Volunteer roles

Build the Bridge to What’s Possible: Join Us as Head of Volunteering - VOLUNTEER ROLE

They say the first step is the hardest. We need you to make sure no one has to take it alone.

In East London, there is a massive pool of untapped brilliance—adults who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). These are individuals with dreams, skills, and potential, often held back by systemic barriers and a lack of a professional network.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are a growing social mobility charity dedicated to changing that narrative. We are looking for a visionary Head of Volunteering to join our founding team and build the engine that will drive our mission forward.

The Vision: From "Hard-to-Reach" to "Hard-to-Ignore"

We don't just want a "volunteer list"—we want a movement. As our Head of Volunteering, you will be the architect of a world-class volunteering programme designed specifically to support adults in their journey toward meaningful employment and education.

Your Mission:

• Lead the Strategy: Design and implement a robust recruitment strategy to attract high-calibre mentors, coaches, and industry experts.

• Create the Blueprint: Build the systems for seamless onboarding, ensuring our volunteers are trained to handle the unique challenges and sensitivities of working with NEET adults.

• Cultivate a Culture of Impact: Develop retention initiatives that keep our volunteers engaged, making them feel like true partners in our participants' success stories.

• Shape the Legacy: As a key leader in a small, hungry organisation awaiting charity status, your voice will directly influence our long-term growth and social impact.

Who You Are:

You are a leader who understands that social mobility isn't about "charity"—it's about opportunity.

• A Strategic Builder: You love the "blank canvas" phase and have the grit to build processes where none exist.

• Community-Minded: You know East London's heartbeat and can find volunteers in boardrooms, community hubs, and everywhere in between.

• People-Centric: You are an expert at managing relationships and understand how to inspire busy professionals to give their time effectively.

• Mission-Driven: You believe that being NEET is a circumstance, not a destiny, and you are ready to prove it.

Why Now?

Joining a small organisation at this stage means you won't just be a cog in a machine—you will be the person who builds the machine. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate and the satisfaction of seeing the immediate impact of your work on the lives of adults right here in our community.

Help us turn "Potential" into "Progress."

Apply to Lead

If you have the experience to lead and the heart to serve, we want to meet you. Please reach out with a summary of your experience and why social mobility for adults matters to you.

Unlock YOUR Potential:

Redefining the Future of East London’s Workforce.

Bring people, organisations, and opportunities together to change lives.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

We’re looking for a Volunteer Community Builder to help us grow the network around Bright Connections, bringing together people, partners, and supporters who can help our community thrive.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a key role in building meaningful relationships that strengthen and expand our impact.

This could include:

• Connecting with local councils, community groups, and organisations.

• Building partnerships with charities, services, and local initiatives.

• Reaching out to potential supporters, donors, and collaborators.

• Helping create a strong, supportive network around the people we serve.

Why this matters

• Behind every strong community is a network of people who care.
• Your work will help open doors, create opportunities, and bring more support to those who need it most.
• Every connection you build helps someone feel less alone.

Who you are

• A natural connector who enjoys building relationships.

• Friendly, confident, and comfortable reaching out to others.

• Passionate about community, inclusion, and social impact.

• Motivated to help grow something meaningful from the ground up.

What you’ll gain

• Experience in partnership building and community engagement.

• The chance to shape and expand a growing charitable initiative.

• A flexible, hybrid role that fits around your life.

• The opportunity to make a lasting difference through connection and collaboration.

At Bright Connections, we are building more than a project, we are building a community that surrounds people with care, opportunity, and belonging.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d love to help connect people, organisations, and possibilities, we would love to hear from you.

Help us build a community where everyone has a place and no one is left behind.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

Be the heart that connects people to purpose.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our journey began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

To help us in our set up stage, we’re looking for a volunteer who can take up the Volunteer Coordinator role to help us grow and support the incredible community of people who make this work possible.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a vital role in welcoming, supporting, and coordinating our volunteers, helping ensure everyone feels valued, confident, and connected in their role.

This could include:

• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.

• Keeping in touch with volunteers and supporting their journey.

• Coordinating rotas and helping match people to roles.

• Creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive volunteer experience.

Why this matters

• Volunteers are the heart of Bright Connections.
• Your support will help them thrive, and in turn, help others feel less alone.
• Every connection you help create has the power to change someone’s life.

Who you are

• Friendly, organised, and a great communicator.

• Passionate about people, community, and inclusion.

• Able to take initiative and work as part of a small, supportive team.

• Comfortable volunteering in a flexible, hybrid (remote and in-person) role.

What you’ll gain

• Meaningful experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement.

• The chance to be part of a growing, purpose-driven initiative.

• A flexible role that fits around your life.

• The opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

At Bright Connections, we are building more than a project, we are building a community where everyone belongs.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d love to help bring people together and support a community that truly cares, we would love to hear from you.

Help us create connections that change lives.

