Volunteer lead volunteer roles in south croydon, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overall purpose
To support children (the child/ren who have complex medical needs and/or their siblings) in 1:1 sessions through the integration of counselling and play skills
Role responsibilities
Children, who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project and with parental consent, will be referred to the Child Therapist who will:
- Make contact with the client’s parent/guardian organising an initial 1:1 meeting with them to talk through the issues their child faces and establish the time, location and frequency of sessions
- Provide support through an integration of counselling and play skills
- Attend monthly group supervision (2 hours)
- Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)
- Work to The Maypole Project model of support for children and young people
- Attend a training update session at least once per annum
- Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
- Liaise with their supervisor or the Clinical Supervisor in case of questions/difficulties
- Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering
- Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events
For students: Please check whether your course placement requirements would enable you to provide counselling at external venues (clients home, hospitals, hospices etc). This would occur only after a settling in period and with additional training and support provided by The Maypole Project.
Support
Whilst volunteering you will have support from our Family Support Co-ordinator for day to day issues and our Lead Therapist or another qualified counsellor for monthly clinical supervision.
Location
At our offices in Orpington and Greenwich or, after a settling-in period, in local schools, hospitals, hospices and client’s homes.
Time Commitment
Volunteers days and hours are negotiable but, due to the long-term promise of support to our clients, a most valued aspect of our service, we do ask volunteer applicants to be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from acceptance onto the volunteering programme at The Maypole Project. We would ideally like volunteers to aspire to offering 2 years commitment to the role.
Person Specification
Education & qualifications
- Good general education (essential)
- Final year student on counselling or therapies course; including study of child development and child therapies (essential)
- Courses must be accredited by BACP, IATE, BAPT or approved equivalent and require the student to engage in personal therapy across one year (essential)
- Qualified at diploma/degree or masters level in child and young person counselling or play therapy or equivalent (desirable)
Previous experience
- 20+ client hours supporting children and/or young people (essential)
- 20+ face to face client hours supporting children and/or young people (desirable)
- Experience of working with people impacted upon by complex medical needs/loss and bereavement (desirable)
- Working with people from a diversity of backgrounds (desirable)
- Working with diversity of disability in families (desirable)
Skills & knowledge
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with all ages – focusing on children and young people (essential)
- Child and Family centred approach (essential)
- Experience of supporting children and families (desirable)
Attributes
- Self-motivated (essential)
- Able to work flexibly (essential)
- Approachable (essential)
- Discreet, boundaried and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures (essential)
- Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude (essential)
- Commitment to further training and personal development (essential)
Exemption clause
- 2 years without significant loss (including divorce/diagnosis of chronic illness)
Thanks for your interest in volunteering for The Maypole Project
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications.
You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely.
If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you.
We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers.
We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.
East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Marmalade Connections is a time-limited, one-to-one project covering most of the South West. Based on the enabling/empowering social prescribing model, trained volunteers make weekly calls to project members for up to 15 weeks, focusing on their specific needs and interests. The project supports those in our community who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time).
Marmalade Connections is not a 'befriending call project'. These conversations lead to volunteers signposting the project members to local social activities and community support, to improve their social connections long term.
As a Marmalade Companion Volunteer, you will support one or occasionally two of our project members (the people we support) for a period of up to 16 weeks. The role involves phoning a matched member once a week for a friendly call lasting about 30 minutes plus researching potential social connection and activity opportunities. You will receive training on how to build up a trusted telephone relationship with your project member(s) to enable you to support and signpost them to relevant services and activities. The aim of this project is to help reduce social isolation and loneliness and to support your project member(s) to discover lasting connections in their community.
We exist to help create a society where we recognise that loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.
Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.
By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.
You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About YAUK
Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.
Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.
We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Manager who can provide strong and stable operational management of the communications teams, directly supervising Senior Officers, while working with the departmental head to develop the department.
Responsibilities
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To provide effective operational management of teams within the Communications Department
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To directly provide guidance, support and direction to Senior Officers who oversee the teams within the department
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To welcome new volunteers to the department and work alongside the departmental heads to improve team culture
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To plan the work of the department and support with strategic decision making
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To provide support as required to ensure that the communications teams are achieving their goals and making progress
Requirements
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To have at least 2 years of communications and marketing experience
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To have demonstrated leadership skills in a previous professional setting
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To have held a management level position
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To have strong IT and digital working skills
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To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media
Benefits
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This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
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Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
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Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.
Why Volunteer with Us?
We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.
