Volunteer Befriender

Volunteer Befriender    

Do you have a minimum of 2 hours per week to support people with disabilities to live their best lives?

We are looking to appoint a team of volunteer befrienders to join our Lanarkshire Houses Services, based in Carluke & Lanark.

You’ll support adults with complex disabilities in a homely care setting where independence and individuality are truly valued.

Our customers live in their own self-contained spaces—some alone, others with flatmates.

Our services are customer-led, based on their individual needs and planned outcomes, meaning we need to have staff & volunteers on hand with a variety of skills & availability to meet their needs.

Our customers enjoy many activities on site and in the wider community and our volunteers play an integral part in our customers’ wellbeing and social inclusion.

What’s involved?

• Arts and crafts

• Gardening

• Chair exercises

• Board game groups (playing cards or dominoes)

• Baking and smoothie making

• Beauty treatments (painting nails/hair styling)

• Building bonds, chatting and sharing conversations

• Quizzes, music, relaxation and story telling

What skills do you need?

• Active listening skills

• Positive, friendly can-do attitude

• Patience

• Reliability and good timekeeping

• Being open and honest

Location: Between our two service locations of Windmill Gardens, Carluke (ML8 4EZ) and Dovecot Lane, Lanark (ML11 7PX) 

We need volunteers at varying days and times throughout the week. To discuss your availability apply now or contact Lesley.Kelly@capability.scot for an informal chat.   

If you are looking to keep busy, give back to the community or gain some valuable experience in social care, then this is the role for you.

How to apply  

Click apply now and follow the instructions, someone will be in touch to have you complete our volunteer application form.

If you are shortlisted for an informal interview, we will contact you within three weeks to arrange this.

If you are successful, we will conduct reference and Disclosure PVG checks in line with company policy and SSSC/CI safer recruitment guidelines (Cost met by us).

Full training and support is provided.

Volunteer Befriender

How to apply

To apply for this position, simply upload your covering letter and CV below. Please supply these as either a PDF or Word doc.

Consultant -Policy and Advocacy Advisor

Description

Project/Consultancy Title: Policy and Advocacy Advisor 

Project Location(s): Sudan, Kenya or similar time zone 

Language: English and Arabic

Duration: five months (May go beyond May 2026 subject to available funding). 

Background: 

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, now, and for the future. 

Purpose / Project Description: 

Mercy Corps’ Sudan crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Sudanese and other conflict-affected people across the country.  Mercy Corps Sudan is recognized as a leader in market systems, agricultural, and food security and building on this experience, the MC Sudan humanitarian program will layer in resilience and other program activities where appropriate and feasible to do so.  Assistance is delivered with a focus on needs, in partnership with local actors and civil society.  

Consultant Objectives: 

The Sudan Policy & Advocacy (PA) Advisor will lead efforts, in collaboration with the Sudan country team members, and the Global Policy and Advocacy (GPA) team, to ensure effective policies and practices are implemented by local, regional and international actors to allow for an adequate, effective, and principled humanitarian and resilience response in Sudan.  

The Sudan PA Advisor will lead on achieving the policy and advocacy objectives that align with the Mercy Corps Sudan country strategy and related country advocacy strategy. They will work closely with field teams and different internal Mercy Corps departments including program, communications, partnerships, and Crisis Analysis – Sudan teams to utilize all available resources and data to provide evidence to enhance Mercy Corps’ policy and advocacy objectives. The Sudan PA advisor will also work closely with relevant country team members to build and/or strengthen their advocacy capacity, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead advocacy activities.  

The Sudan PA Advisor will write policy-relevant documents - including talking points, statements, and policy briefs - for use by the Mercy Corps Sudan team as well as regional and global teams during advocacy engagements on Sudan. The Sudan PA Advisor will also work closely with the global P&A team to provide key messages and help respond to questions/requests about the situation in Sudan, our programs and recommendations on certain issues, to prepare global colleagues for relevant Sudan-related meetings and engagements. The Sudan PA Advisor will represent Mercy Corps Sudan in relevant fora including the Sudan INGO Forum Advocacy Working Group, supporting collective advocacy efforts in line with the Mercy Corps Sudan Advocacy Strategy.  

Consultant Activities: 

The Consultant will: 

• Update the Mercy Corps Sudan Advocacy Strategy and Key Advocacy Messages based on current context analysis, priorities and recommendations, in close consultation with relevant team members, and keep the Advocacy Calendar and Sudan Contact Database up to date.

