt to improve the business, each other, and ourselves.
Reliable – We do what we say we will do, we take responsibility and we behave with integrity.
Empowered – We are confident and committed to taking responsibility to deliver the highest quality service.
About Us
The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group. We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with more than 3000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.
A thriving team committed to pro-actively improving the wellbeing of our communities by enabling access to vital health and care services.


Chair of the Charitable Trust Board
Amnesty International UK
Lead With Purpose. Chair the Board of One of the World's Most Recognised Human Rights Movements.
Amnesty International UK is seeking a visionary, inclusive and values-driven Chair to lead the Charitable Trust Board at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity.
With nearly half a million supporters across the UK, the mission is to stand up for humanity and human rights. The Charitable Trust plays a vital role in funding Amnesty's work globally and in the UK - supporting individuals, communities, and movements where justice, fairness, and freedom are at stake.
As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, oversee key governance responsibilities, and guide the Trust through an exciting period of transition - including responsible investment, growing the grant making impact, and advancing digital and cultural transformation.
About you:
- Proven governance or board leadership experience (e.g. Chair, Vice Chair, Trustee)
- Strong understanding of charity governance, risk, and compliance
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and chairing skills
- The ability to lead with curiosity, compassion and strategic clarity
- A deep personal commitment to human rights, anti-racism, equity and inclusion
- Familiarity with ethical investment, grant making, digital transformation, or complex organisational change would be highly beneficial.
- Lived experience of injustice or marginalisation, and younger voices in leadership, are especially welcomed.
Practicalities:
UK-wide (with London-based meetings)
Voluntary, with expenses covered
Approx. 15-20 days/year
3 years (renewable once)
Join the Conversation
We're hosting a live Q&A Webinar on Monday 28th April 2025 at 6:30 pm where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. In the first instance, please send your CV to and we will forward you the recruitment pack as well as the link to register to attend this webinar.
Timeline:
Closing date: 5pm 23rd May 2025
First Interviews: w/c 30th June
Final Interviews: w/c 7th July
This is your opportunity to lead with integrity, shape the future of human rights work, and ensure Amnesty International UK is governed with accountability, vision, and courage.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Whiteley Homes Trust owns and manages Whiteley Village near Walton on Thames, where we have been supporting older people in need for over a century. Our charity offers outstanding accommodation and care to around 400 older people, most of whom are beneficiaries and unable to buy or rent their own homes on the open market. We are proud to be one of the oldest charities in Surrey, and our Patron was the former Prince of Wales.
Our Clubhouse Community Café volunteers help us to add extra value to the service we offer. This role provides opportunities to make a direct impact on reducing social isolation, promoting inclusivity, creating awareness and helping local people who may not be able to afford food.
Main Role:
Customer Service:
- Greet customers and take their orders.
- Serve food, beverages and alcohol promptly and courteously.
- Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues.
Food Preparation:
- Assist in the preparation of food and drinks.
- Follow recipes and presentation standards.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness:
- Maintain cleanliness of the café, including tables, counters, and kitchen areas.
- Wash dishes and utensils.
- Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations.
Cash Handling:
- Operate the cash register and handle transactions.
- Balance the till at the end of the shift.
Stock Management:
- Monitor stock levels and replenish supplies as needed.
- Assist with inventory checks.
We are looking for people who:
- Share our passion for community service
- Are friendly, approachable and like to work with the public
- Want to learn more about our work and share their enthusiasm with others
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our client is a social enterprise located on London’s iconic Southbank. Established in 1984, their 13-acre site is at the heart of a thriving neighbourhood with co-operative homes, parks and gardens, shops and design studios, galleries, restaurants, a family and children’s centre, sports pitches, and a range of community programmes and activities.
The organisation is overseen by three independent entities working together. These entities are governed by voluntary boards, made up of members from the local community and experts from a range of sectors. All three entities are served by a single staff team. The organisation is one where diverse groups of people come together to live, work and play.
This is an exciting time to join our client as a Non-Executive Board Member. Following a recent skills audit and upcoming board rotation, they are now recruiting at least five new board members. Their boards play the role of critical friend – advising on governance, strategy and connectivity, while ensuring they stay true to their values, mission and community purpose.
They are looking to appoint:
Board Members who live locally, within their Area of Benefit. These board members will bring lived experience of the neighbourhood and a commitment to its future. No formal board or professional experience is necessary, but they would particularly welcome local applicants with knowledge of finance, HR or housing and property.
