Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Position Title: Family Liaison
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Family Support Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Swanley or able to travel to Swanley
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a crucial difference for the better to the life and welfare of a refugee family as they settle into life in Britain helping them to achieve independence and social integration in their new surroundings? As a Family Liaison, you will be a vital friendly link and mentor for the family to help them navigate through difficulties that they may encounter on their path to independent living in our district. It is a very important and rewarding role.
Key Responsibilities: ● Where the family is new, help them to settle in and pass on requests for help and equipment. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the family which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the family becomes more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers (Refugee Council) as needed while the family is still receiving support from them. ● Liaise with the team around the family - general support, language and education - so that they work together; moderate a Whatsapp group for all volunteers supporting the family, whatever their role. ● Encourage and monitor the family’s path to independence ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities.
● Keep the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) Family Support Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed

You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had a background in health, teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential, a practical attitude is needed.

Time and location
The weekly commitment might be 1-2 hours particularly initially, tapering down as the families become more independent. This is not an online job and the family is located in Swanley.

Support & Training Provided As well as general training for SWR volunteers on the essentials such as safeguarding and cultural awareness, we run workshops to find out more about how we can help children in their path through education, language learning and other matters that may be relevant. The VLT will ensure that the Family Liaison has support and backup as required and a mentor will be appointed to help a new Family Liaison in the initial stages of taking up the role.

Position Title: Language Programme Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Chair
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) was founded in 2017 and became a registered charity in 2019. Initially focused on supporting Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks district under the UK Government Resettlement Scheme, SWR’s mission has since expanded to assist 16 refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan, as well as 50 Ukrainian families. In 2023-24, SWR raised over £70,000 to further its work, collaborating closely with local councils and partner organisations to achieve its objectives. With seven trustees, 110 active volunteers, and a supporter base of approximately 750 people, SWR is poised for a new phase of growth.

Role Overview:
As the Language Programme Lead, you will provide leadership in developing and delivering tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Your role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society for these individuals and families, aligning with the charity’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the delivery of language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
● Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
● Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
● Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
● Work with the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
● Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications
A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.
Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

Impact and reward:
The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

Position Title: Deputy Volunteer Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) 
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As Deputy Volunteer Lead, you will be an integral part of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), which oversees both our core services for refugees and the coordination and welfare of our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. You will work closely with the Volunteer Lead on the VLT, with a particular focus on the general support function.
Each refugee family is supported by a small group of volunteers, led by a designated lead volunteer. In this role, you’ll collaborate directly with these volunteer teams, ensuring they are supported, informed, and empowered to deliver high-impact, person-centred support.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, well-regarded, and professional charity, working alongside dedicated and compassionate volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities: ● Act as a bridge between the lead volunteers and central SWR services to source the equipment and help needed by the families. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the families which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the families become more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers where families are still receiving support from them. ● Help establish and monitor the family Path to Independence Plans. ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities. ● Keep the VLT and Volunteer Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had an employment background of teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

Support SPEAR’s mission to end homelessness through strong governance and collaborative leadership as Chair of Trustees.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February

SPEAR works towards a clear and ambitious vision: communities in which anyone facing or experiencing homelessness can quickly move into secure accommodation, receive effective support and work towards their hopes and aspirations.

For over 35 years, SPEAR has supported people across South West London who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; particularly people with experience of rough sleeping. Their work enables people to move from crisis to stability by providing secure accommodation, holistic support and the opportunity to work towards a positive future. Its work spans outreach to people sleeping rough, accommodation and tenancy support, health and well-being services, and longer-term interventions that address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Led by an experienced executive team and supported by a committed Board of Trustees, SPEAR works closely with local authorities, health services and other partners, and continues to adapt its approach in response to rising need and a changing external environment.

They now seek a new Chair of Trustees to provide strong, values-led governance and to help guide the Board as it continues to develop its effectiveness. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive, you will support clear decision-making, constructive challenge and a collaborative Board culture, ensuring SPEAR remains well-governed, ambitious and true to its mission.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

Julian House is seeking a new trustee to join their board focusing on their retail offering

Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per month.

· Board Meetings: 4 per year, in person (Bath or Bristol), starting at 4pm and lasting 3.5 hours.

· Committee Involvement: Trustees must join one subcommittee, which meets 4 times a year online at 5:30pm for 2.5 hours.

· Annual Strategy Day: One full-day session for all board members.

Remuneration: Voluntary. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Julian House support people who are experiencing or recovering from homelessness, with a variety of needs; recovering from addiction; adults and children escaping domestic abuse; refugees building a new life; prison leavers seeking to re-start their lives; and members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and Boater communities who are living insecurely.

They take a person-centred approach, offering each one of their clients tailored support in line with their needs and goals. Their teams are passionate about their work and committed to getting the very best outcomes for the people they serve.

The Julian House Board of Trustees is responsible for supporting and holding to account the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

They are looking for someone who can bring the following specialism to the board:

· Deep understanding of charity retail, most likely resulting from having held senior leadership retail positions in charities.

