Volunteer roles

The main duties of a Trustee

• To ensure that the organisation complies with the governing documents, organisation law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents.
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable they are.
• To contribute effectively to the board of trustees’ role by giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• To promote the interests of the Ouseburn Trust within a wider network and throughout the community it serves, and whilst doing so, safeguard the good name of the organisation.
• To declare conflicts of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
• To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the assets of the organisation and ensure funds are effectively managed.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance and to give advance notice if unable to attend. Trustees who fail to attend three consecutive meetings may be asked to resign their seat.
• To make sure the organisation is effectively insured.
• To support employees in their appointment and effective execution of their duties.
• To keep informed about the activities of the organisation.
• To appoint a suitable person from the board to the roles of Chair & Vice Chair.

When appointing new Directors/Trustees serious consideration will be given to the skills, knowledge and experience that will be brought to the Board of Directors.

It is essential that Directors/Trustees understand the management process and carry out their role both diligently and effectively without becoming a barrier to progress or over-stepping their responsibilities.

The requirements of the role

The culture of the organisation is to deliver its charitable aims using a business type approach. Ideally we are looking for someone who:

• has a passion for the Ouseburn Valley and our work within it.
• is sympathetic to the Trust's aims and values and
• understands the role of the third sector in driving local regeneration.

New Directors/Trustees will demonstrate:

• Integrity.
• A commitment and enthusiasm to the work and objectives of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.
• An understanding and/or experience of management practice with a professional approach to the work of the Board and to the development of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Good independent judgement and a strategic vision.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to work in the best interest of the Ouseburn Trust at all times and to take part in the work of the Ouseburn Trust through involvement in sub-committees.
• A range of skills and experience that will enable the Ouseburn Trust to fulfil its Primary Objectives and an understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities, duties and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Training provided

An extensive induction pack is available for new Trustees along with ongoing support from staff and fellow Trustees.

The Ouseburn Trust was established as an independent development trust for the Ouseburn Valley in 1996. Currently it manages property, shapes the regeneration of the area, delivers a programme of heritage activity, a programme of green spacemanagement and an annual festival. The Trust works in partnership with volunteers, thelocal authority and the business community to enhance the physical, social and economicenvironment of the Valley. 

General Responsibilities of the Chair:
1. Strategic Leadership
Provide clear, visionary leadership to the board to ensure the successful delivery of the Trust’s new 3-year strategy. Support and challenge the Chief Executive and leadership team to align operations with strategic goals.
2. Governance and Oversight
Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance with the Trust’s legal and regulatoryobligations. Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are democratic, inclusive, and action-oriented.
3. Support and Supervision
Act as line manager and critical friend to the Chief Executive, offering support, challenge, and regularperformance review. Promote a positive, open culture between the board, staff, volunteers, and wider stakeholders.
4. Ambassadorial Role
Represent the Trust with external stakeholders, funders, partners, and community members.Champion the Trust’s values, mission, and strategic direction within and beyond the Ouseburn Valley.
5. Board Development
Lead in recruiting, developing, and retaining an effective, diverse, and skilled board of trustees. Encourage learning, reflection, and accountability across the board.

Specific Responsibilities (Tailored to Ouseburn Trust and Strategy Delivery):
1. Strategic Plan Implementation
Ensure that board agendas and priorities are aligned with the delivery of the 3-year strategy.Monitor and evaluate progress against strategic milestones, adjusting course where necessary.
2. Place-Based Advocacy
Be a strong and visible advocate for the Ouseburn Valley as a vibrant place for culture, heritage,
business, and community life.
Work collaboratively with key local partners (e.g. Newcastle City Council, local businesses, cultural
organisations).
3. Income Generation and Sustainability
Support the Chief Executive and staff in diversifying income, particularly through partnerships,
commercial activity, and fundraising.
Take an active interest in financial oversight and long-term resilience planning.
4. Community and Volunteer Engagement
Promote meaningful community involvement in the Trust’s activities and ensure the board reflects and
values the views of local people.
Champion the role of volunteers and the importance of their ongoing support and development.
5. Governance Development
Oversee the review and modernisation of governance frameworks if necessary, ensuring they are fit for
purpose for the future.

Time required
Board meetings are held bi-monthly usually on the last Thursday evening from 5.30-7.30pm
Finance Group meetings are held four times a year, usually on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon.