Co-opted Board Members who do not need to live locally but will bring specific professional expertise in one of the following areas:
- Finance – Qualified accountant with experience of financial strategy and oversight
- HR – Strategic leadership, ideally with experience chairing or contributing to HR and remuneration committees
- Housing – Specialist knowledge of social housing, property management, or asset development
Our client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and wants its boards to reflect the communities we serve. They particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are currently underrepresented on our boards. They also welcome applicants with experience of community development and neighbourhood initiatives.
For further information about this exciting opportunity, and to find out how to apply, please view the dedicated microsite by clicking 'Apply via Website'.
What you will be doing
The opportunity will be volunteering with the Volunteering Officer and People & Culture Manager carrying out administrative tasks that include data input in to systems, issuing letters and documents, responding to email enquiries, photocopying/scanning, filing, using Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint and the development of the volunteering programme at Suffolk Wildlife Trust including the recognition events and activities.
There are no set tasks or duties with the opportunity - you'll be getting involved with the day-to-day activities.
The skills you need
No experience is required other than able to use a computer and Microsoft Office.
What you'll get out of it
This opportunity may suit someone who is looking for a career in volunteering support or within HR, or someone with administrative experience looking to use their skills.
You can claim back out-of-pocket expenses.
The time you need to give
You can volunteer as much or as little as you wish. A regular volunteering day on a Tuesday would be ideal but we are open to different days and hours between Monday and Friday.
How to Apply
For more information about this opportunity and an informal discussion, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Meet and Greet Host
Dyscover offers long term support to people with aphasia, a communication problem which can occur after a stroke or brain injury.
Our Group Host welcomes our members and their carer as they arrive to our Kingston support group:
• Providing refreshments before the session and during breaks
• Helping to set up and tidy away
• Attending occasional meetings/training sessions relating to the role as required
Do you have…
• A personable and friendly manner
• Good communication skills
• Availability on a Tuesday morning
• The ability to make a real difference to a small local charity
We will provide…
• Training, support and induction to your role
• The chance to meet new people, make new friends and work as a team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Various locations (Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland)
SUMMARY
Prison volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work. Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.
Our prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as to provide information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills and tasks will vary slightly from prison to prison.
Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work ideally requires not only a good level of needlework skill but also some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively.
This document describes the role of prison volunteering teams as a whole. Individuals who do not have all the skills described below may find a role alongside other volunteers who do.
PURPOSE
- Developing stitchers’ skills and confidence
- Acting as FCW ambassadors in the prison
- Building effective working relationships with prison staff, stitchers, and other volunteers
- Providing information to the FCW office for administrative and evaluative purposes
ACTIVITIES
Teaching and support
- Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products using our premade kits
- Encouraging and supporting stitchers to take on responsibility as class coordinators and peer mentors
- Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake our accredited training courses with the Open College Network
Admin and liaison
- Ensuring a supply of kits and training materials appropriate to stitchers’ individual skill levels and learning needs
- Returning completed kits to the FCW office with invoices
- Regularly communicating with the Fine Cell Work programmes team
Monitoring and information-gathering
- Ensuring accurate record keeping of stitchers' pay, productivity and progress
- Occasionally gathering other information requested by the office
Meetings/training
- Participating in occasional volunteer meetings
- Participating in training and workshops as requested by FCW or the prison
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Essential
- Support for FCW’s ethos
- Ability to observe boundaries in personal behaviour
- Teamwork
- Experience of tapestry and/or embroidery techniques
- Reliability, patience and flexibility
- Accurate record-keeping
- Access to the internet
- Able to use email and word processors to a basic level
- Ability to travel to prison
Desirable
- Teaching experience and/or experience of working with vulnerable and socially excluded groups
- Able to use spreadsheets to a basic level
- Access to a car
You must be over 18 to carry out this role.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED
Prison volunteers generally run classes for two hours every 2 weeks.
With travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set
aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
We hope that most prison-based volunteers will be able to commit themselves to working with us for at least a year or two as this allows time for group participants to complete qualifications and develop their skills to a high standard.
LOCATION
Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based.
SUPERVISION AND COMMUNICATION
Each group has a lead volunteer who reports to the Volunteer & Programmes Manager at the Fine Cell Work office however we do encourage regular communication between the programmes team and all volunteers.
We also have regular reflective practice sessions for prison volunteers which take place on Zoom every other month.
BENEFITS
Fine Cell Work will cover your travel costs and out-of-pocket expenses related to posting kits to the office. We can also pay out-of-pocket expenses for purchasing materials and other items, but you must agree this in advance with the Production team at Head Office.
We provide induction training before you start volunteering in prison, and training thereafter at intervals throughout the year.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.