Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

About Us

The Beacon Project is a community-focused programme providing confidential advice, connection, and learning opportunities for residents in the World’s End area. Through weekly coffee mornings, group sessions, and a befriending service that matches individuals with friendly Connectors for regular meet-ups, Beacon helps reduce isolation and build meaningful local relationships. We also offer free, practical support on issues such as benefits and housing, helping people understand their options and access the advice they need. The programme is delivered as a partnership between Family Friends and Nucleus Legal Advice Centre.

About the Role

As a Legal Advice Volunteer, you will be the first point of contact for many of our clients, providing a welcoming and professional service while supporting our advice team. You will play an important role in helping people access the advice and support they need, while gaining valuable experience in legal advice and community engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in legal advice, social justice, policy, or community development who wants to gain practical experience while making a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out initial triage to assess advice needs and, where appropriate, signpost clients to relevant services.

• Analyse information from advice cases to identify recurring issues and patterns affecting residents.

• Assist clients in completing income and expenditure forms and budgeting plans.

• Help gather evidence from client experiences to support service improvement and advocacy.

• Support projects and campaigns focused on digital inclusion, accessibility, and reducing barriers to online services

• Support the delivery of drop-in advice sessions.

• Complete benefit checks and applications.

• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to achieve shared objectives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Beacon Project is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

We believe that a diverse team helps us better serve the residents of World's End Estate and strengthens our work within the community.

Expenses

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. Reasonable travel and food expenses will be reimbursed. Further information on claiming expenses will be provided during the interview stage.

Administration Support Volunteer

When someone reaches out to us, often in a moment of crisis, our administration support volunteers are one of the first voices they hear. You make sure that voice is calm, kind, and helpful.

You support people in a housing crisis, as well as offering assistance and information to supporters, volunteers, and members of the public who get in touch by phone, email, or in person. Working alongside our trained staff, you’ll help answer calls to our support line and keep things running smoothly across our office and support centre.

A big part of this role is helping the office runs smoothly day to day. That means getting involved in a wide variety of tasks, from supporting our databases and keeping records up to date, to helping with general admin, organising information, and making sure everything is where it needs to be so the staff and volunteer team can focus on supporting people. You’ll also help us keep accurate records so that people get the right support at the right time.

You’ll be helping with things like:

• Being a friendly first point of contact by phone, email, or at the door. 
• Listening carefully and recording important information accurately. 
• Supporting people with enquiries and helping them feel heard and understood. 
• Helping keep our databases and records up to date. 
• Supporting a wide range of daily admin tasks across the office. 
• Keeping the office organised so the team can focus on supporting people. 
• Helping prepare spaces for meetings and everyday activity. 
• Filing, scanning, and handling post. 
• Making refreshments and helping create a welcoming environment. 
• Supporting with basic stock checks and office supplies. 

What matters most in this role

We don’t expect you to know everything already. What matters most is:

• You’re kind, patient, and a good listener. 
• You can stay calm when things feel busy or emotionally challenging. 
• You’re comfortable using a phone, email and a computer, Microsoft Office and happy to learn new systems. 
• You understand the importance of confidentiality and treating people with respect. 
• You’re reliable and willing to be part of a team that supports each other. 
• You’re happy to help with a mix of people-facing and computer-based tasks.

 What you’ll gain

You’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support so you feel confident in your role. This includes training in safeguarding, confidentiality, and the systems we use day to day.
Many of our volunteers find this role deeply rewarding, not just because of the skills they gain, but because of the part they play in supporting people through difficult moments. We’re also happy to provide a reference for future opportunities.
 

When you’ll volunteer
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and/or 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. 
We ask for around one shift a week wherever possible, but we’re flexible. 