What we're looking for:

We need enthusiastic and outgoing volunteers who can cheer as loudly as possible for our runners as they go past our cheer points. Every year thousands of people join Team NSPCC to take on a challenge and raise money to help protect children and prevent abuse. Together with other cheerers, you'll make a huge difference to how our runners feel – helping them to complete a challenge they've spent months preparing for.

What you'll do:

You'll be joining other lively and enthusiastic cheerers at one of our NSPCC cheer points along the route – be ready for cheering, clapping, whooping or even singing. It's a team effort, so you would also help with setting up the cheer point, giving out t-shirts and cheering materials, making sure the area is kept tidy and helping with packing down.

We have several cheer points along the course, with staggered start times. We'll be in touch to arrange with you what time to arrive, where to meet and what to expect. You don't have to be an official cheerer to come along and support team NSPCC. So if you can't make the full-time or to one of our cheer points, we'd still love to see there, just look up the event time and come along.

What you'll get:

Volunteering at our events is a great way to experience the fantastic atmosphere of event days, without the training! The atmosphere at our cheer points is amazing, and we'll provide you with cheering materials and an NSPCC t-shirt so all you have to bring is your enthusiasm.

You'll be accompanied by NSPCC staff to support you and answer any questions you may have. Refreshments will be provided at the cheer points, and travel expenses will be covered up to the value of £5.

Who's right for the role?

You don't need any prior experience, just a sense of fun, team spirit and enthusiasm. It's important that you're able to spend a few hours outside, spending lots of this time cheering and clapping. You'll also need to stand for a few hours so, if you think this would be difficult, we'd advise bringing along a travel chair. If you are a wheelchair user, please let us know and we can help to identify a suitably accessible cheering point for you.

You'll need to feel comfortable if members of the public ask you about your volunteering role and will simply need to direct them to a member of staff if they have any questions about the NSPCC. We need volunteers with a warm and friendly manner, as the NSPCC is 90 per cent funded by public donations so the impression people have of us is incredibly important.

Please be aware that you'll need to make your own way to your cheer point (we will give you directions).

We can discuss which cheering post would be most convenient for you.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Birmingham currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors

If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Birmingham and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role

Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Cardiff currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors

If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Cardiff and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role

Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline London currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors

If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in London and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role

It is fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As a Project Support Volunteer you will be volunteering with and supporting clients for the Rough Sleeping Prevention Service. These clients are street homeless or at threat of being street homeless and will be searching for private rented properties. English may not be their first language and thus their understanding of English is limited. If you have a second language, that would be ideal; but not essential. If you do not, we can train you to use services such as language line to help communicate with our clients.

Location:

• Bristol- Monday afternoons (2pm-4pm) And/Or Wednesday mornings (10am-12pm). Either weekly or every other week on either or both of these days. 

In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:

• Supporting clients to look through and apply for Private Rented accommodation options online. • Assisting case workers and clients in conversation by helping communication via language line, or via translation (where possible) • Translating clients’ personal correspondence into their native language and supporting the client to respond appropriately to it. • Using Language Line to assist with translation where you and a client do not share the same language. • Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times. • Promoting St Mungo’s work in an appropriate manner. • Actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion among staff, fellow volunteers and clients. 

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

What are Serving Community Teams?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. SSAFA has developed Serving Community Teams for volunteers to support serving personnel their families in the UK and overseas.

A Serving Community Team is run by a small team of volunteers on or near a British Armed Forces base which provide emotional, practical and financial support to the serving community. Our volunteer Finance Coordinators are an integral part of the team. To enable volunteers to deliver their work in the community, the Finance Coordinator is the key to processing grants and volunteer expenses, as well as other tasks such as balancing the books.

Why we want you

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA has Serving Community Teams (SCTs) which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible. That’s where you come in; could you spare some time on a regular basis to ensure the SCT meets its financial obligations?

What you will be doing

• Reconciling the local SCT bank account and recording all transactions.
• Maintaining accurate records using SSAFA’s online financial management system.
• Working with the Chair around financial planning; advising on any financial implications of plans and overseeing the annual budget.
• Preparing year-end accounts, financial statements and contribute to the team’s Annual Return.
• Being an ambassador for SSAFA, building positive relationships with all stakeholders.

