There's no typical St Mungo's volunteer. We embrace diversity and believe that everyone can contribute in different ways.
We provide a bed and support to more than 3,150 people a night who are either homeless or at risk, and work to end homelessness and rebuild lives. To do this we need your help. Volunteers play a crucial role in helping people recover from homelessness and the experience, skills and knowledge they bring make a real difference to the lives of people we work with.
We advertise new volunteer roles on the first and third Friday's of every month so remember to keep checking our page. To apply, simply find a volunteer opportunity below that you’re interested in, fill in the application form and we’ll be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Questions about volunteering with us?
If you have any questions about the application process – including interview, training, referencing and DBS requirements – please see our FAQ.
Our approach to involving volunteers with convictions
St Mungo's meets the requirements of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we are committed to safeguarding and protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. We welcome applications from a wide range of volunteers, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from volunteering with us; this will depend on the circumstances and background of the offence(s) in relation to the particular volunteer role.
All our client-facing roles will require a DBS check. It will be clearly stated on the volunteer role advert if the role does require a DBS check.
On the application form you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions, or conditional cautions of less than 3 months old. If your role does require a DBS check then during your initial telephone interview, you will be asked to declare all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings except those "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013).
A risk assessment will be completed based on the information you give us and the DBS certificate (if required for the role), taking into account the circumstances and background of the offence(s). Any offer of volunteering is subject to this risk assessment being signed off.
We understand that talking about past experiences can be difficult. If you would prefer to speak to someone face to face or to have a telephone conversation before you apply we would be very happy to support you to do this. Please email volunteer@mungos.org or call 0203 856 6160 to arrange this.
Volunteer applicants' privacy notice
As part of any recruitment process, St Mungo’s collects and processes personal data relating to potential volunteers. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meet our data protection obligations.
What information does the St Mungo’s collect?
We collect a range of information about you. This includes:
- your name, address and contact details, including email address and telephone number,
- details of your, skills, experience and motivations for volunteering
- whether or not you have a disability for which the organisation needs to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process
- information about your criminal record
- equal opportunities monitoring information, including information about your ethnic origin, sexual orientation, health, and religion or belief
St Mungo’s collects this information in a variety of ways. For example, data might be contained in application forms, CVs, from your passport or other identity documents.
We will also collect personal data about you from third parties, such as references supplied by former employers, educational / training establishments, work experience providers or other appropriate referees you provide, and information from criminal records checks.
Data will be stored in a range of different places, including on your application record, in HR management systems and on other IT systems (including email).
Why does St Mungo’s process personal data?
We process data to administer your volunteering application.
St Mungo’s has a legitimate interest in processing personal data during the recruitment process and for keeping records of the process. Processing data from volunteer applications allows us to manage the recruitment process, assess and confirm a potential volunteer’s suitability for the role they have applied for.
Where we rely on legitimate interests as a reason for processing data, we have considered whether or not those interests are overridden by the rights and freedoms of volunteers and have concluded that they are not.
St Mungo’s processes health information to see if reasonable adjustments can be made to support a potential volunteer’s application.
Where we process other special categories of data, such as information about ethnic origin, sexual orientation, health or religion or belief, this is for equal opportunities monitoring purposes.
For some roles, St Mungo’s is obliged to seek information about criminal convictions and offences. Where we seeks this information, we do so because it is necessary for us to carry out our obligations and exercise specific rights in relation to that volunteering role.
Following the conclusion of any recruitment exercise, St Mungo’s will keep your personal data on file for 6 months to respond to any questions about the process.
Who has access to data?
Your information will be shared internally for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes members of the Volunteering team, volunteer supervisors in the service where the role is based and IT staff and business insight teams if access to the data is necessary for the performance of their roles.
St Mungo’s will not share your data with third parties, unless your application to volunteer is successful. We will then share your data with relevant individuals and organisations (provided by yourself) to obtain references for you, and the Disclosure and Barring Service to obtain necessary criminal records checks.
Subject to the exception below your data will not be processed outside of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Your data will only be processed outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) in the following circumstances:
Where we need to obtain reference information where the referee is not based within the EEA this will require basic data transfer outside of the EEA. In this situation you will have provided the relevant contact details for the referee.
How does the St Mungo’s protect data?
We take the security of your data seriously. We have internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.
For how long does the St Mungo’s keep data?
If your application to volunteer is unsuccessful, we will will hold your data on file for seven months after the end of the relevant recruitment process.
If your application to volunteer is successful, personal data gathered during the recruitment process will be transferred to your personnel file and retained during your volunteering. The periods for which your data will be held will be provided to you in a new privacy notice.
Your rights
As a data subject, you have a number of rights. You can:
- access and obtain a copy of your data on request
- require the organisation to change incorrect or incomplete data
- require the organisation to delete or stop processing your data, for example where the data is no longer necessary for the purposes of processing
- object to the processing of your data where the organisation is relying on its legitimate interests as the legal ground for processing; and
- ask the organisation to stop processing data for a period if data is inaccurate or there is a dispute about whether or not your interests override the organisation's legitimate grounds for processing data.
If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact Maya Kotecha, 020 3856 6121, infosec@mungos.org. You can make a subject access request by providing proof of your identity and outlining the scope of your request.
If you believe that the organisation has not complied with your data protection rights, you can complain to the Information Commissioner.
What if you do not provide personal data?
You are under no statutory or contractual obligation to provide data to the organisation during the recruitment process. However, if you do not provide the information, the organisation may not be able to process your application properly or at all.
You are under no obligation to provide information for equal opportunities monitoring purposes and there are no consequences for your application if you choose not to provide such information.