Bid Writer Role Description

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Writer to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to elevate our impact further.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bids and tenders.  Our goal is to engage with the governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential practical and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic and experienced Bid Writer to assist the Bid Manager and Head of Bids in developing and executing a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, as well as local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll assist the Bid Manager in planning and executing our bids and tender writing, ensuring our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

• Educated to a degree level
• At least one year of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, social care and services, international development, economics, international relations, UN agencies, ege, UNICEF, WHO, etc, or technology sectors.
• End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 3 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
• Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
• APMP Certification is also desirable, but not important.
• Sector versatility: Experience in working with both public and private sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health and social sectors is preferred.
• Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
• Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
• Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
• Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic effort to win new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately driving AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey.

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help the Bid Manager target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency. Acting as the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical experts—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a self-starter, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure that our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library filled with valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline our efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring that all tasks are completed punctually—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease the workload for colleagues focused on their core responsibilities, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You can also enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about fundraising, social impact, and business development.  If you're eager to apply your skills to drive meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you!

About The Ootsider CIC

Hi, I’m John, the founder of The Ootsider. We are an West Lothian -based social enterprise on a mission to provide warmth, dignity, and comfort to those experiencing rough sleeping. Using a "buy one, give one" model, the profits from our premium, hand-made in Scotland outdoor robes directly fund the production of our bespoke, weather-proof, sleeping coats which we donate free to rough sleepers across the UK.

To help us scale our impact and protect more people from the harsh elements, we are looking for a superstar Volunteer Grant Writer & Fundraiser to join the team and help us secure vital funding.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering With Us

·Ultimate Flexibility: This role is 100% remote. Work from wherever you are comfortable, whenever suits you best.

·Low Time, High Impact: We’re looking for just 8 hours a month (approx. 2 hours a week). It easily fits around a full-time job, studies, or retirement.

·Direct, Tangible Impact: Every successful grant you write translates directly into more sleeping systems manufactured right here in Scotland and delivered to people who need them most. You will see the direct result of your hard work.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working directly with me, you will:

·Research Opportunities: Scout out trusts, foundations, and corporate grants that support homelessness, social enterprise growth, and Scottish community manufacturing.

·Craft Compelling Bids: Take The Ootsider’s proven impact story and weave it into persuasive, professional funding applications.

·Manage the Pipeline: Help keep a simple calendar of upcoming deadlines so we can plan our applications effectively.

What We’re Looking For

·A Passion for the Cause: You care about tackling homelessness and believe in the power of social enterprise.

·Strong Writing Skills: You can write clearly, persuasively, and concisely to meet strict word counts.

·Independence: You are comfortable working on your own initiative, managing your 8 hours a month effectively.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch.

"Together we can achieve so much more". John

Flexible, ad hoc volunteering. Volunteers will be contacted when support is needed for upcoming events and can simply let us know whether they are available!

***There is no expectation to attend every event, and volunteers are free to accept or decline opportunities based on their own availability. Shifts may include weekdays, evenings or weekends depending on the event***

As a Bank Volunteer Event Assistant, you will support One YMCA at a variety of fundraising, community and engagement events throughout the year. This flexible role is ideal for someone who enjoys meeting people, working as part of a team and helping to create welcoming, well-organised events that promote One YMCA's mission. No two events are the same, and your tasks will vary depending on the nature of the event.

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

• Assist with event setup and pack-down, including arranging tables, signage, and equipment.
• Welcome and register attendees, providing information and directions as needed.
• Support fundraising activities such as raffles, collections, and merchandise sales.
• Help manage event activities and ensure attendees have a positive experience.
• Distribute promotional materials and raise awareness of YMCA services and initiatives.
• Provide general assistance to event organisers and other volunteers.
• Follow health and safety procedures and report any concerns to event staff.
• Represent One YMCA in a professional, friendly, and positive manner.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Friendly, approachable, and reliable.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Organised and willing to take initiative.
• Flexible and able to assist with a range of event tasks.
• Passionate about supporting local communities.

Training / Support

• A full induction the site and service will be provided 
• Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety 
• A menu of optional training will be provided 
• Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s
• Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings, conferences and events across the organisation

Additional Information 

• You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
• Two references will be required

Unify Giving is a social impact platform on a mission to transform the way people support those experiencing homelessness and hardship. We are building technology that connects donors, businesses, charities, and vulnerable individuals in a transparent, dignified, and meaningful way.

