Safeguarding volunteer roles

Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description 

Role: Adult Casework Volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Adult caseworker 

Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)

Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

About CARAS :  

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do 

About CARAS casework:

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team. 

The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm.  Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members.  These can be related to a range of topics.  Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards.  Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides. 

Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

• Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.  

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.   

• Assisting with filling out forms 

• Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.  

• Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.  

• Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.  

• Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.  

• Keeping accurate casenotes 

• Supporting to maintain our signposting database 

• Researching and collating resources 

• Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.  

• Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:

Essential

• Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.   

• Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)  

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds; 

• A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

• Thorough with good attention to detail 

• Reliable 

• A high level of spoken and written English 

• Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way  

• A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach 

• Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

• A commitment to working in an empowering way 

• Able to maintain boundaries 

• Able to work autonomously 

• Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable 

• Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum 

• Experience of working with interpreters 

• Direct experience of the UK immigration system.  

• Past experience of working with people seeking asylum 

• Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.  

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process 

Benefits to Volunteering:

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

•  Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering 

All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting.  You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply:

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

 Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team. 

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Organisation: The Muslim Lived Experience Network CIC
Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote
Time Commitment:  3.5–7.5 hours per week, 6 months fixed-term
Reports to: Co-Directors
Start Date: Immediate

About Us

The Muslim Lived Experience Network is a lived experience-led organisation committed to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. We offer faith-informed peer support interventions, lived experience-related workshops and events, Islamic talks on mental health related topics, hospital ‘Muslim Faith Kits’, training, consultation, ad hoc support and signposting.

Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers united by a shared mission to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWT). We strive to achieve this by bringing peer support and lived experience perspectives to our communities - to educate, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organised and mission-driven Volunteer Operations Lead to join our team and support and streamline our internal operations. You’ll help build and maintain the organisational backbone of our CIC by coordinating people, processes and systems. This is a key leadership role within a small but growing team, perfect for someone passionate about using their skillset to help bring faith-sensitive support to our community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Oversight

• Support day-to-day running of the organisation’s internal systems
• Implement and maintain operational processes, documentation, and protocols
• Coordinate calendars, internal meetings, and project timelines
• Track organisational goals and ensure progress reporting
• Help streamline workflows using digital tools (e.g. Sharepoint, Zoom)

2. Compliance & Admin

• Support data protection (GDPR) compliance and document management
• Keep internal policies and procedures organised and updated
• Assist with safeguarding processes and record-keeping

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Previous experience in the non-profit or CIC sector and/or experience in non-finance quality, legal, governance, HR or compliance/internal audit sector
• Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant policies
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Experience in operations, project coordination or administration
• Confident with digital tools
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Passion for faith-informed approaches and/or mental health
• Alignment with the values of a Muslim-led, inclusive organisation

 Desirable (but not required)

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Familiarity with the needs of Muslim and/or marginalised communities
• Experience in a leadership position

What You’ll Gain

• A leadership role in a purpose-led, community-rooted organisation
• A chance to directly shape systems and processes to help a growing CIC thrive
• Personal development and transferable skills in operations, leadership and project management
• Ongoing support, networking opportunities, and recognition for your contributions
• Flexible hours and a values-aligned, supportive team of volunteers
• A professional reference and volunteer certificate upon completion

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.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a VS Community Engagement Volunteer, you will help us reach more victims of crime. 

Why volunteer with us?  

• Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.
• Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire

As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:

• Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.
• Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.
• Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.
• Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.

What we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month, for at least 3 months.
• Complete a 3-day workbook.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check where required
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

The Role of the Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
• Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability

The Role of Chair

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.

Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.

Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.

Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.

Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.

Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.

Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission

Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.

Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector

Sunderland or North-East England based

Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)

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.

Trustee Recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Become a trustee for Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering (Age UK RBH)

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of vital services for older people across our three boroughs.

We are looking for dedicated, passionate people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience, to join the Age UK RBH Board of Trustees.

You'll join a trustee team with a vast amount of personal and professional experience across a whole range of fields.  You’ll be warmly welcomed, participate fully in the governance of our charity and all that entails, and supported to develop your skills.

We'd love to hear from you whether you're an experienced trustee or have never been one. It's just important that you're passionate about creating a fair and equal society for older people and can embody our values.

What we are looking for:

· Previous committee experience and abilities to work in a team

· Professional or voluntary skills and experience covering areas such as supporting older people, caring, finance, communication, property, Human Resources.

· People who live in one of our 3 core boroughs or work or have family connection to one of them or an interest in supporting older people in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering

· Commitment to diversity and inclusion

It is not essential to be an older person yourself (due to a majority of older people on the existing board).

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas that are underrepresented on our board:

· Legal – governance, compliance, contracts, safeguarding

· Human Resources – workforce development, wellbeing, organisational culture

· Local Authority/Public Sector – commissioning, partnership working, policy insight

· Data and Digital – evidence‑based decision making, data governance, innovation

· Social Enterprise/Business Development – income generation, sustainability, entrepreneurship

· Commissioning and Contract Management – strategic commissioning, outcomes framework

We're actively looking to improve the diversity of our Board of Trustees, so we'd especially like to hear from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.

