Volunteer roles

About IDEMS

IDEMS is a UK-based social enterprise developing the novel human-centred technology infrastructure and products needed to affordably, sustainably scale expert-developed social interventions in variable low-resource communities globally for the greatest social impact. 

IDEMS is now at an inflection point of innovation and growth. 

Our innovation emerges from applied R&D in long-term multidisciplinary innovation collaborations. IDEMS impact-trained mathematical scientists and applied technologists partner with field-leading experts, UN agencies, global and local NGOs and researchers, and affected stakeholders to address grand challenges in areas including education, public health and climate resilience. 

Across variable multiyear, multidisciplinary grand-challenge collaborations, IDEMS has validated the need for and is piloting impact-enabling socio-technical innovation to address a major unmet challenge: How to enable local stakeholders to adapt, take ownership of, and continuously improve, in collaboration with global experts, impact programming to meet the needs of their communities–and do this affordably, sustainably, at scale across variable low-resource contexts? 

IDEMS is developing the novel socio-technical frameworks, infrastructure and products to address this challenge. At the heart of our work is pioneering “meaningful semantic interoperability”. Grounded in the application of frontier mathematical theory and made possible by advances in AI, IDEMS innovation transforms impact programme code and content into structured, reusable atomic data elements that can be malleably reordered, recombined or replaced to create unlimited, entirely new programme applications, interoperable down to the structured atomic data element level. 

IDEMS innovation unlocks impact at scale by enabling: 1) local programme adaptation to meet the highly variable digital, social and economic realities of low-resource contexts, 2) multidirectional data sharing and sensemaking for continuous systemic and local programme improvement, and 3) local ownership and control for a new model of affordable, sustainable, and community-accountable impact innovation. 

In this context, IDEMS faces the challenge of being a deeply innovative technology company, requiring significant mission-aligned impact financing to develop pioneering innovation, with an uncompromising mission to serve the public good. 

The Opportunity
IDEMS is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to join its Board at this exciting stage of growth.

Role Purpose
The Non-Executive Director will provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive challenge, helping ensure IDEMS delivers on its social mission while strengthening organisational sustainability and impact.

While IDEMS operates at a deep academic and technical level, the role does not require deep technical or mathematical expertise. The Non-Executive Director’s value lies in their ability to develop an understanding of the systemic barriers to responsibly, inclusively scaling social impact in low-resource contexts–and of how existing approaches to scaling impact with technology at best often fail to deliver meaningful impact and at worst introduce new harms and dependencies. 

From that understanding, the Non-Executive Director will bring clear strategic perspective that includes offering high-level challenge and insight to help shape direction, identifying funding and partnership opportunities, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring alignment with social mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation
• Provide independent scrutiny and governance oversight
• Support the executive team through challenge and advice
• Help ensure alignment between mission, impact, and sustainability
• Act as an ambassador for IDEMS, supporting fundraising, partnerships and visibility

Person Specification
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a combination of the following (we do not expect any one person to have all of these):

• Senior leadership or board-level experience
• Interest in social impact, international development, or education
• Strong understanding of, or experience with, social and non-equity-based enterprise investment (of particular interest)
• Understanding of technology, data, or innovation ecosystems (desirable)
• Experience in governance, finance, scaling organisations, partnerships, or impact evaluation

A commitment to IDEMS’ values is essential, including collaboration, respect for complexity, and a focus on long-term impact.

Time Commitment
Approximately 5–10 days per year, including Board meetings and at least one full day at an in-person team meeting.

Why Join IDEMS?

• Be part of a globally recognised social enterprise addressing complex challenges
• Work with a diverse, international team
• Contribute to innovative approaches to technology for public good, including advancing new models for responsible, accountable AI
• Help shape an organisation focused on long-term, meaningful impact

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire, Portsmouth, East Sussex and Worcestershire. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become Trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of, or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
• For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for legal and safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check and a registered Director Verification Digital ID Code.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Application and further details will be sent to candidates. 

We are seeking committed individuals to join our Management Committee, supporting the strategic oversight and governance of Help4Homeless.

This is a voluntary leadership role responsible for ensuring the charity operates effectively, ethically, and in line with its mission to support people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough.

