Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector
Board Trustee and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee
Responsible to:
The Board of Trustees – As a Trustee your lead responsibility will be acting on behalf of the Board in chairing the People and Remuneration Committee. You are accountable to the Board of Trustees and act on its behalf to ensure that the best interests of the charity and its stakeholders are served within relevant regulatory frameworks and standards of probity in the areas of delegated responsibility
Role Profile:
As Board Trustee and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee, you are responsible for ensuring the delivery of our charitable objects. The Board sets out our strategic direction, upholds our beliefs and values and provides governance to the organisation by prescribing and monitoring management performance. Your lead responsibility will be in ensuring that our people strategy aligns with our mission, values, and long-term sustainability. This includes chairing the People and Remuneration Committee overseeing key areas such as executive remuneration, workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and organisational culture.
Your leadership will guide the Board and Committee in maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability in all people-related decisions and you will work closely with the Director of People and Programmes. In addition, you will facilitate constructive dialogue among committee members, foster a culture of informed decision-making, and ensure that governance standards are upheld. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people through a dynamic and highly respected organisation.
Specific Duties:
- To respect and promote the founding Christian principles in line with our charity’s objects.
- To be responsible for the effective and efficient conduct of committee meetings ensuring resolutions are properly put and necessary decisions made.
- To ensure the committee’s decisions are acted upon.
- To ensure that committee meetings take place at appropriate intervals as part of our annual calendar of meetings and start and finish times are agreed with other members.
- To ensure all committee members can play a full part in meetings, their contributions are timely and relevant, and appropriate standards of conduct and behaviour are maintained in accordance with the code of conduct approved by the Board.
- To work proactively with the Executive Team lead on the arrangements for meetings, including agreeing the agenda and checking minutes.
- To ensure that any decisions taken by the Committee that need Board approval are reported to the next Board meeting and lead the discussion at the Board meetings summarising the deliberations of the committee, including making clear recommendations.
- To proactively establish a constructive working relationship with and provide support to the Chair of the Board, the CEO and the Executive Team.
- To have a general understanding of legislative changes and policy developments in people-related matters.
- To ensure that the committee receives professional advice when needed, either from the Executive Team or external sources.
- To induct, support and contribute to the annual appraisal of those Board members who are members of the committee.
Additional Trustee Duties:
- Familiarising themselves with all Board papers prior to each meeting.
- Attending Board meetings (and committee meetings, as appropriate) and actively participating in the work of the Board.
- Defining and ensuring compliance with the vision, values and objectives of the charity.
- Ensuring compliance with the National Housing Federation’s Code of Governance, Regulatory Standards, Ofsted and other areas of regulation within our operating environment.
- Establishing strategy, policies and plans to achieve those objectives across the range of functions undertaken by the charity.
- Approving each year’s Budget and final accounts prior to publication.
- Establishing and overseeing a framework of delegation and systems of control.
- Monitoring the charity’s performance
Person Specification:
- A willingness to respect and promote our founding Christian principles and uphold our organisational values.
- Proven leadership experience at board or senior executive level, ideally within the not-for-profit or public sector.
- Strong understanding of governance principles, particularly in relation to people, culture, and remuneration.
- Experience in overseeing or advising on executive pay, performance management, and workforce strategy.
- Familiarity with employment law, equality, diversity, and inclusion best practices.
- An understanding of the unique challenges faced by a highly regulated not-for-profits organisation.
- Strong chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to foster inclusive, balanced, and productive discussions.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to align people-related decisions with organisational goals and values.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Role profile Time commitment:
- The role is unpaid although reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- The initial term for the position is three years.
- The Board rhythm is typically:
- Approximately four three-hour Board meetings mid-to-late afternoon over the course of the year.
- Two full day ‘away-days.’
- Travel time for meetings, as Board meetings and Board Away Days are in person at various locations across Sussex.
- Three two-hour, virtual People and Remuneration Committee meetings a year.
- Time spent to read papers and prepare for the meeting; papers are circulated one week ahead of Board and committee meetings.