Time commitment

There are six Board of Trustees Meetings in the year usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

Contact

To register your interest in becoming a trustee please email your CV with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the role to chair

We will invite you for a conversation and provide further information about becoming a trustee.

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: Week beginning 9th February 2026

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustee

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Join Us in Building REMIX!

Lead Our Financial Management and Controls and sit as a Trustee (Finance)

We’re launching REMIX, a brand-new youth social mobility charity in London and we’re looking for a passionate, entrepreneurial, team-spirited individual to help us set it up, develop it, and lead it forward.

This is a chance to be part of something fresh, exciting, and full of scope. Flexible hours, loads of opportunities, and the chance to shape a movement that will open doors for young people across the city.

If you’re driven, creative, and ready to roll up your sleeves to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today and let’s remix the future together!

REMIX

EMPOWER. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM.

We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in Finance to oversee our finance functions, providing advice, scrutiny and support to the charity and to be the Chair of our Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR) 

1851 TRUST – SPORT INSPIRED LEARNING  

We use the power of sport to inspire and empower the next generation. At the 1851 Trust, we believe every young person, has the potential to shape the future. Founded by Sir Ben Ainslie, our mission is to transform how young people connect with the world around them, helping them see themselves in it and thrive. 
 

Through our free to access education programme, STEM Crew, we bring science, sustainability, and innovation to life using the real-world context of high-performance sport. These sport-inspired resources are used in over 40% of UK secondary schools, helping teachers unlock potential, build confidence, and spark ambition in STEM, green skills, and maritime careers. 
 

Our work is driven by belief in young people’s potential, we focus on removing barriers to education and opportunity, as we aim to level the playing field and help all young people, particularly those from underserved communities to see that they belong in the world of STEM. 

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year.

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services.

Join us as a Reception Volunteer at our Black Country Hospice in Walsall!

As an Reception Volunteer you'll be:

• Greeting all visitors, ensuring they sign in securely, feel welcomed and are passed over to the appropriate staff member
• Taking phone call messages to pass on to staff
• Signing post enquiries to the correct department
• Assisting general administration duties such as filing, scanning or checking stock deliveries
• With additional training taking donations and completing appropriate paperwork 

How much time will it take? 

We are looking for volunteers who are available to cover Thursdays at 2:30 pm till 5.00pm

We are also seeking volunteers who can work weekends only, with flexible hours. Please specify your preferred weekend shift on the application form.

Am I right for the role?

We are seeking people with warm and friendly personalities. Who - 

• Can be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people, and families.
• Will act as an ambassador for the charity
• Are good communicators, organized and reliable
• Are willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries, diversity and safeguarding within Acorns.
• Enjoy putting into, practice your administration skills and have confidence meeting visitors 

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Invited to social events and participate in our volunteer recognition scheme and award
• Full training provided

Our recruitment process includes attending interview, obtaining two suitable references and a clear DBS check (instigated by Acorns) 

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Summary

To be the first point of contact for families at our centres, providing administrative support and helping ensure the smooth running of the service.

Detailed description

We are looking for Volunteer Administrators for the following locations:

Broadwater Family Centre, Stevenage

Windmill Family Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans

Westfield & Littlebury Family Centre, Watford

The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood

Main responsibilities

·Welcome families, visitors, and professionals to the Family Centre in a friendly and professional manner.

·Answer telephone calls and take messages accurately.

·Assist staff with administrative tasks such as photocopying, filing, and preparing resources.

·Input data into systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

·Help maintain an organised and tidy reception and office space.

·Support the preparation of publicity materials, newsletters, and information displays.

·Signpost visitors to the appropriate staff member for further support.

·Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

·Friendly, welcoming, and professional manner.

·Good organisational and communication skills.

·Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet)

·Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

·Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive information.

·Understanding of diversity and inclusive practice.

·Previous office or reception experience is helpful but not essential.

Training / Support

·A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

·Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

·To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

·Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

·Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

·Undergo enhanced DBS check

·X2 References required

·Undertake additional training as and when required

·We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Role: ESOL Mentor

Time Commitment: 1 hour a week

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people seeking safety and a fresh start?

At Baca, we support our young people to achieve an increase in personal safety, social engagement and engagement with education. We also support them to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The Volunteer Team roles are designed to help provide extra support regarding the development of our young people, who are 16-18-year-old unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees. The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) mentoring team is an essential part of the young people’s learning and development with their education. We have seen a significant difference in some young people’s confidence with their learning through this project and it has therefore become one of our core activities.

Each ESOL mentor is matched with either one or two young people, and they will support their young people with their ESOL learning from arrival at Baca, through to when those young people start college externally. The length of time is dependent on the young person and their level of education and confidence when they join us. The ESOL mentor role supports the following three main outcomes:

• Improved ability to use English Language
• Improved self confidence
• Increased positive interactions within the local community

Our mentors must have a passion for serving young un-accompanied asylumseeking children and be fully sympathetic to the purpose of Baca and the needs and circumstances of the young people we support.