Volunteers volunteer roles in amersham, buckinghamshire

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records 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 and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references

Role Profile

Job Title: Community Engagement Volunteer – Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care Service

Place of Work: Office & Community based

Hours of Work: Minimum of 8 hours per month

Reporting to: Partnerships & Inclusion Lead

Screening: Enhanced DBS check & Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) – Level 2 (?)

We accept applications from people with a wide range of skills & experiences. Existing knowledge & previous experience are not essential and a full training program will be provided as part of the role. The victims of crime that face our service are of a wide range of people and we are searching for a wide range of volunteers to suite the needs of our service users.

Purpose of the role

To support and work alongside our Partnerships & Inclusion Manager on face-to-face- visits at conferences and events in the community. You will provide direct support to victims of crime in the local community and complete satisfaction surveys for the service, and sign post them on to other local services based on their individual needs..

Activities

· To Support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager, and other case workers at events. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean you will take a lead at these events but you will be there for face-to-face support for the service users. This could include general chat, making hot drinks, and delivering leaflets, and sign posting to local services.

· You will engage with the public and promote the service to victims of crime, sometimes on occasion where the crime is historic. You will support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager with running sessions within the community.

· You may come into contact with service users on the tail-end of their journey and will sign post them to any additional services which may help their needs. This could include regular check-ins and follow-ups to see if the service users have used the services available to them.

· Engage with local Universities to spread awareness of the service, common crimes more broadly, and be a part of the overall prevention of crime.

· You will gain a general understanding of the service and the types of crime local to Norfolk & Suffolk. This could include data analysis, crime prevention tactics, and sharing and communicating this information to the general public, service users, and team members as a whole.

· You will be a part of a group that provides initial support to service users and play a front-facing part of the service.

· You will listen to the needs of service users and link them up with relevant support available within the community.

· You will work in partnership with other services and charities to understand what is on offer for Victims of Crime.

· You will support and fill in for practitioners at events which could include for some of our volunteers the opportunity to deliver talks at places such as schools. This includes all other Catch22 policies and legal obligations such as adherence to GDPR.

· You will collect survey responses but also liaise with Partnerships & Inclusion Manager and other team members to respond to the survey if required.

· Ensure that our service users are kept safe and adhere to Catch22’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualities

· Has an interest and enthusiasm for the Criminal Justice System and a want to care for those that have been a victim of crime.

· Any skills which may be of use to the role such as an ability to analyse and present data.

· Time management skills.

· Excellent communication skills.

· Ability to relate to people from all walks of life.

· Good Administrative & organisational skills.

· Excellent listening skills.

· Ability to collaborate and work independently when needed.

· Understand the confidentiality of individuals.

· Be approachable, friendly and welcoming.

· A non-judgmental and empathetic manner.

· Ability for basic IT systems such as Microsoft Word.

Entry Requirements:

To volunteer for NSVCS, you must be over 18 and of good character. You will have a caring nature and non-judgmental attitude.

The ability to work from our office and willingness to travel to support community engagement across Norfolk and/or Suffolk.

Our Commitment to You:

NSVCS will provide volunteers with suitable training to enable you to fulfill your role in the community.

We also commit to training volunteers more broadly to help them develop their communication skills, admin skills, and grow your understanding of the impact of crime on victims.  We commit to continuing your training through out your volunteering career and encourage our volunteers to learn more about specialist issues, and to keep up-to-date with developments in policy & practice.

A reimbursement of travel in line with our Volunteers Policy.

How to Apply:

Please see role profile on how to apply for this voluntary position. 

• Support onboarding, training of new volunteers

• Development, updating of training materials for volunteers

• Co-ordinate deployment of volunteers to specific projects 

• Development of LRC volunteer charter

• Advising Trustees of volunteer needs

• Liaising with team members, Trustees

• Taking part in relevant meetings

• Oversee operations

  • Project materials, equipment

  • Volunteer expenses approval

  • Contribution to website, social media content

Key competencies 

• Training / volunteer experience 

• IT competent

• Team working

• Good intuition, initiative

• Good communication – verbal & written

• Attention to detail

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Mid Kent area covering Maidstone, West Malling, Aylesford, Larkfield, Leybourne, Bearsted, Paddock Wood, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham etc

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records 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

Hours: We are looking for committed volunteers to help in our shops.  Shop volunteers need to be fit and work to a rota; usually one morning or afternoon each week, but we can be flexible. We are particularly looking for volunteers in the following shops:

Greenway Owned (Chesham) NEW SHOP OPENED! Flexible shifts available, initially Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, from February to also be opening Monday to Wednesday 

Amersham Owned- Monday afternoons, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Friday mornings, Weekends

Berkhamsted Owned - Tuesdays, Wednesday afternoons (Sorter), Saturday afternoons

Abbots Langley Owned - Friday afternoons

Highfield Owned (Hemel Hempstead) - Monday afternoons, Friday afternoons, Saturdays

Kings Langley Owned - Monday mornings, Saturday afternoons (ideally Steamer). DofE - Wednesday after school, Saturday mornings

Returned to Glory (Berkhamsted) - Mondays mornings and Weekends (ideally willing and able to help move furniture)

Marshalswick Owned (St Albans) - Steamers and Sorters for most days and Sundays also Stock Processor/Till Operator

All our shops are in the heart of the community.  If you are looking for a fun role, to learn new skills and to work within a fantastic team then shops have the volunteer roles for you!

