Volunteering opportunities volunteer roles in england

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Visitor?

SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

With the gift of time and a listening ear you can improve someone’s quality of life for far longer than the hour or so you might spend with them. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us to help more people!

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period, you will not be developing the kind of relationship where you would provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them regularly at their home or care home for uninterrupted conversation.
• Letting the divisional secretary know of any concerns for your or the client’s safety.
• Arranging for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support as required.
• Chatting, making a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at photo albums, military mementos etc
• Helping your client to think about ways to reduce their isolation and support them to put these into practice.
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Data Protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background using your patience, time, and empathy.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, friendship, and befriending. This training would take approx. 4 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local Induction
• Access to the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience, and a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep regular appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely (within SSAFA policies)
• Willingness to travel by public transport or car to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer This role requires an enhanced check.

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

Background to the role:

Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness.  We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.

Availability/commitment:

· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through

· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours

Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:

· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].

· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.

· Support might include:

- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.

- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.

- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.

- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.

NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.

We will provide:

· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).

· Regular contact and support from the project staff.

· Occasional social events for volunteers

· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers

· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us

· An enhanced DBS check

· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering

Skills needed:

· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.

· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.

· Enthusiasm and commitment.

· A friendly personality.

· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing

· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.

· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people

· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)

Accountable to:

Keep Active Coordinator

Introduction

The Hunger Project is a global not-for-profit, founded in 1977. We believe passionately that ending hunger is possible, and that our generation has the power to end it once and for all.  Our vision is a world without hunger. Our mission is to facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist.

We do this by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. We comprise of 13 Programme countries across rural Africa, South Asia and Latin America and 9 Partner countries, which are the fundraising arms - one of which is The Hunger Project UK (THP-UK).

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced volunteer Company Secretary to play a crucial role in the effective governance and compliance of our charity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your expertise to a cause you care about, working closely with our CEO, Chairpersons, and Board of Trustees to ensure we meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company Secretary should also be available to provide a central source of guidance and advice within THP-UK on matters of charity ethics, company law and good governance. 

Key Responsibilities

Board Meetings & Support

• Collaborate with the Chair and CEO to prepare agendas and forward plans for Board meetings.
• Circulate papers and documentation in advance of meetings.
• Attend all Board meetings (typically quarterly), ensuring meetings are properly constituted (e.g. quorum present, aligned with Articles of Association).
• Accurately minute proceedings, record decisions and actions, and circulate minutes promptly.
• Maintain records of attendance and track follow-up on agreed actions. 

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns with Companies House and the Charity Commission, including:
  • Annual confirmation statements and annual returns.
  • Updates to trustees, registered address, and governing documents.
  • Submission of trustees' report and audited accounts (in collaboration with auditors).
• Keep an organised archive of governance documents, policies, minutes, and resolutions.
• Act as point of contact for formal correspondence from Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Corporate & Charity Governance

• Advise the Board on legal and regulatory requirements, charity ethics, and corporate governance best practices.
• Keep up to date with statutory requirements and best practice for good corporate and charity governance and inform the Board as appropriate.
• Maintain all statutory registers.
• Conduct reviews of policies for clarity, compliance, and role-specific responsibilities.
• Assist in reviewing and submitting governance-related policies for Board approval (e.g., safeguarding, conflict of interest).
• Maintain a policy review schedule and ensure timely updates.

Trustee Support & Onboarding

• Support the Chair in maintaining an up-to-date Board Handbook and policies.
• Assist with onboarding of new trustees by providing induction packs and key governance documents.
• Signpost training opportunities and updates to ensure trustees are well-informed of their responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in company secretarial, governance, legal, or high-level administrative roles.
• In-depth knowledge of UK charity and company law, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise minutes and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox and virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently, flexibly, and to deadlines.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of The Hunger Project.
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Desirable

• Experience volunteering in the non-profit or charity sector.
• Familiarity with charitable companies limited by guarantee.

Time Commitment & Location

As a volunteer for THP-UK, you would play a vital part in our work. You will be home-based with attendance at in-person Board meetings every quarter in West London or Central London. We expect the work will entail approx. 8–10 hours per month, varying around quarterly Board meetings.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a lasting contribution to ending hunger.
• Use your professional skills for high-impact global work.
• Work alongside a passionate team of trustees and volunteers.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Induction and ongoing support from the Chair and Board.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter by 15th August 2025. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch with shortlisted candidates.