Recovery College Digital Photography and Film Volunteer
- Southwark – Mondays, 1pm-4pm, once a fortnight
Recovery College Art Group Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. While sleeping rough is the most visible form of homelessness, the causes and consequences of having nowhere stable to live are often much more complicated. That’s why we’ve developed a recovery based approach for our clients, focusing on addressing the issues a person faces to help them move on with their lives.
A big part of this is encouraging clients to engage with activities, either in the accommodation where they live or through our Recovery Colleges. Activities are often someone’s first step towards thinking about their aspirations and going on to access services for employment and learning. As a volunteer supporting clients to take part in activities, you will be doing something simple that makes a really big difference. As an Art Group Volunteer you will be facilitating art sessions with groups of clients guided by St Mungo’s values. We believe that everyone has strengths, and you need to be able to facilitate sessions in a way that are inclusive and empowering. The ability to encourage and support homeless clients with no previous art experience is more important than advanced technical skills.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Southwark – Mondays, 1pm-4pm, 3 hours per week
- Hammersmith – Thursdays, 1pm-4pm, 3 hours per week
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. All of our roles require a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Oxford Project Support Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Join our team in the building based role at Oxford Outreach. This role is perfect for someone looking to gain experience in the sector or someone with great interpersonal and administration skills. You will support with the day to day running of the outreach service from their hub building on reception, interacting with our clients and providing admin and practical support to our staff.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Oxford- Thursdays, 10am-4pm, (Ideally weekly)
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. All of our roles require a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Walking Group Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Do you enjoy getting out in the great outdoors? Are you energetic and motivated? If so, this role may be a good fit for you! As a Walking Group volunteer, you will facilitate regular walking group sessions for our residents, guided by St Mungo’s values. This will involve engaging with our clients, discovering what places they would like to visit, leading the walk alongside staff, planning the itinerary (map reading skills are a bonus!), making posters, and using your natural enthusiasm to encourage clients to join you.
We are looking for someone who can help our residents open up at their own pace, focusing on their strengths and using a creative approach to meet our client’s needs. Apply now to support our client’s in their recovery journey!
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Lewisham- Mondays, 1.5-2 hours, 1 shift per fortnight (Ideally Monday afternoon, but can be flexible)
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. All of our roles require a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Creative Activities Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Can you help inspire our clients to get creative? We are looking for a crafty person who can facilitate creative sessions with our clients. We’re seeking someone who can support and empower clients through providing them with a regular creative outlet, and enable them to pick up some skills and tips on the way!
We believe that everyone has strengths, and you will need to be able to facilitate sessions in a way that is inclusive of all abilities. Working with the clients, you can design the creative sessions to meet the needs of the participants and take an innovative approach to how these are facilitated.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Lewisham, 1-2 hours per week (Mon-Sun)
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. All of our roles require a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Outreach Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As an Outreach Volunteer you will be assisting Outreach Workers to carry out shifts, adding vital capacity to the team, and enabling us to engage with more rough sleepers who have been referred both via StreetLink and those already known to the team. Our Outreach Volunteers work with the Outreach Worker and support with navigation, client assessments and note taking.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Bristol- Sundays, 7am-11am (1 shift per week or fortnightly)
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. All of our roles require a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Collection Volunteer (Bristol, Bath & Reading)
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Are you a sociable person that is able to offers 2-3hrs to helping end homelessness? Join our team as a collection volunteer and help us bring in vital funds, and raise awareness about St Mungo’s.
We are looking for volunteers over various dates from the 29th September (before World Homelessness Day on the 10th October) – 19th December at locations in Bristol, Bath and Reading.
To see all locations, times and to sign up, please follow the links below:
Bristol, Bath and Reading Fundraising Collection dates
Things to remember:
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Collection Volunteer (London)
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Are you a sociable person that is able to offers 2-3hrs to helping end homelessness? Join our team as a collection volunteer and help us bring in vital funds, and raise awareness about St Mungo’s.
We are looking for volunteers over various dates from the World Homelessness Day on the 10th October – 21st December at locations in London.
To see all locations, times and to sign up, please follow the links below:
London Fundraising Collection dates
Things to remember:
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Language Translation Volunteer (Somali)
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Do you speak Somali? Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents? As a Language Translation Volunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone for clients for whom English is not their first language. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.
In this role, you will be:
- Supporting us remotely (alongside other volunteers) to translate our Tenancy and Client Engagement Surveys into as many languages as possible to ensure our clients can read and understand it before answering
- Forming a ‘Language Volunteer Bank’ to provide ad hoc support for those who need it the most, usually via the phone
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Remote – 2 hours per week, flexible to work around own schedule, hours can be discussed and agreed at the recruitment stage
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Enhanced First Response Volunteer
It’s fantastic that you’d like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As an Enhanced First Response Volunteer, you will be working with a partner volunteer to look for referrals made by StreetLink, engaging with those found sleeping rough, and passing on information to the Outreach team. Enhanced First Responders play a crucial role in ensuring people sleeping rough receive vital support from the Outreach team to move away from the streets and get connected to other local services.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Bristol -Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6.15am-8.30am or Saturdays, 7am-9am (1 shift per month)
The attached role description will give you more information on the type of tasks you’ll be undertaking in this role as well as the support you’ll get from us in return.
Recruitment for this role may be closed earlier depending on the volume of applications we receive.
Things to remember:
– Please look at the time commitments and locations required for this role and be sure you are able to commit. This role requires a 6 month commitment.
– A DBS check will be carried out for this role.
– Please make sure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions here for new volunteer applicants
Can’t see an opportunity you’re interested in?
Keep up to date with volunteering at St Mungo's by joining us on Facebook.
Please note our volunteering opportunities are open to applicants over the age of 18.