Our platform is being built by a passionate community of volunteers, innovators, technologists, and social impact leaders who believe business can be a force for good.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Sales & Partnerships Team.

Who We’re Looking For

This opportunity is ideal for:
 •  Experienced sales professionals between roles who want to stay active and build something meaningful.
 •  Aspiring sales professionals looking to gain real-world experience.
 •  Individuals returning to work after a career break.
 •  People who are passionate about helping others while developing valuable commercial skills.
 •  Self-motivated individuals who believe in loyalty, integrity, and long-term relationships.

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing
 •  Building relationships with businesses and potential partners.
 •  Introducing organisations to the Unify Giving mission.
 •  Helping secure merchant, corporate, and community partnerships.
 •  Identifying opportunities to grow our impact.
 •  Representing a platform focused on social good and innovation.
 •  Contributing ideas and helping shape our growth strategy.

What You’ll Gain
 •  Hands-on sales and business development experience.
 •  Mentorship and support from experienced founders and business leaders.
 •  The opportunity to build your professional profile and network.
 •  Meaningful references based on performance and contribution.
 •  Experience working within a fast-growing social enterprise and technology platform.
 •  The satisfaction of helping create real social impact.

Our Culture

At Unify Giving, we believe loyalty works both ways.

We understand that many talented people are facing difficult circumstances in today’s job market. We value commitment, effort, honesty, and character above polished CVs.

If you join our team, you’ll be treated with respect, supported in your development, and given opportunities to grow alongside the organisation.

We’re not simply looking for salespeople.

We’re looking for people who want to be part of a movement that combines technology, business, and compassion to help humanity.

Interested?

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  

Canterbury Shop

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-16:00

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development: To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  - Nantwich

Are you ready to develop your retail and leadership skills?... Then this could be the volunteer role for you! We're looking for enthusiastic people to support the management teams in running one of our fabulous community shops.

From helping to recruit new volunteers and leading the shop team when the manager is off, to driving sales and donations and creating eye catching window displays this is a varied and engaging role that will have an impact on the store, the local community and the fight to defend the right to a safe home.

Because Home is Everything

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied. 

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00

Location: 44 Beam Street, Nantwich, Cheshire

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager 

Why get involved with Shelter? Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. 

We are passionate about what we do and are proud to give pre-loved items a second chance and represent Shelter on the High Street.  Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.

Main Tasks can include:  

• Supporting our Community Shop Managers to run an exciting and inviting store.
• Using the till system to process sales, refunds and Gift Aid 
• Opening and/or closing the shop, including cashing up at the end of the day 
• Supporting other volunteers
• Using and updating our volunteer database
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Photographing and selling key items on our online shop 
• Creating posts to promote our shops on Instagram

Skills and Experiences Required: Not essential as full training will be provided, however some retail or supervisory experience would be beneficial, as would confidence in the use of technology.

What’s important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your individual skills and experiences.  

We do ask for a willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.  

You will be required to complete some essential learning and a full induction before you start in this role. 

Induction, Learning and Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:  

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all relevant Policies/Procedures
• Provide learning including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding
• Provide an on-the-job induction  
• Pay “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter:  

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness  
• Gain valuable work experience in a supervisory role 
• Be part of a great team, both in your shop and within Shelter Retail 
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 
• Enhance your CV – this is the perfect role for you to demonstrate the step from sales advisor to supervisory/management roles  
• Opportunities to develop your retail skills further out at events like Charity Supermarket and pop-up shops 

What Our Volunteers Say:

“Shelter was one of the first physical places where I felt I could fully be myself."

“Genuinely the highlight of my week. Feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Helping in the shop gives me satisfaction and gives me a place to go if feeling lonely and down.”

Next Steps: Please complete an application form online. After you have applied, we will review your application and invite successful candidates to attend a recruitment conversation.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. As the role you are applying for has been designated as a regulated role, we will require you to undertake a basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.  