We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We are recruiting for a Helpline Volunteer to join our team in the National Domestic Abuse Helpline Team.

Job Title: National Domestic Abuse Helpline Volunteer

Location: Homeworking
Salary: Voluntary role and therefore Salary not applicable
Contract type: Voluntary

Hours: 3-4 hours per week. We are currently looking for candidates who can support us for shifts between 10am-10pm. Any day, Monday – Friday and 10am-6pm Saturday & Sunday.

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Helpline Volunteer to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges. For further information on the key accountabilites for this volunteering role, please see our job profile document.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 18 August 2025

Interview Dates: From Monday 8th September 2025 to Thursday 17th September 2025 (online)

Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.

What is the role of a Community Volunteer?

Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:

• Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
• Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
• Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
• Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
• Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
• Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
• Distribute and display promotional materials
• Place collection tins in local community areas
• Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
• Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
• Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals

What support and resources will I receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Training and if desired, public speaking training
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills.
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK.

Our football for wellbeing hub provides a safe, inclusive and wellbeing space in the community to improve mental and physical health in collaboration with QPR FC, Everyone Active and FootyAddicts Company.

As Football Session Helper Volunteer you will help the facilitator/s with pre-session tasks and delivery of exciting football sessions while adhering to the FA code of conduct.  We are currently seeking applications from women only to support our newly launched women’s football sessions and potentially coach/manage our Football Club’s (West London NHS Peer FC) women team if an FA qualified coach or willing to get the qualification. 

In return we will offer you:

• A full induction including support to access the FA free training
• On-going support, guidance and supervision from a member of staff
• The opportunity to develop your personal, professional and football coaching skills
• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The opportunity to contribute to our mission

Application deadline: Wednesday 20th August 2025

Event Volunteer - Cancer Research UK
Shine Night Walk London - 20th September 2025
 
You can make a big difference in just a few hours. 
 
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our next Cancer Research UK Shine Night Walk event in London, on the 20th September 2025. Be a beacon in the dark for our participants and help them take on this challenge. From guiding our supporters around the cities to helping set up the course, there are many opportunities for you to get involved.
 
Whether you’re coming solo, bringing a friend or part of a larger group, your support means our event can run smoothly and raise money to fund lifesaving research.
 

We’re looking for people who are:  
 
Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day. 
Willing to get stuck in and help. 
Good communicators. 
Flexible and can use their own initiative. 
Team players – you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!
 
At Cancer Research UK we're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We have a variety of roles available and will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition. Please detail a time commitment that’s most appropriate for yourself.

What it's like to volunteer at Shine Night Walk

"I enjoyed every moment of volunteering at Shine Night Walk because it was a fun evening giving my time to a great cause. The other volunteers were great fun to be around as well as being on hand to help walkers in need, congratulate them on their achievements and spur them on in those last few minutes. Such an amazing atmosphere all night."

Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!  

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. 

We are a large Sea Cadet unit, who also have Royal Marines Cadets and Junior Sea Cadets (aged 10-12).

Our largest section is the Sea Cadets. They are aged 12-18. Cadets take part in many activities, events and competitions. The volunteer instructors teach and deliver these experiences, to suit their own knowledge and skillsets.

Our volunteers are excellent at sharing their knowledge with new adults that would like to have a go and see what we're all about.

Our command and management teams are keen to welcome new adults to the organisation and is grateful for the time everyone puts in.

As adult volunteers, you will gain a new friendship group, much support in learning new content, teaching experience with support, National Governing Body qualifications/awards, that are widely recognised. For example First Aid at Work and RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling (driving licence), plus many others.

Some of the activities the cadets take part in:

• Remembrance Day parades.
• Rowing competitions.
• Kayaking.
• Sailing.
• Windsurfing.

Some of the courses cadets learn:

• First Aid
• Seamanship
• Meterorology
• Peer Education
• Rock climbing

Some of the events cadets take part in:

• Birmgingham International Tattoo
• Sutton Coldfield Civic Sunday service (with the town council)
• Trafalgar Day parades.
• Royal Sutton Fun Run
• Birmingham Triathlon
• Sutton Coldfield Community Games
• ...and much more!

Thank you for reading - we can provide all induction information in booklet form.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering ESOL/ English classes for learners 19+. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with smaller groups of learners who need additional help 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with English 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Wild Paths 2025 - Festival Support

16-18 October 2025

Various venues in Norwich city centre

This year, Shelter Norfolk have been chosen as the Charity Partner of Wild Paths Festival.