Lead with heart. Create connection. Change lives.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community rooted in belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our journey began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement — one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

To help us get fully set up and launched, we are looking for two volunteers, who can take on these flexible hybrid volunteer roles of Manager and Deputy Manager to help lead Bright Connections and shape its future.

Your role

As part of our small and passionate leadership team, you will help guide the direction of the project, support volunteers, and ensure our activities continue to bring joy and connection to those who need it most.

This is a flexible, hybrid role, designed to fit around your life while making a meaningful impact.

You might be involved in:

• Coordinating and supporting volunteers.

• Helping plan and oversee activities and community events.

• Contributing to the development and growth of the project.

• Ensuring a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

Why this matters

• Your leadership will help create spaces where friendships begin.
• Your support will help someone feel seen, valued, and included.
• Your time will help build a community that changes lives.

Who you are

• Compassionate, reliable, and motivated by making a difference.

• Comfortable taking initiative and working as part of a small team.

• Interested in leadership, community work, or building something meaningful.

• Able to commit flexibly in a hybrid (remote and in-person) capacity.

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing community initiative.

• Valuable experience in project coordination and team leadership.

• A chance to shape something meaningful from the ground up.

• The knowledge that your contribution is helping reduce isolation and build real human connection.

At Bright Connections, we are more than a project, we are a movement rooted in kindness, inclusion, and belonging.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’re ready to help lead with purpose and heart, we would love to hear from you.

Help us build a community where no one is left behind.

Use your voice and creativity to help end social isolation.

This is a volunteer remote role but you're welcome to join us in attending our project in East London.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

Now, we’re looking for a Volunteer Marketing & Communications Lead to help us share that message with the world.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a vital role in shaping how Bright Connections is seen and heard. From building our presence to telling our story, your work will help us reach the people who need us most, helping us create a small but passionate community and engaging those who want to support us too.

This could include:

• Developing simple marketing and communication strategies.

• Creating and managing social media content.

• Helping define our tone of voice and messaging.

• Supporting outreach, awareness campaigns, and storytelling.

Why this matters

• Your voice will help bring people together.
• Your work will help someone discover a community where they belong.
• Your ideas could be the reason someone feels less alone.

Who you are

• Passionate about communication, storytelling, or marketing.

• Creative, proactive, and motivated by meaningful impact.

• Comfortable volunteering your time to help build something from the ground up.

• Aligned with our values of inclusion, empathy, and community.

What you’ll gain

• A chance to shape and lead the voice of a new charitable initiative.

• Hands-on experience building a brand from the very beginning.

• A meaningful addition to your portfolio or career journey.

• The opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.

At Bright Connections, we’re building more than a project, we’re building a community where no one is left behind.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you.

Help us tell a story that brings people together.

Use your creativity to bring connection, belonging, and hope to life.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new small, volunteer-led charitable project with a big heart and an even bigger mission, to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community rooted in belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels truly seen and valued.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become quiet and isolated. From that love came a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

Now, we’re looking for a volunteer Graphic Designer to help us take our next step.

What we need

We’re seeking someone who can design a logo that captures the spirit of Bright Connections, our warmth, inclusion, joy, and the power of human connection. This logo will become the visual heart of our project, helping us reach more people and grow our community.

Why this matters

Your design won’t just be a logo.

1. It will be a symbol of belonging for people who often feel forgotten. A beacon of hope.
2. It will help us tell our story, raise awareness, and open doors to new opportunities.
3. It will help someone, somewhere, feel a little less alone.

Who you are

• A graphic designer (professional, student, or self-taught) with a passion for meaningful work.

• Someone who believes in the power of community and inclusion.

• Able to volunteer your time for a short-term, high-impact project.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

• A meaningful project for your portfolio.

• Recognition as a founding creative contributor to a growing charitable initiative.

• The knowledge that your work is helping build something truly special.

Together, we shine brighter, and with your help, we can reach even further.

If you’d like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you.

Help us create a symbol of connection, hope, and belonging.

As a Swim Buddy you will be joining the people we support in the water, helping them have fun and encouraging them to swim and play in the pool.

One of our Support Workers will always be there for guidance and they will be responsible for the personal care of your buddy, but they may stay on the side during the time you're in the water.

Skills Required

• To be confident in the water and a good swimmer.

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly.

• To have a good sense of humour and be enthusiastic.

• To be reliable and punctual.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a Swim Buddy is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others.

SeeAbility provides training, which can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Our Gardener Volunteers support our homes by helping to maintain their outdoor spaces through weeding, pruning and planting, so that the people we support can enjoy spending time in a beautiful environment. 

