41 Youth volunteering programme volunteer volunteer roles in Manchester

Are you passionate about enabling others to deliver youth activities in their community?

Do you want to ensure young people in your community have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills? If this sounds like you, then you could be the next Network Youth Services Lead for your local St John Network.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by enabling our volunteers and staff to have the right equipment and resources to do the job.

As a Youth Services Lead, you’ll be responsible for the delivery of youth activities within the network, which includes delivery of our Badger and Cadet Programmes within your local network. You will also be responsible for supporting the delivery of national initiatives at a local level.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2026
• Interviews will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place - Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At One Degree, our mentors, ambassadors, and teachers are more than just volunteers—they’re lifelines for students often overlooked in their schools and communities. By offering direction, encouragement, and a sense of possibility, our volunteers transform lives while experiencing the profound reward of making a real, tangible impact.

Most of our mentors are young professionals, bringing passion, patience, and empathy to help GCSE/Year 11 students (ages 15–16) navigate their challenges. These volunteers serve as role models, guiding students who might otherwise feel left behind toward brighter futures.

To foster meaningful connections and provide continuity, we ask volunteers to commit to at least three in-person or online sessions per year. This ensures students build trust and form bonds with the people dedicated to helping them succeed.

Join us and be the difference that changes a life.

What time commitments are required?

Preparation

1. Mentor registration (2 minutes)
2. Online mentor training course (30 minutes)
3. Online safeguarding course (30 minutes)
4. Online DBS/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (15 minutes)
5. Online personalised 1-on-1 mentor training (2 x 30 minutes)

Total time needed to become a mentor – approximately 2.5 hours

Mentoring

1. Choose availability that fits your schedule – whether it’s 5 hours a week or just 30 minutes a month.
2. Mentor online from anywhere in the world.
3. Adjust your availability as your circumstances change.
4. Focus on mentoring subjects you’re confident in.
5. Access support from our experienced teachers and tutors.

Total time needed to be a mentor – flexible

What it takes

Anyone who meets the following criteria is welcome to apply:

• Able to volunteer a minimum of three sessions per programme
• Patient, empathetic and considerate
• Willing to participate in group activities and sports

Important Note! You do NOT need exceptional skills in Maths or English, or previous mentoring or teaching experience to be a One Degree mentor.

What’s in it for you

Our innovative online version of our in-person programme combines group and 1-on-1 support via our custom-built online network.

We now offer 7-day-a-week mentoring for our GCSE students and programme alumni:

1. This is flexible – with no set days and times, you can make yourself available based on YOUR schedule and you can update availability with our new integrated calendar system (training required here)
2. This is innovative – during our 1-on-1 training we will run through this new addition to our custom-built online mentoring platform where you can a) connect your personal and work calendars b) select provisional availability and c) be booked by One Degree students based on their availability, your availability or by mentor speciality. This also now extends to supporting One Degree alumni.

What will you be doing?

SPORT 4 SUCCESS is looking for an experienced marketing or social media professional to lead the development of our marketing strategy and improve how we communicate our work.

We are a UK-based charity that uses sport to help young people develop life skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership. We have delivered a growing number of programmes and events, but our marketing and social media have not developed at the same pace as our delivery.

The volunteer will take leadership of our overall marketing direction, with support from trustees and less experienced volunteers who can help with content creation and delivery.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Creating a practical marketing and social media strategy
• Improving how we communicate our impact through stories, case studies, photos, video and programme results
• Advising on the best platforms, audiences and types of content for the charity
• Creating or directing the creation of social media content
• Helping establish templates, processes and brand guidance
• Reviewing performance data and adjusting the approach where needed
• Providing guidance and creative direction to other volunteers supporting marketing activity

This is a strategic and hands-on role. The volunteer will have freedom to shape our approach and test new ideas, while working closely with the charity’s trustees and wider team.

We are looking for someone with at least three years of professional experience in marketing, social media, communications, branding, content strategy or a related area.

The role is unpaid, UK-based and expected to require around two hours per week, with flexibility around when the work is completed.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with at least three years of professional experience in marketing, social media, communications, branding, content strategy or a related field.

The most important requirement is the ability to develop a clear, practical marketing strategy and turn it into consistent activity. You should be comfortable taking ownership of the charity’s marketing direction while working collaboratively with trustees and other volunteers.