• Ensure the Advocacy Strategy is implemented and reviewed bi-annually, drawing on Mercy Corps’ experience and program expertise.

• Proactively coordinate with relevant Mercy Corps Sudan team members including DoPs, program and PAQ managers, communications and Crisis Analysis-Sudan to enhance linkages between PA and other teams.

• In line with objectives and indicators identified in the Sudan Advocacy Strategy and collective advocacy strategies and efforts by the different fora, collect information from Mercy Corps’ programs to use for policy and advocacy purposes to ensure Mercy Corps’ advocacy is informed by field-based evidence.

• Attend Sudan-related events/webinars etc. and share notes with CD, DoP and others.

• Closely monitor policy issues, access and security, regional politics, humanitarian coordination and other issues that may impact the humanitarian situation and response in Sudan, and prepare Mercy Corps positions as determined fit by the Country Director.

• Ensure that team members in the country are on message with our advocacy key messages and/or particular positions and support senior management engagements with donors on policy and strategic issues for Sudan’s response

• Establish relationships with other humanitarian actors and st...

Description

Employer

Location

Alternative Provisions Tutor needed in Aylesbury to support a young learner with core subject tuition. Part-time role, £35 per hour. Ongoing position with Education Boutique, a leading alternative provision specialist.

Pay: £35.00 per hour

Job Description:

• Location:Aylesbury
• Hours:15 hours a week
• Start Date:Ongoing
• Rate:£35 per hour (Self-employed)
• Organisation:Education Boutique
• Delivery:In-person with some online opportunities

About Education Boutique

Education Boutique is a leading provider of bespoke tuition and alternative provision, supporting learners with a wide range of additional needs. We specialise in delivering tailored, trauma-informed education to students who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings. Our tutors are experts in their fields and bring compassion, creativity, and flexibility to every learning journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Tailor sessions to meet the needs of a learner with a complex profile

• Use trauma-informed and pupil-led approaches to foster engagement and progress

• Build strong, supportive relationships with the student to encourage confidence and participation

• Track and report on progress, adapting plans as needed to ensure continued development

Essential Requirements

• Trauma-informed teaching approach

• Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service

• Self-employed status and right to work in the UK

• Availability during weekday daytime hours

• Reliable transport to attend in-person sessions

Ideal Candidate

• Calm, adaptable, and empathetic approach

• Skilled in supporting learners outside of mainstream education

• Creative and flexible teaching style to meet individual needs

• Strong communicator who can collaborate effectively with Education Boutique and other professionals

Safeguarding Statement

Education Boutique is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Flexitime

Work Location: In person

Education Boutique is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

M&E Technician

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Our team and opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Mechanical and Electrical Technician to maintain and repair electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and hydraulic assets across our waterways. This is a hands-on role for someone skilled in fault finding, planned maintenance, and reactive repairs.

Ideally you will already be fully conversant with mechanical and electrical isolation methods for safe working and will have the ability to fault find methodically without assistance. The right candidate will be provided with the right training pursuant to their continued development in the role and will be offered a supportive environment to adapt to our unique infrastructure.

In house hydraulic training will be provided with progression onto CETOP stage 1 hydraulic training course. See how we are using technology to manage our waterways here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water/using-technology-to-manage-our-waterways 

Location and coverage

Reporting to base at Brunswick lock, Liverpool (L3 4EL), the area covered will be working and travelling throughout and around various assets in and around the North West area.  

Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas. Residing near these areas will be essential to accommodate the regular travel along the North West canal/river networks.  See our network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain and repair electrical systems (400v/230v/24v) and mechanical equipment.
• Diagnose and fix faults on pumps, control panels, and hydraulic systems.
• Work safely to Health & Safety standards.
• Use Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Support contractors and collaborate with volunteers.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Electrical and mechanical maintenance experience.
• Knowledge of hydraulics and control systems.
• Ability to read technical drawings and schematics.
• Welding/fabrication skills desirable.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Ideal Background:

• Water industry, utilities, manufacturing, production lines, traffic systems, lifts/escalators, gate automation, or similar.

Qualifications:

• STEM, GCSEs, C&G or equivalent vocational training/time-served experience.

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we offer

In addition to your salary of £31,250 - £34,500 (depending on experience),  you will benefit from a competitive ...

