At a Glance
- Tasks: Support advocacy, admin, and engagement efforts while gaining valuable experience.
- Company: Real DPO, a disability-led organisation making a genuine impact.
- Benefits: Flexible scheduling, travel reimbursements, lunch allowance, and professional references.
- Other info: Friendly, values-driven team with ongoing support and accessible work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while building essential skills for your future.
- Qualifications: Ideal for students in relevant fields or anyone eager to learn and contribute.
We are recruiting for three core volunteer roles lasting a minimum of one academic term (approximately 16 weeks) with options to extend. Applications open 1st December 2025 and close 4th January 2026. Start date: 9th February 2026. End date: 29th May 2026.
- Office Administrative Assistant Volunteer
- Number of volunteers needed: 2
- Commitment: 1 day per week (minimum), Monday, Wednesday, or Friday
- Location: On-site
- Key Duties:
- Answer incoming phone calls from members of the public.
- Log enquiries clearly and respectfully signpost to the right person or team.
- Monitor and respond to email enquiries using template responses or guided replies.
- Support the Office Manager with filing, data organisation, printing, and other administrative tasks.
- Assist with reception duties (e.g. greeting visitors, managing meeting spaces).
- Ideal For: Students studying business admin, public services, health & social care, psychology, or anyone looking to build core office and customer service skills.
- You’ll Develop:
- Confidence in handling real‑world enquiries
- Organisational and multitasking ability
- Professional communication skills
- Advocacy Office Administrative Volunteer
- Number of volunteers needed: 2
- Commitment: 1 day per week (minimum), Wednesday–Friday
- Location: On-site
- Key Duties:
- Support the advocacy team with data entry into our client case management system.
- Draft or summarise case notes and end‑of‑case reports (with training).
- Help maintain accurate records and contact logs in line with GDPR and safeguarding policies.
- Carry out light research tasks (e.g., signposting to local services or resources).
- Ideal For: Students studying law, sociology, social work, politics, or human rights. Also ideal for anyone seeking insight into frontline community advocacy or nonprofit operations.
- You’ll Develop:
- Understanding of how advocacy services work
- Legal and ethical data handling skills
- Insight into social justice work at the local level
- Engagement & Events Assistant Volunteer
- Number of volunteers needed: 1
- Commitment: 1 day per week (minimum), Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
- Location: On-site with some remote content development possible
- Key Duties:
- Help write real‑life case studies that highlight the impact of our services.
- Design social media templates using Canva or similar tools (training provided).
- Support the Engagement team with event setup, planning, and delivery.
- Contribute to campaign planning and special communications projects.
- Ideal For: Students studying media, journalism, design, marketing, or events management. Also perfect for creative thinkers who enjoy writing and digital storytelling.
- You’ll Develop:
- Real campaign and content creation experience
- Skills in digital design, inclusive messaging, and event planning
- Pieces for your professional portfolio
What You’ll Get From Volunteering at Real:
- Professional experience in advocacy, communications, admin, or events
- Reference letter and volunteering certificate for your CV or LinkedIn
- Flexible scheduling to fit around your studies or other commitments
- Ongoing supervision and support from Real’s Volunteer Coordinator
- The chance to work alongside a friendly, values‑driven team in a fully accessible office
- An opportunity to make a genuine impact on people’s lives
We don’t want anyone to be out of pocket for giving their time. That’s why we reimburse reasonable travel expenses and provide a daily lunch allowance for all on‑site volunteer days. We’re happy to arrange a friendly chat before you commit to applying.
Accessibility and Support: Real is a disability‑led organization. We are fully committed to providing accessible working environments, offering flexible hours and task adjustments, and tailoring volunteer placements to suit your strengths and interests. If you have any access needs or questions, just let us know – we’ll do everything we can to support you.
Location: Our office is located in Tower Hamlets and is fully wheelchair accessible. We are a short walk from Canary Wharf and South Quay Stations.
To apply for one of these roles, email Shirin Hasan at jobs@real.org.uk to request a Volunteer Application Pack which will include the full volunteer role specifications.
Volunteer: Admin, Advocacy & Engagement Assistant employer: Real DPO
Real DPO is an exceptional employer that offers meaningful volunteer opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. Located in the heart of Tower Hamlets, our fully accessible office fosters a collaborative work culture where volunteers can develop essential skills in advocacy, administration, and engagement while making a genuine impact on the community. With flexible scheduling, ongoing support, and reimbursement for travel expenses, we ensure that your volunteering experience is both rewarding and enriching.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer: Admin, Advocacy & Engagement Assistant
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer: Admin, Advocacy & Engagement Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Real DPO, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Real DPO.
How to prepare for a job interview at Real DPO
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Real DPO and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
