How to Volunteer with CoWL

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that CoWL achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that CoWL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable CoWL to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

After a recent Board Skills audit, we’re particularly interested in individuals with experience and knowledge in: enterprise/business development, community/corporate fundraising, and HR.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on CoWL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee CoWL’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve CoWL’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to CoWL’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in CoWL’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of CoWL’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect CoWL’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of CoWL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values at CoWL.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of office

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Time commitment

• Attending four Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are hybrid, held in-person (Livingston) and online

• Attending two Board Strategy days per year

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Hours: Up to 3 hours per week
Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

Note: Work will be undertaken on an ad hoc basis and may be out with normal office hours, including evening work.

Purpose: to help raise funds which will support the services provided by CoWL.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in fundraising activities

• Organising/taking part in events

• Assisting with community collections

• Selling raffle tickets

Personal Qualities

• An understanding and sensitive approach to the difficulties and needs of carers

• Outgoing and friendly approach

Support and induction

• Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator

• Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings

Desirable Skills

• Able to effectively promote the work of the organisation

• To participate in activities respectfully and enthusiastically being mindful that you are the public face of CoWL

• To adhere to the Fundraising Code of Conduct

The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

Hours: Up to 3 hours per week
Location: Sycamore House, Livingston

Purpose: to assist with administrative duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Shredding

• Photocopying

• Scanning

• Inputting Data

• Creation of CoWL cards

• Collection of feedback

Support and induction

• Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

Location: Sycamore House, Livingston
Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

Purpose: do you have green fingers? We’re looking for a volunteer to help us maintain the garden space at our centre.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Light gardening around the perimeter

• Grass cutting, weeding, planting

• Help to maintain an inviting and welcoming centre for the people we support

• Commit to regular upkeep, as weather permits

Support and induction

• Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

Location: Various
Frequency: once per month
Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

Purpose: to provide a seated massage service for unpaid carers

Duties and Responsibilities

• To provide seated massage therapy services as per their qualifications and professional guidelines

• Commitment to regular attendance

• To safeguard the service users’ and the organisation’s information in line with the Confidentiality Policy

• Agree to a Disclosure Scotland check, in line with PVG requirements

• Report any concerns to a staff member

Key skills

• Qualified Massage Therapist

• Empathetic nature

• Understanding of the difficulties faced by unpaid carers

Support and induction

• Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

Are you training to become a counsellor and looking for a supportive place to grow your skills?

At CoWL, we welcome passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Our project is led by a BACP registered counsellor and our organisation is registered with COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy Scotland).

As a trainee counsellor, you’ll offer therapeutic support under supervision, helping people navigate emotional and psychological challenges with empathy and care.

What You Can Expect as a Volunteer:

• A Warm Welcome – Join a friendly inclusive team that values connection and support.

• Flexible Volunteering – Choose times that work best for your schedule.

• Guidance & Growth – Receive regular support and mentorship from our Lead Counsellor.

• Expense Support – We reimburse reasonable travel within West Lothian and other agreed expenses.

• Community & Connection – Be part of a vibrant volunteer network. Enjoy social events, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

What We’re Looking For:

• Training & Education – You’re currently studying towards a diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification in counselling or psychotherapy.

• Client Support – You’ll hold sessions with individuals facing a range of mental health challenges, primarily in person. Experience with phone or online sessions is a plus.

• Ethical Practice – You follow the professional standards of bodies like BACP or COSCA, ensuring safe and confidential care.

• Risk Awareness – You’re able to identify and respond to risks such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts, following our policies.

• Supervision & Learning – You’ll take part in regular supervision (including with an external supervisor) to reflect, grow, and refine your practice.

• Confidentiality & Records – You’ll keep accurate, secure records in line with legal and organizational guidelines.

If you’d be interested in joining our programme, please complete the enquiry form below, selecting ‘Trainee Volunteer Counsellor’ as the volunteer role of interest.

Location: Various across West Lothian
Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

Purpose: to raise awareness about CoWL services for unpaid carers, young carers and disabled people

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist at Information stands either with a staff member or another volunteer

• Distribute information to key places throughout West Lothian

• To undertake tasks enthusiastically

• To convey a positive impression of CoWL

• Adhere to Health and Safety Policy

• To safeguard information in line with the Confidentiality Policy

Key skills

• A good knowledge of CoWL and the services that they provide

• Good listening, and communication skills

• Empathetic nature

Support and induction

• Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.