Management Committee members carry out trustee-style responsibilities, providing oversight, guidance, and accountability for the organisation, without being part of day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of Help4Homeless and its long-term direction
• Act in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries at all times
• Attend committee meetings and contribute to decision-making and planning
• Support and challenge the leadership team to ensure effective delivery of services
• Monitor the organisation’s activities, impact, and overall performance
• Help ensure financial transparency and responsible use of funds
• Identify risks and help ensure appropriate safeguarding and compliance measures are in place
• Uphold the values, mission, and reputation of Help4Homeless
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation within the community
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest appropriately

Please Note

Although this role is titled Management Committee Member, it carries responsibilities equivalent to a trustee position, including governance, oversight, and accountability. The committee collectively ensures the organisation is well-managed and acting in the public interest.

Location

On-site / Hybrid – Peterborough, UK

Working Hours

Approx. 2–6 hours per month (including meetings and review responsibilities)

Expenses

Reasonable expenses may be covered where agreed in advance.

Reports To

Collective responsibility as part of the Management Committee

Works Alongside

• Founder / Operations Lead
• Directors and Senior Volunteers
• Community Engagement Team
• Social Media and Fundraising Teams

Skills & Experience

• Commitment to helping people experiencing homelessness
• Good judgement and ability to think strategically
• Willingness to take responsibility for governance decisions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to act independently and objectively
• Experience in charity, business, community work, or leadership (desirable but not essential)

Important Governance Note

Help4Homeless is currently transitioning from an informal community group into a more structured organisation. Management Committee members will play a key role in shaping governance, policies, and long-term sustainability.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing grassroots charity making a direct impact in Peterborough, ensuring that every donation goes directly toward supporting people in need.

The Brent Centre for Young People
Chair

The Brent Centre is a long‑established London charity providing specialist psychoanalytic understanding, treatment of and research into Adolescent Mental Health. With a strong clinical heritage and a deep commitment to addressing social and economic inequality, the Centre supports young people experiencing complex and enduring mental health challenges.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead the organisation through its next phase of development, as the current Chair comes to the end of their term.

This role is unremunerated, with travel expenses paid 
Time commitment: Up to 2 days per month remote/ hybrid (with quarterly Trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings in person)
Location: London (NW6)

About us

Founded in 1967 by a group of pioneering, internationally renowned psychoanalysts, the Brent Centre for Young People was established with a clear purpose: to transform mental health support for adolescents during the critical transition to adulthood, and to tackle the significant health inequalities that exclude many vulnerable young people from accessing the help they need. 

We achieve this by providing age-specific, timely and effective psychoanalytic psychotherapies and practical support to at-risk young people struggling with serious mental health issues like anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating.

We have developed a clinical model that puts adolescent needs and development at its core. Our unique approach maximises engagement and achieves deep-rooted and long-lasting change. With nearly six decades of experience, we have evidenced that this model works.

The role

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering its mission with integrity and impact. Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will help shape and steward the Centre’s long‑term vision, strengthen Board effectiveness, and support the organisation to respond confidently to a changing mental health landscape.

This is a governance leadership role that also carries an important external dimension. The Chair will act as an ambassador for the Brent Centre, helping to raise its profile, build relationships and champion the value of psychoanalytic approaches to improving young people’s mental health.

About you

We are seeking an inspiring and committed individual with the time and capacity to engage fully in this role. The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in a business, charitable, healthcare or public sector setting
• Demonstrable Board‑level experience, with a strong understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities
• Financial acumen and experience overseeing organisational sustainability and risk
• Strategic insight and the ability to support and challenge executive leadership constructively
• Credibility and confidence to act as an ambassador and external advocate
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

Experience of the mental health sector, or familiarity with psychoanalytic approaches, would be welcome but is not essential. We value curiosity, sound judgement and strong alignment with the Centre’s mission and values.

How to Apply 
 
To express your interest in the role, please contact Prospectus. 

At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients to build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. 
 
Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applications: 20th September (midnight) 

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Staffordshire, Shropshire & Wolverhampton you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks, aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.