Tasks are incredibly varied but all require a commitment to the Hospice values.  The main roles with training given, are:

Till Operator - serving customers on the till, customer facing

Steamer - Steaming clothes ready for sale

Sorter - Sorting donations in preparation to sell

Stock Processor - Hanging, tagging clothes, washing bric-a-brac, filling shop shelves

If you are interested in finding out more about these roles pop into one of the shops for a chat with the shop manager, complete our online application form or contact our friendly volunteering team.

“Bright, lively and a fun place to work with a brill people.” Shop Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and we'd love you to join us. We have a huge number of exciting and rewarding roles from directly supporting an animal in your home, or one of our centres across the UK, to supporting our shops and educational services. You may even wish to belong to our Pet Loss Support line. Find out more about the ideal role for you. Volunteering is fun and rewarding. We have centres and shops across England and Wales where you can get involved. Just search Blue Cross Volunteering for more info. Thank you. 

Lead the Charge. Build the Tribe. Become MINDSET’s Volunteering Manager

At MINDSET Charity, we’re not just creating a movement - we’re building a brotherhood. A sanctuary for men to speak up, heal, and rise stronger. And now, we’re looking for a powerhouse of passion and purpose to help us grow that movement from the inside out.

The Role: Volunteering Manager (Volunteer Position)

This is your chance to shape something extraordinary. As our Volunteering Manager, you’ll be the architect of our volunteer programme - designing, launching, and scaling a system that connects compassionate people with life-changing opportunities to support men across the UK.

You won’t just manage volunteers. You’ll inspire them. You’ll build a culture of service, empathy, and impact that ripples through every corner of our charity.

Why This Role Matters

Because every man we reach is one step closer to hope. Every volunteer we empower is one more voice in the chorus of change. And every programme you build is a lifeline for someone who thought they were alone.

This is about legacy. Leadership. And lifting others up.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement a dynamic volunteer programme from the ground up.

• Recruit, onboard, and support volunteers across various roles.

• Create systems that foster connection, accountability, and growth.

• Collaborate with our team to align volunteer efforts with our mission.

• Be the heartbeat of a community that’s changing lives.

• Be our organisational culture ambassador, living and breathing our team spirited culture and spreading it out across the UK.

Who You Are

• A natural leader with a passion for people and purpose.

• Organised, proactive, and ready to build something meaningful.

• Experienced in volunteer management - or eager to learn and grow.

• A believer in the power of brotherhood, mental health, and second chances.

Why Join MINDSET?

Because we’re not just a charity—we’re a revolution. We’ve already helped over 260 men find strength through our sessions. Now, we need YOU to help us reach hundreds more.

This is your moment to lead with heart, build with vision, and make a difference that echoes far beyond today.

Ready to build something powerful?

Apply now to become our Volunteering Manager and help us create a volunteer force that transforms lives - one man, one moment, one mindset at a time.

This is MINDSET. This is the movement. This is YOUR mission.

Let’s rise—together.

As a stock volunteer, you'll be behind-the-scenes, sorting and organising donations to keep our retail spaces well-stocked. Your keen eye for detail and passion for helping others will ensure our customers always have a great choice of items to buy.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the team.
• Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Purpose of the role:

To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.

Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.

Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.

You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.

We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.

We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.

Module One = Tues 16th Sept

Module Two = Wed 24th Sept

Module Three = Weds 1st Oct

Module Four = Weds 8th Oct

Module Five = Wed 15th Oct

10am to 2pm

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.

Volunteer Coordinator Wanted

Are you a natural leader with a passion for bringing out the best in people?

The Principality of Scotia is on an incredible journey, and The Scotia Foundation is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to help us build our team. This is a crucial role for a skilled organiser who is passionate about empowering others and managing the heartbeat of our organisation.

Your talent for connecting with people will be vital to our success, ensuring our team feels supported, valued, and motivated.

The Role

As our volunteer Volunteer Coordinator, you will be responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing support of our team of volunteers.

Your key duties will include:

• Recruiting and interviewing potential new volunteers, helping to find the right people for the right roles.

• Managing our volunteer database and tracking the skills and contributions of each team member.

• Serving as the primary point of contact for all volunteers, answering questions and providing support.

• Organising and leading volunteer welcome sessions and training.

• Recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and empathetic individual who:

• Has excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.

• Is a natural leader with a positive and encouraging attitude.