Person Specification for Convenor of Church Life
Fund Committee

Person Specification

Requirements  Essential

Desirable

Experience
and
Knowledge

Skills and
Abilities

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Experience in convening/
chairing meetings
Leadership experience,
ideally in a committee or
other governance role
Experience in facilitating
discussions and building
consensus

Knowledge of URC
governance structures, ethos,
policies, and procedures
A heart for joining in with
where God is at work in the
world and growing the Church
A commitment to, and strong
understanding of, good
stewardship of the Church’s
resources
Basic knowledge of charity
and fund governance
Understanding of
financial scrutiny,
budgeting, or grant
assessment
A willingness to advocate
for change, and the work
of the Church Life Fund

Strong communication skills,
both written and verbal, with
the ability to engage with
diverse stakeholders
Ability to facilitate both online

•

•

•

•

Previous experience of
being part of a
committee in the URC at
local church, synod, or
Assembly level
Experience in and
knowledge of one of the
Church Life Fund’s
funding streams, i.e.
shared service provision
(HR, IT, payroll,
accounting, buying), lay
worker grants
(employment law), or
new communities of
discipleship and worship
Understanding of charity
law
Experience of
charitable grant-
making

•

•

•

Ability to support
committee members
in their roles
Strong public speaking
and presentation skills
Conflict resolution

•

and in-person meetings
Ensure effective oversight of
processes and procedures
•  Work collaboratively with a

training

•

diverse range of people
Good IT skills including
Microsoft Office, Zoom and
email

•
•  Work collaboratively with
a diverse range of
people
Ability to analyse
complex information and
make evidence-based
decisions

•

Other

•

•

•

•

Member of the United
Reformed Church
Commitment to
confidentiality in
handling of sensitive
financial and pastoral
information
A commitment to
equality, diversity, and
inclusion
Awareness of
safeguarding and best
practice in the church

Role Description for Convenor of Church Life Fund
Committee

Role Title

Main Points of Contact

Connected Roles

Sources of Support

Location

Time Commitment

Remuneration

Convenor of Church Life Fund Committee
Successor roles to CLR Programme Manager and CLR
Administrator (Secretary and Minutes Secretary)

Members of Church Life Fund Committee
Members of Accreditation sub-committee
Members of Faith in Action and Ministries Committees

Applicants to the Church Life Fund
Successor role to CLR Programme Manager
Successor role to CLR Administrator

The majority of meetings will be online. Where meetings
are residential or in person, these will take place at
mutually convenient locations.
Times will be agreed out once the Committee is formed, to
meet the needs of the Committee members.
Quarterly meetings, consisting of 3 online meetings and 1
in person meeting per annum (dates and times suitable for
the membership of committee) plus additional follow-up
work between meetings.
General Assembly residential meeting (Fri to Mon) in
June/July, Assembly Executive one evening in November
and a residential meeting (Fri-Sun) in February each year.
Volunteers are not remunerated. The URC will ensure
expenses incurred by volunteers while supporting the
work of the Church Life Fund Committee are
reimbursed, in accordance with URC expenses policy.

Background: Following the decisions of the Extraordinary General Assembly 2025, the
Church Life Fund Committee has been formed. Under delegated authority, Church Life
Fund Committee will provide advice to URC Trust on the expenditure of the restricted
Church Life Fund.

Committee Summary: The Church Life Fund Committee will advise the United
Reformed Church Trust on the use of the restricted Church Life Fund, under delegated
authority from General Assembly. Its remit includes reviewing and recommending
funding for shared services, lay worker grants, and new communities of discipleship and
worship grants; ensuring appropriate stewardship of the Fund; and maintaining clear
alignment with Assembly decisions, synod contributions, and regulatory requirements.
The Committee exercises delegated oversight of applications, monitors outcomes,
safeguards good governance and compliance, and ensures that funding decisions
reflect the values and priorities set by General Assembly.

Principal  responsibilities  and  duties

Convening and Running Meetings

1.  Work with the Secretary of the Committee to plan meetings and ensure that
the agenda covers the appropriate items for discussion throughout the year.

2.  Ensure that the agenda responds to the work as directed by General

Assembly and United Reformed Church Trust.

3.  Ensure that the work of the committee remains within its approved Terms of
Reference (and delegated authority from General Assembly and URC Trust).

4.  Enable equal participation from the membership of the committee through

measured chairing of meetings.

5.  Approve minutes of each meeting for timely circulation to Committee

members.

6.  Ensure that the budget is managed by staff members, acting on behalf of
URC Trust, and that the Committee has a part in oversight and review.
7.  Ensure that the Committee’s risk register is reviewed at appropriate intervals
during the year and any necessary actions taken, including submission of the
risk register at review periods.

8.  Work with the Secretary to develop, and keep under review, the three-year
plan of Committee work and matters for General Assembly and URC Trust.

9.  Act as the point of contact when liaising with other Committees.
10. Oversee the Committee’s relationship with URC Trust, Accreditation Sub-

Committee, other committees, and sub-committees, acting as a key point of
contact.

11. Communicate the Committee’s advice to URC Trust, in collaboration with the
Secretary and other Committee members (particularly those representing
URC Trust).

12. Ensure collective responsibility for the Church Life Fund, including its

communications, expenditure, and support for applicants.

General Assembly/Assembly Executive

1.  Ensure appropriate papers for General Assembly and/or Assembly Executive

are provided to Business Committee by the relevant deadline.

2.  Present papers and associated resolutions to General Assembly or Assembly

Executive with support from the Secretary as appropriate.

Oversee Committee Membership

1.  Work in collaboration with the Secretary to ensure that the membership is
able to effectively fulfil its role, and that members of different types (synod
representatives, URC Trust representatives, etc) are well supported in
their work.

2.  In the event that an appointed member has to resign before the end of

their three-year term, work with the Secretary and Nominations Committee
to ensure a process to fill the vacancy is carried out.

3.  Encourage and support the members in their work, enabling collaboration

and mutual encouragement.

Advocacy and Collaboration

1.  Advocate for the...

Study Programme Tutor - Occupational Studies 1125

• Contract End Date (if applicable)
• 2026-Oct-05 00:00
• Vacancy Type
• Permanent/Full Time
• Hours per week
• 40 hours per week
• Location
• Oldham
• Salary Range
• £26,000 per annum
• About Us

• Central YMCA is transforming. This is an exciting time to join us as we look forward toward growth and progression and focus on our purpose to advance the education, health and wellbeing of our communities. We want to create improved access to life-changing opportunities and enable everyone to achieve their potential, live a fulfilled life and contribute positively to society.

  What we offer
  • 27 days annual leave + 3 annual leave days over Christmas + bank holidays
  • Extra annual paid leave for your birthday, a mental health day, and up to 5 volunteering days
  • 4% Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a wide range of free and confidential services for you and your immediate family (including counselling sessions)
  • Employee Discount Scheme
• About You

• This role would perfectly suit a Tutor who has experience of working with young people or who is looking to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation in order to support them to achieve their life goals.

  Ideally possessing teaching and assessing qualifications, you must be able to work both independently and as part of a wider team. A strong sense of purpose and a passion for teaching and training is a must, along with the ability to use your initiative and work to set deadlines.

  You will be able to:

  · Plan and deliver diverse and innovative teaching, learning and assessment opportunities to achieve the highest academic standards and learning opportunities for learners.

  · Ensure learning, teaching and assessment programmes take account of the latest developments in subjects taught and evaluate their impact on learner progress and success, ensuring that appropriate use is made of ICT.

  · Provide pastoral and tutorial support within the framework of support designed by the organisation to support individual learner support, progress and achievement.

  You will also have:

  · PGCE/Certificate in Education or Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training

  · Relevant vocational qualification

• About the Role

• We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity based in Oldham for a full-time

  Study Programme Tutor in Occupational Studiesto join our expanding team.

  We are seeking a passionate and motivated Tutor to help shape the learning journey of our students, and support them in developing their employability skills while also preparing them for their next steps.

  In this role, the tutor will be responsible for delivering an engaging curriculum to a cohort of learners, supporting them from their initial interview and assessment right through to the successful completion of their qualifications.

  The tutor's work will involve delivering Level 1 Occupational Studies qualifications alongside supporting English and maths (up to GCSE level), while embedding practical skills and personal development into their teaching. With a focus on high-quality, inclusive education, delivery will align with the standards set out in the Education Inspection Framework, ensuring that all learners have access to outstanding learning experiences.

  Possessing teaching and assessing qualifications, the tutor must be able to work both independently and as part of a wider team. A strong sense of purpose and a passion for teaching and training is a must, along with the ability to use initiative and work to set deadlines.

  Safeguarding responsibilities: This role will involve daily contact with learners, and you will be engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All staff have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, and/or vulnerable adults for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact. The Charity’s Safeguarding Policy is available fromCentral YMCA website.Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure, ...