We are seeking individuals who are innovative in their approach, willing to explore new ideas, and able to adapt to a changing environment. You will be confident in driving technology-led solutions, while recognising the diverse needs and experiences of our volunteer community. We value those who can challenge existing ways of working respectfully and constructively, bringing forward creative approaches that enhance collaboration and impact, and minimise over-complication and disruptive processes. This is an opportunity to shape how we deliver outcomes across the county, ensuring our services remain relevant, inclusive, and effective for all the communities we serve.

The volunteer would be expected to attend monthly County Council meetings and attend visit Networks and other meetings within the role.

The closing date for this vacancy is 24/07/2026

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are: Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on: Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised

 Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

Network Meetings 20:00 on Tuesday evening

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are: Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on: Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised.

Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 22/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

Weekly commitment to 1 night per week at either of the 3 Youth groups within the borough. We require someone who can confirm they are able to attend and be comfortable with supporting ages 5-18 year olds learn new skills and teach sessions.

Recruiting for Erith, Sidcup and Bexley

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Meetings held on Friday evenings

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised
•  

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

The Netherton Feelgood Factory exists to support local people. We provide activities, services, and a welcoming space for residents of all ages and backgrounds — but none of that happens without a secure financial foundation. As a small charity, we can't rely on grants and donations alone. Sustainable income from venue hire gives us something equally precious: independence. The freedom to plan ahead, to protect the services people rely on, and to say yes to new ideas. As our Venue Hire & Income Generation Volunteer, you won't just be filling a diary. You'll be helping to future-proof a community asset.

Our organisation provides advice and services to all members of our local community from birth to old age.  We help over 5000 people each year with a variety of health-related or social needs.  Our centre is used as a base for counselling, food distribution, health programmes, children’s activities and social groups.  As funding sources have diminished the demand for our services has increased.  We are actively pursuing other ways to generate income.

We're looking for a volunteer with business, sales, or marketing experience to help us make the most of our fantastic building by hiring it out to local businesses, training providers, clubs, and organisations. Whether you've worked in sales, events, marketing, property, or business development — or simply have a talent for spotting an opportunity and making things happen — we'd love to hear from you.

You'll play a key role in identifying potential hirers, promoting our spaces, and helping us price and package our facilities competitively — all while ensuring the centre's core charitable activities remain protected.

• Identify and approach potential hirers, including local businesses, training providers, clubs, and community organisations
• Develop and maintain a marketing plan to promote the building for hire (e.g. flyers, social media, local business networks, online listings)
• Review and help set competitive, sustainable hire rates for different rooms/spaces and time slots
• Create or improve hire packages (e.g. half-day/full-day rates, regular booking discounts, room set-up options)
• Help develop simple hire agreements, terms and conditions, and invoicing processes (with support from staff/trustees)
• Build relationships with regular or repeat hirers to encourage long-term bookings
• Identify opportunities for new income streams connected to venue hire (e.g. catering add-ons, equipment hire)
• Report progress and income performance to the management team/trustees on a regular basis.

This is a genuinely rewarding role. You'll use your real-world skills to help generate vital income that goes straight back into funding the services our community depends on. You'll have the freedom to be creative — developing hire packages, building relationships with local businesses, and finding new ways to fill our spaces and boost our income.

You won't be doing it alone. Our friendly staff and trustee team will support you every step of the way, and you'll have the flexibility to volunteer in a way that suits your schedule.

If you're approaching retirement and looking for a way to keep your business skills sharp and stay connected, or if you're simply someone who wants to make a difference close to home, this could be the perfect fit.

RETAIL VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR  

Faversham 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 10:00-17:00

Location: Shop in Faversham

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 and 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.  

Being a trustee at IVAR is about more than governance oversight. We want a board of different voices and perspectives that will challenge our thinking and push us to be bolder

With the support of the staff team and professional associates, trustees at IVAR are expected to:

- Set and maintain the strategy and values.
- Ensure IVAR complies at all times with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Maintain proper financial control and ensure IVAR applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects, as defined in the governing documents.
- Support the operational management of the charity.

In addition to these, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees are also actively encouraged to become involved in specific projects outside of board meetings, drawing on their own networks and experience to help support staff in their work.