- Location
- Wakefield and surrounding areas
- Vacancy Type
- Volunteer
- Hours per week
- 1-2 hours per week. This role requires availability during weekdays (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm). The exact time of appointments will be agreed together with the client.
- Application Deadline
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Salary
- N/A
- Job Profile
- Job Summary
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About the Refugee Council
The Refugee Council is the nation's refugee charity. For more than 70 years, we have supported people who have fled war, violence and persecution to find safety and rebuild their lives in Britain. Born in the aftermath of the Second World War, we have extensive experience helping refugees overcome the challenges of displacement and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Working alongside community groups, partners and volunteers, we support refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play an active part in British society. Refugees are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, purposeful and fulfilling life.
Working alongside community groups, partners and volunteers, we support refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play an active part in British society. Refugees are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, purposeful and fulfilling life.
Our Values
Our values underpin everything we do:Inclusive: We work with - not for - refugees and people seeking asylum, so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do.
Collaborative: Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform.Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country.
Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding.
About the Role
English in the Community volunteers support refugees to build their confidence and to integrate into the local community and work towards self-reliance. The English in the Community programme materials provide a framework to follow but this can be flexible according to the needs of the client. The role requires creativity to make the materials engaging and accessible for clients. The sessions can include visits to various places such as libraries and community groups, and the volunteers will ensure that the refugees are comfortable and safe throughout.
Who we're looking for
You will have:
- Experience of taking part in or organising community activities would be desirable but not essential.
- Experience working with individuals who have a low level of proficiency in the English language is desirable but not essential.
- Excellent listening skills and the ability to empathise as well as establishing boundaries to avoid emotional over-involvement
- Great communication and interpersonal skills
- Proactive and takes initiative; organised
How we support our volunteers
Volunteers are valued members of our teams, and we provide them with support and development opportunities. Volunteers will receive regular planned support sessions with their supervisors. Refugee Council allows volunteers to attend our professional training courses when needed for the role, free of charge. Training will be discussed with you during support sessions with your supervisor.
Volunteers will be given an IT account, a Refugee Council email address, access to our Hub and online courses whilst volunteering with us. Equipment will be provided as and when needed for the role. Through sponsorship from the Marsh Charitable Trust, Refugee Council also provides volunteers with the opportunity to design and set-up a new service for new clients. There will be an opportunity to discuss this with your supervisor.
Volunteer roles are unpaid, but we will reimburse volunteers for lunch and travel costs according to our expense policy. (Unfortunately, our limited budget only allows for local travelling costs.)
If you would like more information about the role, please contact Olivi Snooka on 07570 721367 or Olivia.Snook@refugeecouncil.org.uk
English in the Community Volunteer in Wakefield employer: Refugee Council
The Refugee Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training opportunities, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and policies that promote work-life balance, ensuring our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles. By joining us, you will be part of a collaborative team that stands up for justice and makes a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers across the UK.