We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join REMIX as our Volunteer Personal Development and Life Skills Programme Manager and Transform the Future of London's Youth!
Do you believe that every young person possesses a unique spark needing guidance to flourish in every aspect of life? At REMIX, we envision a future where London’s youth are empowered not only professionally but also personally—confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities for growth.
REMIX is a vibrant, brand-new youth charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals aged 16 to 26 years old. Our mission is built on four strong pillars—employability, healthy living, personal development, and essential life skills. To drive a holistic transformation, we are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Personal Development and Life Skills Programme Manager to lead initiatives that build self-awareness, resilience, and practical life skills among young people.
In this role, you will:
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Empower Through Personal Growth: Design and deliver engaging workshops, mentoring sessions, and interactive activities that foster self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and leadership.
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Equip with Essential Life Skills: Develop innovative programmes that address practical skills such as time management, effective communication, decision-making, goal-setting, and conflict resolution—tools that empower young people to thrive in every arena of life.
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Cultivate Resilience and Confidence: Create dynamic initiatives that inspire youth to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and build lasting confidence and mental resilience.
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Integrate Holistic Development: Collaborate with our interdisciplinary team to connect personal development with other core pillars, ensuring our programming nurtures well-rounded individuals ready for the future.
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Continuously Innovate and Evaluate: Utilize feedback and best practices to refine programme content, ensuring that the sessions are engaging, impactful, and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
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Inspire and Mentor: Offer your expertise and energy to serve as a role model, guiding young people as they discover their inner strengths and chart their course towards a fulfilling life.
If you have a passion for personal development and believe in the power of learning life skills to transform futures, REMIX offers you a unique opportunity to spark change from within. Your innovative mindset and commitment to holistic growth will help shape resilient, well-prepared young Londoners ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Step forward. Lead the change. Transform lives at REMIX.
REMIX
INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Educators and facilitators wanted to help East London Waterworks Park deliver its environmental learning goals.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for educator and facilitator volunteers to participate in our community-led working group, who are collaborating with schools, universities and youth groups that help the design of the park.
Examples of projects are:
- collaborating on nature walk activities for schools
- supporting university students interviewing teachers
- creating lesson plans to co-design the park.
Schools, universities and youth groups we've collaborated with include:
- Buxton School, Leytonstone
- Kingsmead School, Enfield
- UCL
- Royal College of Art
- University of Westminster
- Project Zero
- Voyage Youth
- Loyola University Chicago
- Vanderbilt University Nashville.
We're looking for people to lead on these projects and facilitate the direction of the learning working group.
The Learning Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening at 8pm for an hour on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
You should be an experienced teacher, educational consultant, forest school leader, training and development specialist, learning designer, facilitator or any other kind of role creating learning projects, programmes and experiences. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role.
Your support will help young people and learners improve their environmental knowledge of design and research as well as contributing to our community-owned park. This will in turn provide a sense of stewardship over the land once the park is created and student's ideas have been built into the park.
Creating learning projects with educational institutions will also help our charity with the strategy to buy the land through showing the value of our environmental education programme before we create the park.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
Our newsletter editor volunteers tap into the nation’s love for cats, which helps raise our profile across the UK. They source and share photos, images and stories relevant to the varied and exciting things we do at Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise funds, promote adopting a cat, help promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about great cat welfare.
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
A bit more information about this role and the team
- Need to be confident with formatting the newsletter.
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Sourcing articles and pictures and acquiring permission for use if required
- Ensuring that deadlines are met
- Organising the printing and distribution of newsletters
- Editing newsletters alongside others
- Ensuring that content meets with internal and external policies and guidelines
Time expectation
Our newsletter editors usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overview:
The Vice-Chair will provide governance and strategic support, ensuring strong board engagement and external advocacy. This role focuses on maintaining board effectiveness, stakeholder relationships, and operational oversight while assisting with non-financial fundraising initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Governance & Board Leadership:
• Work closely with the Chair to oversee governance and compliance.
• Ensure trustees are engaged, informed, and fulfilling their roles effectively.
• Chair board meetings in the Chair’s absence and ensure inclusive decision-making.
Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Assist in developing and executing fundraising strategies.
• Represent CWV at external meetings, networking events, and with donors.
• Support the development of partnerships with businesses and local organisations.
• Encourage board members to contribute actively to fundraising efforts.
Operational & Team Support:
• Monitor team morale and performance, ensuring an efficient work environment.
• Assist in volunteer recruitment and structuring their roles effectively.
• Support the Operations Manager and Coordinator in streamlining organisational processes.
Qualifications & Skills:
• Experience in governance, strategic planning, or nonprofit leadership.
• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Background in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit operations preferred.
• Passion for community work and empowering young people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Level the Playing Field in Development
Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) is led by a community of volunteer contributors working towards shifting aid narratives & practices from a decolonial lens.
Systematic and ongoing challenging to harmful narratives and practices in the global development sector.
Addressing deep-rooted colonial structures and advocating for equity, anti-racism, and decolonisation approaches.
Moving beyond discussions to practical solutions
Collective intentionality within the global development community
Providing a safe platform for open and candid discussions
We encourage volunteers to come with openness and no judgement. We love creativity and people who are willing to learn and use the skills they have for change.
Research & Writing
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Support with research projects, reports and surveys Contribute and provide support to publications and newsletters Support relevant initiative and campaign information
Weekly Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
1-2 months
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Level the Playing Field in Development
Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) is led by a community of volunteer contributors working towards shifting aid narratives & practices from a decolonial lens.
Systematic and ongoing challenging to harmful narratives and practices in the global development sector.
Addressing deep-rooted colonial structures and advocating for equity, anti-racism, and decolonisation approaches.
Moving beyond discussions to practical solutions
Collective intentionality within the global development community
Providing a safe platform for open and candid discussions
We encourage volunteers to come with openness and no judgement. We love creativity and people who are willing to learn and use the skills they have for change.
Grants & Partnerships
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Research and track grants aligned with our values
Assist with partnership mapping and outreach
Support proposal development and donor communications
Contribute to building a funding strategy rooted in equity and solidarity
Ideal for someone passionate about social justice, decolonisation, and ethical development practice, with a knack for relationship-building and thoughtful writing.
Weekly Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 months
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting for a volunteer to teach the Women at our Refuge martial arts.
The discipline and training of martial arts can lead to physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve the quality of your life in countless ways. Martial arts can help reduce stress and anxiety and helps train your mind to keep focused whilst remaining calm and alert.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate and set up a weekly martial arts class for women
- Inspire and motivate women to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
- Create a safe space for individuals to practice and learn new techniques through martial arts
- Encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through practicing together
The skills you need
- Qualified to teach martial arts
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation
- Calm and patient approach
- Good sense of humour
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Sussex RH15, RH16, RH17, BN6, BN45.
- Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
- Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
A bit more information about this role and the team
- This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
- There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
- You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
- We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good organisational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- The ability to prioritise and delegate
- An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
- Knowledge of your local community
Time expectation
Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Service Introduction
The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.
Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are:
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People Coordinator
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Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
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Referrals Coordinator
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Training Coordinator
Key tasks and responsibilities
Recruitment & Selection
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Assist in the preparation of comprehensive job descriptions, person specifications, and engaging job adverts to attract the best talent.
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Manage the full recruitment process using our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), from candidate sourcing to selection.
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Actively monitor and maintain various recruitment channels to ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates.
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Screen resumes and applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct initial interviews.
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Coordinate and schedule interviews and training sessions, liaising with applicants and interview panels to facilitate a smooth process.
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Conduct reference checks and background verifications where required.
Onboarding & Offboarding
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Lead the onboarding process for new volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and fully supported as they integrate into the team.
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Develop and implement continuous improvements to the onboarding process to enhance the overall volunteer experience.
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Organise necessary documentation and compliance requirements to ensure all records are up-to-date.
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Facilitate offboarding procedures when necessary, ensuring a respectful and professional exit process.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are we?
Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.
We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.
However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.
Training for POC volunteers
At Switchboard we are working to ensure that our volunteer membership reflects everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We want service users to be able to speak with volunteers who can empathise with their experiences and volunteers to connect with folks from a wide range of different backgrounds, cultures and identities.
To help enable us to do this even more, we have created brand new dedicated training groups for different identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
This group training group is specifically set up for people of colour. By joining this group, you'll undertake our Core Acceptance Training programme which equips you with the skills needed to support those contacting us via phone and instant message. Our hope is that this safe space enables you to freely ask questions, put our listening toolkit into practice and discuss approaches to different scenarios in an engaging, enjoyable way.
Who are we looking for?
To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:
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Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)
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Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know
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Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive
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Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages
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Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need
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Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing
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Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people
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Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar
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Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot
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Know when to challenge and when to step back
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Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)
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Understand and support our mission
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Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community
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Are empathetic in nature
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Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.