A trustee must:

· Fulfil the legal duties of the trustee role.

· Prepare for and attend all board meetings and relevant sub-committees.

· Ensure that everything they do helps to achieve the charity’s objects.

· Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law.

· Act in the charity’s best interests.

· Ensure the charity is compliant with statutory accounting and reporting requirements.

Previous Trustee board experience is not a requirement, the selected candidate will be assigned a ‘buddy’ on the Board, and we have an induction programme to welcome new trustees.

This role closes on Midnight Sunday 8th February.

Please send a copy of your CV and expression of interest to Leighann Beck quoting MC2616

Salford Women’s Aid is committed to a world where domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is not tolerated, and where women and children can live in safety.

We empower survivors by providing safe spaces in our refuges, and community-based support after they leave.

Salford Women’s Aid provides a range of life saving and life changing services. We put the experiences of survivors at the heart of our work and help amplify their voices. Our specialist staff understand the diverse and complex needs of women and their children – and we are experts in the dynamics of domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

We are committed to enabling people to break free from domestic abuse.

Role Summary

Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the board of trustees at regular intervals.

Acts as a counter signatory on applications to funders and working with appointed accountants to ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

As Habitat GB is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Time commitment: Up to 1 day per month.

Board meetings are held 4 times per year during the working day.  They are held in person, last half a day and are normally at our ReStore site in Romford. Ad hoc meetings, online and in person, may also be scheduled.

 Trustees may also be asked to join either the Finance, Audit & Risk subcommittee, or the Strategy & Development subcommittee, which also meet 4 times per year, normally online.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, our National Strategy 2024-2027 identifies two key goals:

· To develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’;

· And to form a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide.

About the Board of Trustees

The Habitat GB Board of Trustees is a group of volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds

and experiences who come together to help guide Habitat GB to deliver its strategy and ensure we do our work to the highest possible standards.

The Board works as a team, challenging and supporting the National Director and Senior Leadership Team with strategic decisions, mobilising resources and opening up access to networks and expertise.

This is an exciting time to join Habitat GB as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world where everyone has a decent home. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Habitat GB on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact.

You can find the biographies of our current Board of Trustees on our website.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking to recruit up to 5 new Trustees. We are particularly looking for the following experience:

· Finance management (experience of audit, impact investment or charity finance would be helpful).

· Legal (experience of charity law would be helpful).

· People - HR, EDI, Culture, Safeguarding.

· Brand, marketing, PR and media.

· Any experience of our strategic areas: the wider housing sector; local or national political, policy or service delivery;  charity retail.

· Fundraising and partnerships.

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds and those with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board.  

You do not need to have previous experience of sitting on a Board, or a university degree, or to have reached any particular stage in your career.

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

· Prepare for, attend in person and actively contribute to board meetings and share in decision making about all significant issues that impact Habitat GB.

· Chair or serve on at least one committee if invited, each meeting online four times a year.  Either the Finance Audit & Risk Committee, or the Strategy & Development Committee.

· Set Habitat GB’s strategy and ensure its delivery.

· Scrutinise Habitat GB’s performance and hold leadership to account.

· Visit a Habitat GB programme, activity, Global Volunteering Build or shop at least once a year.

· Act as custodian of Habitat GB’s values and long-term future and ensure good governance.

· Represent Habitat GB externally, be prepared to open up your network and act as an ambassador.

· Ensure legal and regulatory duties as a Trustee and Company Director are fulfilled.

· Fulfil the expectations of the Charity Commission or any other relevant regulatory body.

· Engage in any induction, training or upskilling activities required.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

Looking for a way to give back to your local community without a long-term commitment? Not sure exactly what you’d like to do, but know you want to help?

Sometimes we come across one-off community tasks that just need a few volunteers to give us a good old Yorkshire helping hand. We also know life can get very busy and people don’t always have time to commit to a regular volunteering role.

Being a Community Squad volunteer is a flexible way to get involved. You’ll find out when and where one-off tasks are happening near you, and you can choose to help whenever it suits. There’s no ongoing commitment, you’re in control.

As a Squad volunteer, you’ll regularly receive updates about opportunities across Yorkshire. There’s no obligation to sign up for any of them, but if something catches your eye, just put your name forward. We’ll send you all the details you need, and you simply turn up on the day!

Tasks vary widely, so there’s something for everyone. You might help at a community clean-up, plant spring bulbs, hand out leaflets, put out grit or clear a path when it’s snowed for a neighbour. Or you could be handing out popcorn at a cinema event, making cups of tea at a social club, supporting someone with their digital devices, creating glitter tattoos at a children’s event, or writing letters to customers who are isolated.

There will be lots of varied things to help with!

You’ll play an important role in taking time to listen to people in crisis, understanding what’s driving their poverty and identifying agencies they can be referred to for specific help. You’ll enjoy being alongside an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Using your empathy, confidentiality and motivation to support others you will truly make a difference and help to change lives.