Our ideal volunteer will have:

• Experience creating and implementing marketing or social media strategies
• A strong understanding of social media platforms, audiences and content formats
• The ability to create engaging written and visual content, or provide clear creative direction to others
• Strong written communication and storytelling skills
• The confidence to introduce new ideas and advise a small charity on its marketing priorities

Experience in the charity, education, youth or sports sectors would be useful, but it is not required. Experience supporting a growing organisation, working with volunteers or developing a brand would also be valuable.

You should be creative, reliable and comfortable working within a small team. We are looking for someone who will listen to different perspectives but can also make clear recommendations and lead the marketing approach.

You do not need to produce every piece of content yourself. Other volunteers and team members can support delivery. However, you should be able to set the direction, establish suitable processes and provide constructive guidance.

An interest in helping young people develop their skills and future opportunities through sport and education would be a strong fit with our work.

What difference will you make?

Strong marketing will help SPORT 4 SUCCESS reach more young people, schools, delivery partners, funders and volunteers.

At present, much of our impact happens through our programmes, events and direct relationships, but we do not communicate that impact consistently. This limits our ability to build awareness, attract support and show the value of our work.

Your work would help us create a clearer identity, communicate our purpose more effectively and build a consistent presence across our social media and wider marketing channels.

A stronger strategy would help us:

• Reach more schools and youth organisations
• Attract volunteers with the skills needed to grow the charity
• Build relationships with sports organisations and corporate partners
• Support fundraising and sponsorship activity
• Promote programmes and events
• Share evidence of our impact
• Give young people and schools a stronger voice in our communications

The role will also help us move away from ad hoc marketing and towards a structured approach that the wider team can follow.

As a small charity, this role would have direct influence. The volunteer’s ideas and recommendations would shape how SPORT 4 SUCCESS presents itself, communicates its work and grows over the next stage of its development.

The result will be a stronger platform for helping more young people build skills, confidence and future opportunities through sport and education.

Before you apply

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal online conversation with members of our trustee team. This will be an opportunity to discuss your experience, learn more about the charity and explore how you would approach the role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may arrange conversations before the closing date. We aim to respond to shortlisted applicants within two weeks of receiving their application.

Work directly with children / young people: Yes 

Age range of children / young people: 18

Disclosure Check: Basic

Term of opportunity: We would expect you to be committed to support The Trust in this role for a minimum of 1-2 years. 

Commitment: Mentors will be matched with young people for periods of 3-6 months, with typically 1-2 mentoring sessions per month for each mentee. Mentors are usually matched with 2 mentees at a time. 

Location: North of England, London, Birmingham, and the South-West. Please visit our careers site to apply for a specific location.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. The King’s Trust couldn’t function as well without the support of thousands of volunteers across the UK, who are able to offer a vital network to young people facing significant barriers to jobs, education or training.

Our Employability and Progression Mentors provide one-to-one support, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to a young person who has completed a King’s Trust Programme. As an Employability and Progression Mentor, you will offer knowledge, experience, and support to young people as they develop the skills, confidence and motivation to succeed - either in education or further training, through work experience, volunteering or by securing a job of their choice.

Mentors will meet on a regular basis with a young person and help them identify and achieve goals. You will offer guidance, support and encouragement and a safe space for a young person to discuss the skills they need to develop and how to do this. You will provide guidance on employability and job search issues, including supporting with CV writing and interview practice. You will provide active support between sessions as agreed, such as reviewing documentation, email responses, signposting where to find useful resources, networking connections; etc… And you will share relevant learning and useful resources with other volunteers and Trust colleagues that may benefit young people and our work.

Ideally an Employability and Progression Mentor will commit to around four to six hours per month for a minimum of 3-6 months for each mentee with whom they are matched. Relevant experience can be developed during the role but ideally a volunteer will have experience with building trust with young people from a range of backgrounds, mentoring skills, be a good communicator, be able to give and receive constructive corrective feedback and have experience of job searches, application processes and interview experiences.

We are specifically recruiting new mentors to meet a demand for in-work support and job-searching for roles in the Health and Social Care sector. Experience in this sector is desirable but not essential, with a focus on general coaching and employment support being the main priority for volunteers in this position. The majority of these mentoring connections will be fostered online, via digital meetings and email, with limited opportunities for face-to-face connections available depending on location and preference of mentees.

In return for your valuable time, The King’s Trust will provide comprehensive training and support to you in your role. You will enjoy the benefits of being part of a dedicated community of colleagues

and volunteers who directly support young people to transform their lives. Now in our 50th year, The King’s Trust mission is to end youth unemployment – and we want you on board to help us.