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable, with effective communication skills.
• Finance skills; experience of finance and accountancy.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges related to serving community.
• Good IT skills and ability to use online banking systems.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is 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.

What's in it for you

• As part of your induction, you would complete a range of eLearning courses and a trainer-led webinar to prepare you for the role.
• Any out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, and all volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.
• Give back to the serving community.
• Support people in your local serving community using your skills, knowledge and life experience.
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Receive support and friendship from your local SCT and the wider SSAFA community.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
• This is a flexible role which can be done remotely. You will need to attend several volunteer team meetings throughout the year which may be a combination of in-person and virtual.

Requirements

Volunteers need to be a minimum of 18 years old.

Time commitment

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a couple of hours a week. There will be times when attendance is required for a team meeting which may be in person or virtually.

Support

Full training is provided for this role, with some e-learning modules online and a live Teams webinar. You will also be supported by your SCT chair and the Serving Community Support Team.  

SSAFA Values

For SSAFA, our values of; commitment, compassion, integrity and understanding underpin everything we do, and we ask that all volunteers are equally committed to them.

After making an application

Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive updates to the email address you provided in your application. Sometimes the emails we send go into junk folders, so do keep an eye out in the days following your application.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

What are Serving Community Teams? 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. SSAFA has developed Serving Community Teams for volunteers to support serving personnel and their families in the UK and overseas. 

A Serving Community Team is run by a small team of volunteers on or near a British Armed Forces base which provides emotional, practical and financial support to the serving community. Our Chair is the key part of the team, coordinating the activities of volunteers to ensure financial stability and a safe and effective volunteer service. You will network locally to build relationships with the serving community, other stakeholders and welfare organisations. You will collaborate with the other SCT volunteers to support them in their roles as well as working with employees in the Serving Community Support Team to ensure the functions of the SCT run well, are documented appropriately, and reported on annually. 

Why we want you

Serving Community Teams (SCTs) offer financial, practical and emotional support to serving personnel and their families at military bases both in the UK and overseas. Each SCT consists of a group of dedicated volunteers, working together to raise SSAFA’s profile, ensuring those who need support receive it. If you would like to lead and develop a SCT, we’d love to hear from you. Our SCT Chair is the key player, coordinating the activities of the volunteer team to deliver beneficiary support and ensure a safe, effective and financially stability SCT. You will network locally to build relationships with the serving community, other stakeholders and welfare organisations. You will support your SCT volunteers in their roles as well as working with employees in SSAFA’s Serving Community Support Team to ensure the functions of the SCT are run well, documented and reported on annually.

What you will be doing

• Leading the volunteer team, ensuring SSAFA’s values, policies and procedures are followed.
• Being an ambassador for SSAFA, building positive relationships with the chain of command, local SSAFA branches and services, welfare services and other key stakeholders.
• Working closely with your volunteers to establish an annual plan of activities to include fundraising, awareness raising and support.
• Having oversight of all the functions of the SCT, ensuring beneficiaries receive effective support, and volunteers have an opportunity to regularly meet regularly.
• Reporting on the activities the SCT undertakes and their impact, ensuring annual reports are submitted.
• Promoting the work of SSAFA and the SCT, highlighting case studies and good news stories to employees in the SSAFA PR team and Serving Community Support Team.
• Being available to consider any grant applications when received.
• Working closely with employees in the Serving Community Support Team, building on volunteer recruitment and and sharing best practice.

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable with effective IT and communication skills.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges that the serving community can face.
• Experience of successfully leading a team.
• Understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Skilled at reporting on activities, achievements and impact and an understanding of the importance of volunteers and employees working together.
• Non-judgemental approach when working with beneficiaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

What's in it for you

• Support people in your local serving community using your skills, knowledge and life experience.
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and at job interviews.
• Receive support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Requirements 

Volunteers need to be a minimum of 18 years old.

Time commitment 

This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week. SSAFA’s Serving Community Support Team are always available should you wish to discuss this further.

Support 

Full training is provided for this role, with some e-learning modules online. You will be supported by SSAFA’s Serving Community Team Manager and Serving Community Support Team. 

SSAFA Values 

For SSAFA, our values of commitment, compassion, integrity and understanding underpin everything we do, and we ask that all volunteers are equally committed to them. 

After making an application 

Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive updates to the email address you provided in your application. Sometimes the emails we send go into junk folders, so do keep an eye out in the days following your application.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.