Social Media Volunteer - London 

Do you want to use your social media skills to tackle the housing emergency? 

Information about the role 

You’ll be identifying topics to share, helping develop the communications and then using a range of social media platforms to promote our local services and increase engagement with local and national campaigns.

Location: Shelter Office, 88 Old Street, London

Suggested contribution: 5 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include: 

• Establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts for the Shelter London hub. 

• Helping to develop social media communication plans. 

• Creating and sharing content on social media platforms that raises awareness of Shelter’s campaigns and services and helps the local community. 

• Identifying topics to share through communicating with hub teams as well as researching housing related news and issues affecting people locally. 

• Being up to date with social media trends and using them to attract target audiences. 

• Attending events organised by the London hub to gather content to share on social media and/or live posting throughout.

• Monitoring reactions to our posts, including flagging any responses that do not align with our inclusion and Anti-Racism work.

This role fights the housing emergency by promoting awareness of Shelter’s campaigns and services. This means people who need help with housing or homelessness know where to go for support.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

We’re looking for someone who’s comfortable using various social media platforms. You don’t need to have professional experience in this area, using them for your personal accounts is just as relevant. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who cares about social justice and fighting the housing emergency. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available. 

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information. 

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Aviemore

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Sunday (times tbc)

Location: Unit 7, Grampian Road, Aviemore

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter Scotland? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter Scotland’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter Scotland. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter Scotland will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter Scotland’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter Scotland…

• Supporting Shelter Scotland in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you'd like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, contact us at Shelter

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Beverley

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop will be open Monday - Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-4

Location: Shelter, 28 Saturday Market, Beverley

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager / Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role   

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, contact the Shelter Volunteering Team.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• Describing items for online listings.
• Preparing items for postage and dispatch .
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information: - We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. - We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.

�� Design products that make a difference

We’re looking for a UX/UI Designer to help us create beautiful, accessible and human-centred experiences across our social impact products.

At Unify Giving, we’re building technology that connects generosity with people who need support most. We believe great design can play a huge role in creating trust, dignity and accessibility for both donors and beneficiaries.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing user journeys and product experiences
• Creating wireframes, prototypes and UI concepts
• Helping improve accessibility and usability across our platform
• Working closely with founders, developers and volunteers
• Influencing product direction from an early stage

We’re looking for someone who

• Has experience in UX, UI or product design
• Is comfortable using tools such as Figma
• Enjoys solving real-world problems through design
• Understands user-centred thinking
• Can contribute a few hours per week

What you’ll get

• A strong portfolio project with real-world impact
• Ownership over meaningful product work
• Collaboration with a passionate international team
• References and recognition for your contribution
• The chance to help shape products that support vulnerable communities

If you’re looking for a project that’s more meaningful than another e-commerce checkout flow, we’d love to chat.

�� Build technology that actually changes lives.

We’re looking for a Senior Developer to join the team behind Unify Giving.

Unify Giving is building technology that helps people support verified individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, poverty and other forms of vulnerability through direct, transparent digital giving.

We’re a small team with a big vision and we’re looking for someone who wants to use their skills to help build products with genuine social impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Working alongside our product and leadership team
• Helping shape technical architecture and future product direction
• Supporting feature development across web and mobile platforms
• Contributing ideas, not just code
• Helping us build scalable technology that can reach thousands of people

We’re looking for someone who

• Has strong experience as a software engineer or senior developer
• Enjoys solving complex problems
• Is comfortable working in a startup environment
• Believes technology can be a force for good
• Can commit a few hours per week

What you’ll get

• Real ownership and influence over the product
• Experience working on meaningful social impact projects
• A chance to build alongside founders, designers and volunteers from around the world
• References and recognition for your contribution
• The opportunity to help shape something from an early stage

If you’ve ever wanted your technical skills to contribute to something bigger than another dashboard or marketing platform, we’d love to hear from you.