The King’s Trust want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve. As such, we would be particularly interested to hear from women and individuals from an ethnic minority background.

At Cede Foundation, we create safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn, play, build confidence and enjoy positive experiences during the school holidays.

We are looking for friendly, caring and reliable volunteers to support our holiday club activities. Volunteering with us is a great way to help children take part in fun activities, make friends and enjoy a supportive space during their school break.

As a volunteer, you will work alongside staff and other volunteers to help the day run smoothly and make sure every child feels welcome, included and encouraged.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys spending time with children, likes hands-on volunteering and wants to make a positive difference in their community.

What you will be doing

You will help make our holiday club a safe, positive and fun place for children.

Your tasks may include:

• Helping to prepare activity spaces before children arrive
• Welcoming children and families and helping with registration
• Assisting with games, creative activities, sports and group sessions
• Encouraging children to join in and feel confident taking part
• Supporting children during transitions between activities
• Helping with snacks, resources and general session coordination
• Assisting staff with attendance, feedback or simple record-keeping tasks where needed
• Helping to tidy activity spaces at the end of the day
• Promoting a friendly, inclusive and respectful atmosphere throughout the session

You will not be expected to lead sessions alone or take on staff responsibilities. A staff member or an activity leader will be there to support you throughout.

Who we are looking for

You do not need formal experience to apply, but you should be comfortable around children and willing to follow guidance.

This role could be a good match for you if:

• You enjoy working with children or would like to gain experience in this area
• You are friendly, patient and approachable
• You are reliable and able to attend the sessions you agree to support
• You work well as part of a team
• You are willing to follow guidance on safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality
• You can encourage children in a positive and respectful way
• You have an interest in community work, play, sports, arts, crafts or children’s activities

Previous experience with children, youth work, education, sports, arts or community activities is welcome but not required.

What you will gain

This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain experience supporting children’s activities and community programmes
• Build confidence in teamwork, communication and activity support
• Learn more about how holiday clubs and community projects are delivered
• Meet new people and be part of a welcoming volunteer team
• Make a positive difference to children and families during the school holidays

Time commitment

Our holiday club sessions run during the school holidays, usually from 10 am to 2 pm on selected programme days.

You can volunteer for one or more days, depending on your availability. You may be asked to arrive a little earlier to help with set-up and attend a short briefing before the session begins.

Reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our next holiday club starts on October, 27 October 2026.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

Cede Foundation is committed to keeping children, young people and adults safe. Volunteers will receive the guidance they need before starting and are expected to follow our safeguarding, confidentiality and conduct policies.

Depending on the role and level of supervision, volunteers may need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will do our best to make reasonable adjustments so everyone can take part.

Inspire the next generation of tech talent from just 1-2 hours a week

Thousands of young people across the UK are interested in technology but have never met someone who works in the sector. They've never had the chance to ask questions, explore pathways into the industry, or hear someone say, "You can do this too."

As an IntoTech online mentor, you can help change that.

Brightside is recruiting 700 volunteer technology professionals to support young people aged 14-16 as they explore careers in technology. Delivered in partnership with Futures for All and generously funded by the Hg Foundation, the programme will launch in January 2026, connecting more than 2,000 young people with professionals working across the tech sector.

Over 12 weeks, you'll connect with a young person through Brightside's secure online mentoring platform, sharing your experiences, answering questions, and helping them build confidence about their future. Young people choose their own mentor, creating meaningful conversations that broaden horizons and bring careers in technology to life.

The mentoring is entirely text-based and asynchronous, so there's no need to coordinate diaries or attend regular calls. You can respond at times that suit you, making it easy to fit around work and other commitments. Most mentors volunteer for just 1-2 hours a week.

You don't need any previous mentoring experience. We'll provide training, guidance and ongoing support, and we'll complete your DBS check before the programme begins. Onboarding will take place between now and December, with opportunities to get involved in other Brightside mentoring programmes in the meantime.

With 23 years' experience supporting young people through mentoring, Brightside operates the UK's safest online mentoring platform, enabling meaningful, moderated engagement between volunteers and young people.

By sharing your story, you can help a young person discover opportunities they may never have considered and take a confident step towards a future in technology.

Join us and help make the tech sector more accessible, diverse and inclusive for the next generation.

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for the disability community.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in graphic design? Or have an artistic flair?

We have a range of creative projects and tasks and our creative team have more work than people. We are particularly interested in speaking to people with video editing skills. As well as people who are interested in campaigns or being part of the activity pack team. 