What you will be doing;

• Listening to clients who visit the centre for food – providing a non-judgemental ear
• Looking at ways we can help them further

We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the financial well-being of the charity as we grow and respond to increasing need. Becoming a Treasurer at Shiloh means more than just numbers. You’ll be helping us build stronger futures for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It’s a chance to use your skills for good and to be part of a dedicated, friendly team.

As Treasurer, you will:

• Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Finance Manager

• Ensure our finances remain sustainable, compliant, and transparent

• Be part of a passionate team committed to lasting change for people affected by homelessness

General Responsibilities of a Trustee

• Ensure the charity focuses on its purpose and all activities align with its aims and objectives

• Comply with the governing document and meet all legal requirements

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Prepare for meetings, seek advice when needed, and make informed decisions

• Contribute to Shiloh’s strategy and policies, and support and guide the Chief Executive and staff team

Specific Responsibilities of the Treasurer

• Ensure the charity’s financial affairs are legal, constitutional, and in line with accepted accounting practice and Charity Commission guidelines

• Oversee accurate record-keeping and effective financial procedures and controls

• Lead the Finance Sub-Group (with the CEO and Finance Manager) to monitor financial health and report key updates at Board meetings (e.g. income/expenditure, balance sheet, cash flow, reserves)

• Oversee the timely preparation of the annual budget and recommend its adoption to the Board

• Guide trustees in assessing the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies

• Ensure financial resources meet both present and future needs

• Maintain a robust overview of financial risks facing the charity

• Oversee the production of financial reports, returns, accounts, and independent examinations

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge and Understanding

• Experience in charity finance and fundraising

• Financial qualifications (desirable)

• Previous Treasurer experience (desirable)

• Trustee board or committee experience

• Knowledge of restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds

• Knowledge of Gift Aid

• Understanding of governance and the voluntary sector

• Awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

Key Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills to assess proposals and financial implications

• Ability to lead Finance Sub-Group meetings ahead of Board meetings

• Availability to provide occasional ad hoc support to staff on finance-related queries

• Able to build strong relationships and act as an ambassador for Shiloh

• Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to Shiloh’s vision and values

• Good listener, open to feedback and other perspectives

• Positive, problem-solving attitude

• High integrity and commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role of Company Secretary.

As Company Secretary, you will:

• Liaise with and support the chair and other trustees in organising meetings and taking minutes.
• Ensure the trustees are aware of their legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Maintain the register of members, trustees, directors, and secretaries.
• Prepare and file annual returns and other statutory documents with Companies House and the charity regulator.
• Help us maintain compliance with charity regulations and governance standards.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Well-organised.
• An excellent communicator.
• Passionate about our mission.
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of governance

About Maidstone Homeless Care:

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

We have one formal evening meeting each month . The role of trustee is a voluntary role and consistent support is available from the trustee group as well as appropriate training.

If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can use your skills to support a vital cause, we'd love to hear from you.

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

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

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

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

Outreach Worker

Through your outreach, you’ll provide advice, advocacy and direct frontline support to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship. You will connect them with survival essentials, safe accommodation and guide them toward vital services that improve wellbeing and independence.

What will you be doing?

You’ll carry out outreach across the community, building trust with people experiencing homelessness or crisis. The role includes distributing essential items, offering advice and signposting around housing, benefits, healthcare and employment, and supporting access to education and training. You’ll also assist with project coordination, fundraising activities and help promote our work and values through social media and community engagement.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people who are comfortable working hands-on in the community and are enthusiastic about supporting vulnerable individuals. You’ll be a good listener and communicator, able to build positive relationships and offer guidance with empathy and respect. A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused mindset is important. Experience in outreach or working with vulnerable groups is not essential; the right attitude and caring nature matter the most.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.

Social Support Volunteer (Mentor)

This role offers one-to-one support to people experiencing issues with housing, healthcare, benefits, and employment. You will support individuals, helping them to access accommodation, secure financial support, improve their health and wellbeing, and develop employability skills.

What will you be doing?

You will support individuals to navigate complex systems such as housing, benefits and healthcare, offering practical help with forms and appointments in a respectful and confidential way. Work closely with partners including SIFA Fireside, Room Match, Tabor House and Street Link, and support people with CVs, job applications and work experience. You will also be involved in community engagement, raising awareness of homelessness and maintaining accurate, confidential records.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who communicates respectfully and has a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people. You’ll be organised and able to manage time, records and appointments effectively, while working well as part of a team to provide joined-up support. Patience, emotional intelligence and a solutions-focused mindset are essential. Knowledge of benefits, housing or local support systems is beneficial but not essential.

What difference will you make?

Your input will have a direct impact on people’s lives and help reduce homelessness in Birmingham. You’ll support individuals to build confidence, resilience and self-worth, helping them regain control by removing barriers that can hold people back and supporting them towards a more secure and hopeful future.