- Trustees are invited and encouraged to make at least one visit to services, and attend a staff or manager forum. There are also opportunities to attend national events such as the YMCA England & Wales Youth Matters awards.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and trends to inform decision-making. Commitment to our mission, values, and social impact.
- Collaborative and respectful leadership style, promoting transparency and accountability.
- Independent and objective, with the ability to challenge constructively and support executive leadership.
- Champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of people and remuneration governance.
- A professional background in HR, organisational development, or remuneration advisory is desirable.
- Previous experience chairing a committee or board in a similar context is desirable
Time Commitment:
- The role is unpaid although reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- The initial term for the position is three years.
- The Board rhythm is typically:
- Approximately four three-hour Board meetings mid-to-late afternoon over the course of the year.
- Two full day ‘away-days.’
- Travel time for meetings, as Board meetings and Board Away Days are in person at various locations across Sussex.
- Three two-hour, virtual People and Remuneration Committee meetings a year.
- Time spent to read papers and prepare for the meeting; papers are circulated one week ahead of Board and committee meetings.
- Trustees are invited and encouraged to make at least one visit to services, and attend a staff or manager forum. There are also opportunities to attend national events such as the YMCA England & Wales Youth Matters awards
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As an Enhanced First Response Volunteer, you and a partner volunteer will look for referrals made by StreetLink, engaging with those sleeping rough and passing on valuable information to the Outreach team. Enhanced First Responders play a crucial role in ensuring those sleeping rough receive vital support from the Outreach Team to move away from the streets and get connected with local services. These are driving shifts, so between you and your partner volunteer, one of you will drive, whilst the other can support with navigation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Crawley Open House
Crawley Open House provides vital support and services for those suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or other forms of social exclusion in Crawley and neighbouring areas.
Trustee Opportunities
We are now seeking dedicated, passionate, and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our future — sharing your expertise, guiding our strategy, and helping us continue to deliver life-changing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
If you want to make a real difference and be part of an organisation that truly transforms lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in adult education, benefits systems and fundraising and a genuine commitment to contributing to social change.
We are looking to appoint more than one Trustee and welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Adult Education
Benefits System
Fundraising
IT infrastructure
Local/Central Government
Social Housing
Immigration
Trustees are responsible for a full range of Trustee duties including strategic oversight of Crawley Open House, financial accountable (we have a dedicated treasurer), planning and monitoring, transparency and accountability and we would ask you to volunteer within the charity at least once a year.
In line with its commitment to inclusion, Crawley Open House actively welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups across age, ethnicity, geography, physical ability, and socio-economic experience.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Crawley Open House
Charity no. 1048919
Thank you!
We are seeking a Board Trustee and Committee Chair (HR) – you will join us at a key time as we embark on our new Strategy, leading on strategic and key operational matters. This includes areas such as our staff and volunteers, culture and values development, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and good governance – with children and young people at the forefront of everything we do.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We believe every young person has the right to discover their potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We 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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re on the lookout for a volunteer who’s keen to make a real difference in our communities — and pick up some new skills along the way!
This is a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while helping residents at Asquith Court and Charlotte Court enjoy regular chair-based exercise sessions. These schemes don’t currently have any sessions, but they’re really keen to get started — ideally once a month to begin with (and maybe more if it’s a hit!).
We’ll support you every step of the way, including covering the cost of your Amac Certificate in Chair-based Exercise Instructing - which you can complete online at your own pace. Once you’re qualified, we’ll work with you to build a schedule that fits around your availability.
Each session will last up to an hour, and we’ll also cover your travel expenses between the two schemes.
Because you’ll be working with potentially vulnerable residents, you’ll need to be 18 or over to take on this role.
If you’re passionate about helping others stay active, feel good, and have fun — we’d love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Winter Bucket Collection
09:30 – 18:30, Wednesday 12th November 2025
High Street, Slough, SL1 1JS
We’re looking for a lead volunteer to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at Slough for a bucket collection event, to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!
Every 11 minutes this Winter, a family will lose their home. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.
The main thing we need you to do is help us lead and coordinate our bucket collection at Slough High Street. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal.
You’ll support volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will also be the main point of contact if any volunteers have any issues.
Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.
Skills and Experiences We're Looking For...
- Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group.
- Passionate about joining the Fight For Home.
- Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank.
What you get…
- Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.
- Contribute to our Winter Appeal, raising vital funds towards Fight For Home.
- Develop fundraising and communication skills.
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
- A certificate of appreciation for your help.
- Lots of fun!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Winter Bucket Collection
09:45 – 18:15, Wednesday 12th November 2025
(various 3-hr shifts available)
High Street, Slough, SL1 1JS
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at Slough for a bucket collection event in the community to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!
Every 11 minutes this Winter, a family will lose their home. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.
Your role as Volunteer:
- The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets at Slough High Street.
- You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.
Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.
What you get…
- Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.
- Contribute to our Winter Appeal, raising vital funds towards Fight For Home.
- Develop fundraising and communication skills.
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
- A certificate of appreciation for your help.
- Lots of fun!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shop Volunteering Opportunities - Ilkley
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 is open Monday - Saturday 08:00-16:00.
Location: Shop in Ilkley, LS29 9NQ
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, why not pop into the shop or get in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Catching Lives is an independent charity based in Canterbury, supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury & East Kent.
The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This is an opportunity to make a genuinely important contribution to a small community organisation that needs people with your skills and experience to continue providing its services to some of the most disadvantaged individuals.
What will you be doing?
The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.
Role Description
-Ensure that the Board fulfils its function and legal duties, and that the charity follows best practice in governance.
-Maintain the Board’s focus on strategic governance, as opposed to operations.
-Ensure that the charity is working within its mission, supported by clear strategic
direction from the Board.
Person specification
The ideal candidate for Chair will bring the following experience, qualities, and commitments:
-Governance Experience. Experience as a trustee (You do not need to have previously been a Chair) OR at Director level within a charity.
-Strategic Thinking. A keen sense of strategic purpose and the ability to guide long-term direction.
-Inclusive Leadership Style.
-Strong Communication & Listening Skills.
-Awareness of Sector Issues.
=Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
-Responsiveness & Availability.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the recruitment process
As a charity, we recognise the importance of having a diverse Board that reflects the wide range of communities across East Kent and the people we support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and deeply value the unique contributions that each individual brings to our organisation. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment—one in which all staff feel empowered, respected, and valued. Our goal is to ensure both our Board and our workforce are representative of the communities we serve throughout the region.
As part of this commitment, we actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment processes.
If you require any specific adjustments to support your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shop Volunteering Opportunities
Greenwich
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 is open Monday- Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00
Location: 6 Nelson Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9JB
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, why not pop into the shop, or contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
PLEASE NOTE: This role is only required for the Christmas period initially, however we are also seeking a podiatrist volunteer for our year round service.
Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.
If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need your HCPC registration number and PLI certificate to hand.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by
Crisis Podiatry Volunteers provide a range of treatments and advice for our guests. When you are homeless or insecurely housed, access to healthcare is challenging.
As part of our preventative health work, you may provide general footcare advice and guidance. You may also treat corns and calluses, mycotic and gryphotic nails, blistering and maceration.
You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight. All treatments are clothed.
You will be part of a specialist volunteer team which may include: Hairdressers, Masseuses, Optical Care and GPs.
Our training will show you what to expect when running sessions and the type of sessions that work best for our guests.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period
Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.
If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need to provide evidence of your qualification OR a reference from your current employer.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by
Our Crisis nail bar gives guests a chance to feel pampered and confident and, along with salon and massage, is one of our busiest and most popular services.
Nail technicians offer a shape, buff and polish service and can also offer hand massages. We do not offer shellac or nail extensions.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period
Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.
If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need an electronic copy of your recognised qualification and PLI certificate to hand.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by
Our massage service gives our guests a rare chance to release tension, relax and totally unwind. If you are a qualified masseuse, come and share your skills and make a real difference to homeless people this Christmas.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period
Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by
Performers bring festive joy, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in our centres and help guests relax and have fun.
If you are a performer, magician, caricaturist or have some other special skill that is entertaining and appropriate for our centres, we want to hear from you.