We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners for one of our services, who can support with the following tasks:

• Create planters

• Provide general maintenance of our gardens

• Watering, planting, weeding and pruning

• Maintaining flower beds

• Creating/improving/maintaining our sensory garden spaces

Skills required 

In order to become one of our gardener volunteers you will be:

• Knowledgeable about plants

• Confident using gardening equipment

• Punctual and reliable

• Friendly and approachable.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Gardening is a great way to get out and about, stay fit and meet new people.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Trustee Treasurer

Volunteer role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Location: Remote (Poole-based charity; meetings held online/hybrid)

Time commitment: Around 4 to 6 hours per month on average, with extra time needed around budgeting and year-end accounts

Term: 1 year, eligible for re-election annually

Board meetings: Approximately 6 per year (online/hybrid)

What you’ll do

You’ll join the Board as Trustee Treasurer and help provide clear, steady oversight of the charity’s financial governance. Working with fellow trustees and any staff or external support, you’ll help ensure the charity’s finances are well managed, transparent, and aligned with its purpose and values.

You’ll help the board make confident decisions so the charity can sustain and grow its work. You don’t need prior trustee experience if you can offer financial insight, integrity, and a willingness to contribute at board level.

If you’re an experienced Treasurer, or you’d like this to be your first trustee role, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

You’ll help the Board to: 

• Maintain oversight of financial affairs and ensure appropriate controls and procedures are in place
• Ensure proper accounting records are maintained, and resources are safeguarded and used in line with the charity’s purposes
• Review income, expenditure and cash flow, and flag risks or concerns early
• Provide oversight of payroll processes and contractor payments, supporting segregation of duties where possible
• Support key financial policies such as reserves (and investment policy where relevant)
• Lead or support annual budget-setting, monitor performance against budget, and support sustainability and longer-term planning
• Ensure the Board receives clear financial information and present updates at trustee meetings to support informed decision-making
• Oversee annual accounts, liaise with the independent examiner (or auditors if applicable), and support timely Charity Commission submissions
• Act as the Board’s lead on financial governance matters

What you’ll get from the role

• A full trustee induction, plus support to get up to speed on the charity’s finances and current processes
• The chance to make a real difference behind the scenes, helping the Board make confident decisions
• Opportunities to develop your governance experience and deepen your financial oversight skills
• A welcoming board environment where constructive challenge is valued

This role will suit you if you

Essential 

• Have knowledge of (or affinity with) Christian Science and/or faith-based community work and the ability to represent the charity’s purpose and values appropriately and sensitively
• Can read, interpret and explain budgets, management accounts and cash flow to non-finance trustees
• Bring integrity, sound judgement, and the confidence to ask the right questions
• Work well with others and can offer constructive challenge and support
• Can commit the time and follow through on agreed actions

Desirable

• Charity finance or trustee experience
• Accounting/bookkeeping/controls/risk background
• Experience working with an independent examiner/auditor
• Familiarity with charity reporting (including SORP awareness)
• Experience chairing or contributing to a finance committee

About us

You’ll be supporting a Poole-based registered charity (England & Wales) that serves as a central resource for Christian Science literature and activities. You don’t need to be a Christian Scientist to apply, but you should be comfortable supporting and representing the charity’s purpose and values as a trustee.

Inclusion and accessibility

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. If you need adjustments at any stage of the process, please tell us what would help.

Safer recruitment, eligibility and declarations

We’re committed to safeguarding and to taking reasonable steps to protect everyone who comes into contact with the charity. Appointments will be subject to proportionate safer recruitment checks and declarations, which may include references and verification of identity.

This includes confirmation that you are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charity Commission’s automatic disqualification rules, and a conflict of interest declaration with agreement on how any conflicts will be managed.

A DBS check will only be considered where it is legally eligible and proportionate to the activities of the role.

How to apply

Please submit your CV along with a statement of up to one page explaining your interest in supporting the charity’s purpose and values in a Trustee capacity, and any relevant experience.

• Closing date: 10 May 2026 (we may review applications as they’re received)
• Interviews: Remote via Microsoft Teams

Note: We reserve the right to close early if we appoint before the closing date.

A unique opportunity to teach prison inmates sewing and designing skills while encouraging their own creativity.

Help engender greater self-belief and enhance potential employability upon release.

We will be using surplus fabric from the textile trade which would otherwise go into landfill.

This is not seen as a commercial enterprise so any profit made from selling marketable products would be invested in prisoner welfare.

We are recruiting a team of volunteers to teach cutting and machine-sewing skills in Pentonville prison, with inmates vetted for this project and with strictly applied safeguarding in place. MA students from Saint Martins Arts University, under the auspices of Professor Lorraine Gamman’s ‘Design Against Crime’ project will also be contributing time and creative input.

Ideally we foresee volunteers and inmates exchanging and developing ideas together in a supportive and creative space.

Volunteers will be asked to commit for at least six months to a minimum of 3-4 hours a week and would in a typical session together with at least one other volunteer be working with up to five learners. A one-session training on working in a prison will be provided. 

The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support at our supported living service by spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, etc.

Skills Required

· To be kind, empathetic and friendly

· To have a good sense of humour and love to chat

· To be punctual and reliable

· To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

· Safeguarding

· H&S

· Manual Handling

· How to be Eye Care Aware

· Fire Safety

· Infection Control

· Data Security and Confidentiality

· First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

· This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

· Befriending is a great way to keep active and meet new people.

· SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

· Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time. SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.