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK. 

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We work to increase inclusion and representation across society for the disability community.We have several different services including inclusive characters, sensory workshops, resources, events, advocacy and more.

What are we looking for?

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity that you can do in your own time and without having to leave the comfort of the sofa? Do you have a good imagination? Are you interested in helping us create stories for our imaginative accessible universe Bubble World? We have a range of creative projects and tasks for you to get stuck into. 

What do we expect?

• Be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

What can you expect?

• A community group that does not currently operate a rota system of any kind. Youdon’t have to regularly commit your time.

• A kind, caring, nurturing company who cares about people, staff and volunteers. Our aim is to keep your wellbeing at the centre of our work.

• A very positive and proactive approach to disability and illness. Any and all accommodations will be made that you require. If there is anything you wish to discuss in private please email us and we will arrange a confidential chat.

Benefits to Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles CIC

• Gaining valuable experience and improving your confidence

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest.

• Make a difference to community

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills.

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers.

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future employment.

For further information or to apply email us and we will be more than happy to have a chat. 

Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK. 

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To actively identify, locate, and surface potential real-world stories, individuals, and lived experiences that align with the organisation’s mission, ensuring a continuous pipeline of high-quality, relevant story leads for the Story Intelligence Team.

This role exists to function as the organisation’s primary “frontline discovery engine,” scanning a wide range of public sources—including media platforms, social networks, interviews, documentaries, podcasts, books, advocacy spaces, and community forums—to uncover individuals who have either publicly shared their experiences or are visibly positioned within ongoing social, cultural, or institutional narratives.

The Research Story Scout is responsible for recognising not just individual stories, but also broader story ecosystems, including repeated patterns of lived experience, underrepresented voices, emerging testimonies, and whistleblower disclosures that may not yet have been formally documented or widely circulated.

A key purpose of this role is to convert scattered public information into structured, actionable story leads that can be passed efficiently to the Outreach Team for ethical and appropriate engagement.

The role also ensures that potential stories are identified early, before they become widely saturated or lost in mainstream attention cycles, enabling the organisation to engage responsibly, respectfully, and at the right stage of the individual’s willingness to share.

Ultimately, this role ensures the organisation maintains a consistent flow of credible, relevant, and timely story opportunities by continuously scanning the public landscape and translating discovery into structured, usable intelligence for outreach and engagement.

About the role:

Story Scouts spend their time locating individuals who have publicly shared their experiences or indicated a willingness to discuss their story.

Sources may include:

• Podcasts

• YouTube interviews

• Social media platforms

• Survivor groups

• Charity websites

• News reports

• Books

• Blogs

• Conferences

• Public speaking events

Once identified, the scout prepares a short lead profile and passes it to outreach for them to make contact, sign consent forms and safeguarding checks, schedule call with guest and host hand over to host. (PPTeam).

Ideal Candidate

• Extremely resourceful.

• Strong online research skills.

• Curious and persistent.

• Enjoys finding information.

• Comfortable working independently.

Experience Required

• Internet research.

• Community management.

• Journalism.

• Talent sourcing.

• Recruitment sourcing.

• Social media research.

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

Additional Notes

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work

• Avoid handling sensitive data or detailed reporting

• Are seeking immediate paid employment

• Are uncomfortable applying analysis to strategic decisions

To Apply

Please send:

• Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available)

• A short introduction about yourself

• Why this mission resonates with you

• Any relevant experience, skills, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role

We welcome individuals who are passionate about helping create platforms that inspire healing, justice, truth, education, empowerment, and lasting community impact. That see themselves transforming their lifestyles to maintain the above for the generations to come.

Help a young person take their next step after school or college

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer Deputy Head of Policy to support the Head of Policy in leading and developing its Policy Team and delivering an ambitious programme of policy work aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. The successful candidate will contribute to identifying and developing key policy priorities, supporting the design and delivery of impactful policy projects, and helping to shape the organisation’s wider strategic direction.

Working closely with the Head of Policy, Senior Leadership Team and Heads of the Initial Research Team, the Deputy Head of Policy will support the development of evidence-based policy initiatives, monitor emerging policy developments and opportunities, and contribute to building effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders. The role will also involve supporting the development, engagement and training of Policy Team volunteers, strengthening collaboration across the organisation, and contributing to policy-related research, publications and communications.