• Is detail-oriented, with a strong ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Is passionate about The Principality of Scotia's vision and building a strong, collaborative community.

What You'll Gain

This is an opportunity to play a foundational role in a truly unique project. You will:

• Gain invaluable experience in team management and leadership.

• Build a unique and impressive project for your professional portfolio.

• Network with dedicated and passionate individuals from around the world.

• Be a key part of the Principality of Scotia's story.

Ready to help us build our team?

How to Apply

To apply, please send a brief message outlining your interest and any relevant experience along with your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you.

THE

SCOTIA

FOUNDATION

Role Purpose

The Volunteer PR Officer will help raise awareness of the organisation’s mission, activities, and achievements by creating and sharing engaging stories. They will manage relationships with the media, support communication campaigns, and strengthen the organisation’s public image.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations
  • Draft and distribute press releases, articles, and media briefings.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and local media outlets.
  • Respond to media enquiries promptly and professionally.
• Content Creation
  • Write engaging content for newsletters, blogs, and social media platforms.
  • Support the design of promotional materials (posters, flyers, campaigns).
  • Capture and share stories that showcase the impact of the organisation’s work.
•  
• Campaigns & Events
  • Assist with the planning and promotion of fundraising and awareness campaigns.
  • Promote events through traditional and digital channels.
  • Represent the organisation at community events and networking opportunities.
• Brand & Reputation
  • Ensure all communications are consistent with the organisation’s tone, values, and branding.
  • Monitor media coverage and share highlights with the team.
  • Support crisis communication when needed.

Skills & Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident in networking and building relationships.
• Creative and able to generate new ideas for campaigns.
• Familiar with social media and digital communication tools.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently.

Commitment

• Flexible hours (approx. 3–6 hours per week, depending on campaigns and events).
• Willingness to attend occasional meetings and events.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Gain valuable PR and communications experience.
• Develop professional skills and expand your network.
• Contribute to a cause that makes a real difference.
• Be part of a passionate, supportive volunteer team.

Trust House Reading provides a confidential helpline service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 18 or above.

Helpline volunteers are a key part of this service, and we value their contribution. Helpline volunteers aim to support victims/survivors of rape and sexual abuse by providing a safe space to talk and share their feelings and needs; by providing information and signposting to other relevant organisations/services; and by referring the clients to Trust House Reading’s different services.

Hours of work: This role requires one 2-3-hour session per week. This role can be office based at our offices in Reading or home based.

Helpline volunteers must complete Trust House Reading’s specialist training and induction programme and must attend monthly supervision.

No previous helpline experience is necessary as training and on-going support will be provided.

Please note that you must be over the age of 18 and eligible to volunteer in the UK. Unfortunately, we are currently only able to offer this role to people living in the UK.

Key Tasks:

• Ensure that calls are answered promptly and efficiently during your shift.
• Provide callers with emotional support, relevant information and signposting as relevant to the call.
• Listen to helpline telephone messages and make call-backs as necessary.
• Update our database for every telephone call.
• Keep accurate records, follow up and pass on accurate messages and complete records.
• To participate in on-going training and monthly supervision.

We will reimburse reasonable travel costs for those that volunteer at our office in Reading. Our Volunteer Policy provides further information.
Please note that for this role, a DBS check must be completed and you must provide two references.

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.

Stories Volunteer

Is writing a passion for you? Do you enjoy speaking to new people and hearing their stories?

Information about the role

You will speak to volunteers across Shelter and Shelter Scotland in a range of roles and with varying backgrounds and experiences.

You will write up their stories in an engaging way that captures what their role is and why they do it.

These stories will be shared to help celebrate volunteers and demonstrate the impact volunteers make upon our Fight for Home.

Location: Remote

Suggested contribution: 2 days a month (can be flexible around your commitments).

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, with some availability to hold conversations during Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Main activities may include:

• Interviewing volunteers by phone or video call.
• Writing up volunteer stories engagingly for various channels e.g. social media, Shelter website, Shelter intranet and our volunteer newsletter.
• Capturing the impact that volunteers make and how their role contributes to Shelter and Shelter Scotland’s fight for home.
• Obtaining a quote from the individual’s volunteer manager.
• Ensuring consent forms are collected and recorded.
• Maintaining a positive relationship with the volunteer while interviewing them, writing up their story and following up with any subsequent questions.

This role fights the housing emergency by communicating the incredible contributions of Shelter and Shelter Scotland volunteers. This  may inspire people to engage with us, whether than be by signing up to volunteer themselves, contributing financially or supporting our campaigns.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We are looking for someone with excellent communication and listening skills who has a creative and engaging approach to telling stories. We’d like you to have experience with writing. This can be through work, volunteering or as a hobby. It’s also important you have accurate spelling and grammar and are confident with using IT. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.
• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.
• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.
• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

We will get back to you about your application. If you’re shortlisted, you will be asked to send us a short sample of your writing. This can be something you’ve written already. We’ll also have a recruitment conversation with you to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.