Wild Paths are asking for donations on ticket sales and at the bars. In return, Shelter are recruiting 20 volunteers to help at the festival across 13-19 October. Various shifts will be available.

Successful Shelter volunteers will be supported to join the Wild Paths Festival Team. They will have an induction to their role with the Wild Paths Team.

Roles Include:

• Stage & Venue Hand
• Stage Management
• 2nd Engineer
• Box Office / Tickets
• Artist Liaison
• Runner / Steward
• Comms Hub Operative

Other senior roles may be available if the experience level, ability and attitude is right - Production Assistant / Lead Tech (Audio/Visual) / Staff Coordinator / Comms Hub Supervisor / Deliveries & Backline Manager

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Lead contact: Maya Brodie-Dowden

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust, Central and North West London (CNWL).

The aim of the Befriending Service is to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

Grants & Bids Writing Volunteers Role Overview

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek Grants and Bids Writing Volunteers to join us celebrate our Silver Jubilee from across the world to help us apply for funding from major donors, development aid agencies and public sector tenders.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Grant writing

• Developing and writing grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organisations.
• Assembling and submitting grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets.
• Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities - including deadline dates, required materials,
• Researches and identifies potential sources of funders and corporate and governmental funding.
• Complete and submit grant applications to secure funding

 Tender & Bid Writing

• Write and submit tenders to win contracts.
• Maintaining awareness of tenders, acquiring PQQ questionnaires and tender documentation.
• Responding to tender invitations from the UK and other governments, EU tenders, the public sector and local authorities from the UK in areas such as health and social care.
• Recruit partners for the EU grants & tenders and other tender projects.
• Collating the input of contributions to create a coherent and well-structured final tender and ensuring the timely submission of tenders and other proposals.

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with the AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving, and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• Degree in any subject area that results in superb language writing skills, including grammar, clarity and style.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organised and have experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• You MUST have at least 3 years of experience writing and delivering successful grants and tenders, especially for public health contracts such as health checks, smoking cessation, etc., from the UK government, NHS, DOHSC, Ministry of Justice, London authorities, and county councils.
• An understanding and passion for issues affecting Africa's political, social and economic development and health, social care, climate change and environmental development.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

As a prison reading coach your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our learners alongside our Shannon Trust prison facilitator in HMP Bedford. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through meetings.

Are you passionate about supporting people to improve their language and communication skills? If you’re knowledgeable in the field of ESOL and able to facilitate engaging, in-person sessions for adult learners, we’d love to hear from you! 

Purpose of role 
We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and creative tutor with excellent interpersonal, numeracy and digital skills; excellent written English and efficient organisational skills to teach one of our outreach classes in South Kensington, London every Saturday from 16:00-18:00.

Start – 07/06/2025 (negotiable)

End – 02/08/2025 (negotiable)

The course is aimed at learners designed for English speakers of other languages at Entry 3/ Level 1 who want to further develop their English language skills along with their employment skills. Learners can choose to specialise in retail, care or other vocational area. Learners will focus on the fundamentals required in a working environment, bolstering their confidence in writing and reading skills and communication abilities.

Skills/ experience

• CELTA or similar qualification is desirable
• Teaching experience is desirable

The aim is to support adult learners who need to improve their English language skills, working both individually and as part of the Adult Education team to plan and deliver an agreed number of ESOL courses. 

You need to: 

- Be passionate about helping people achieve their potential 

- Be a qualified ESOL practitioner (CELTA, DELTA, DTTLS ESOL or Literacy) 

- Be knowledgeable in your subject field 

- Be able to carry out effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of courses 

- Demonstrate a high level of computer literacy 

- Be able to use your own initiative, and to organise and prioritise your workload 

- Be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure 

- Be able to identify and implement changes in existing systems 

- Be able to maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and students 

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of vulnerable adults, according to the charity’s ethos 

- Be committed to the provision of a quality service and the implementation of quality improvements 

- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to valuing equal opportunities and diversity 

- Be committed to taking a full and active role in the life of the charity and be committed to its aims and values 

- Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work flexibly throughout the week/over the year by prior agreement 

 - All applicants must have the right to work in the UK 

About Nova 
Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   
  
Reaching 2,000+ people each year, we: 
• Develop knowledge, education and confidence  
• Connect diverse groups   
• Provide opportunities  
  
Our work, operates on 2 levels:  

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), adult education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  
• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action  ​