The successful candidate should have excellent writing, communication and analytical skills, strong IT literacy, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. They should demonstrate a strong interest in policy development, research and evidence-based change, together with the ability to manage delegated projects, provide constructive leadership and translate complex policy developments into clear and actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Policy in leading the Policy Team in designing, developing and implementing impactful project objectives in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Assist the Head of Policy in identifying and developing key policy priorities and contributing to the organisation’s wider strategic direction.
• Support the management and development of relationships with relevant external stakeholders, helping to enhance the organisation’s visibility, reach and impact.
• Work closely with the Head of Policy and other members of the Senior Leadership Team in identifying and responding to emerging strategic priorities and opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse relevant external trends, developments and policy changes, providing the Head of Policy and wider organisation with timely information and recommendations where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and HR in developing a strong and effective Policy Team, including contributing to the identification of appropriate skills, expertise and development needs.
• Assist in ensuring that Policy Team volunteers are appropriately supported, engaged and trained throughout their period of service.
• Support the Heads of the Initial Research Team in developing and implementing frameworks for initial research that enable effective and efficient research aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the development and implementation of strategies that increase the organisation’s profile, visibility and impact.
• Contribute to the creation of policy-related blogs, articles, reports and other written materials, and support the development of academic articles and research outputs where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and Chief Executive Officer in preparing policy strategies, recommendations and relevant materials for presentation to the organisation’s Trustees.
• Assist in delivering training and knowledge-sharing sessions for other teams within the organisation, helping members understand the policy process, how policy can be influenced and how they can contribute to policy-related work.
• Identify, collate and distribute relevant policy information, research, publications and external developments that may be of interest or value to members across the organisation.
• Take responsibility for delegated policy projects and initiatives, ensuring that agreed objectives and timelines are effectively managed and delivered.
• Provide leadership and support to members of the Policy Team in the absence of the Head of Policy or when delegated to do so.
• Promote effective collaboration between the Policy Team and other teams across the organisation, ensuring that policy considerations are appropriately incorporated into relevant organisational activities.
• Undertake any other policy-related duties or projects reasonably required by the Head of Policy or Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements:

• Experience in policy work, leading key campaigns or programmes
• High-level understanding of policy and practice, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities
• Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to work well independently and in a team
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in leading a policy team
• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team
• Flexible working hours

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Ready to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in your community? 

Searching for an impactful volunteering opportunity that works around your schedule? 

Looking to meet like-minded people and work together to support a worthwhile cause? 

At ReachOut we’re offering all that and more through our exciting opportunity to volunteer as a mentor in a local school! 

How it works? 

• Give just two hours of your week to support young people aged 9-14 to build key socio-emotional skills and grow in confidence. 

• Choose a 12-week project at one of our partner schools in your area that fits your schedule. 

• Work with like-minded volunteers with support from ReachOut staff as you get stuck into collective mentoring activities and engaging group games. 

• From creative, to active, to thought-provoking activities on our curriculum, there are so many opportunities to watch your mentees build team-working, problem solving and emotion management skills thanks to your support. 

• If you love it like we think you will, choose to volunteer on as many short programmes as you want! Gain recognition for your hours and through our Mentor of the Term Awards! 

Is this the right opportunity for me? 

• Feel a part of something bigger as you support young people who are constrained by circumstances. 

• Develop your own soft skills that employers look for, including initiative, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. 

• Feel supported by inclusive training ahead of starting and weekly support from your Youth Development Lead on your project, giving you everything you need to excel as a mentor, even if it’s your first time! 

• Don’t be out of pocket! - Simply claim your travel expenses back up to £4/day. We also cover the cost of your enhanced DBS check which is organised for you as part of your onboarding process.

About ABT and Refutrees - Aid Box Trading (ABT), the trading subsidiary of Aid Box Community (ABC), is seeking a voluntary Co-Director to join the existing Director to provide strategic leadership, financial oversight and robust governance for its small trading operation — Refutrees seasonal project. This is a seasonal project running between November and December, so this role is most active between these dates with some work to tie up accounts in January/February.  

Refutrees is Aid Box Community’s much‑loved seasonal fundraiser, selling around 1500 locally grown Christmas trees each year and generating over £30,000 profit to support refugees and people seeking asylum in Bristol. Powered by hundreds of volunteers and thousands of customers, it operates as a vibrant community enterprise each festive season, with all profits funding essential support, crisis assistance, and wellbeing activities for our service users.  

This role is ideal for someone with senior management or governance experience who wants to make a meaningful contribution to a charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers.