Volunteer Data Officer

SAPUK Data Protection Administration Volunteers Job Description

About us

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a non‑profit Community Interest Company founded in 2016. We support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is simple: guide people from crisis toward hope, help them regain their strength and sense of safety, and support them in moving forward with their lives.

We offer a range of free, accessible support services, including:

• Confidential online chat support for real time emotional support, active listening, and signposting

• Safe Spaces (online and in-person) where people can talk, decompress, and feel understood

• SAPUK Life Coaches who provide structured guidance, confidence-building, and personal development support

• A community Food Pantry offering essential items to people and families facing financial hardship

• “I Don’t Know Anyone Either” social events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people build connections

• Semicolon events celebrating resilience, hope, and community through creative and awareness-focused activities

SAPUK is powered solely by volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience, and a shared belief that no one should face their darkest moments alone. We work together to create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Job Description

SAPUK provides daily support through an instant messaging service operating from 6am to 11pm, Monday to Friday. With over 100 active volunteers, our admin and compliance teams play a vital role in keeping the charity safe, organised, and legally compliant.

This role supports SAPUK’s internal data protection, information governance, and compliance processes. You will help ensure that SAPUK handles personal data lawfully, securely, and transparently, in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who already has strong data protection knowledge or is currently studying toward a recognised qualification and wants to apply their learning in a real‑world environment.

Time commitment: 6 hours per week 

Location: Remote (UK only)

Essential Requirements

Volunteers must meet the following criteria:

Core

• 18+
• UK resident
• Must have submitted a cover letter and CV
• Strong written communication
• Excellent attention to detail
• Own laptop and stable internet
• Trustworthy, professional, and proactive
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Data Protection Knowledge

You must have one of the following:

• A strong working understanding of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 OR
• Be currently studying toward a recognised data protection, information governance, or compliance qualification (e.g., BCS, CIPP/E, university module, CPD course) and want to apply your learning in practice

Skills & Experience

You should be confident in:

• Understanding lawful bases, data subject rights, retention rules, and exemptions
• Recognising and escalating potential data breaches
• Applying data protection principles to real‑world scenarios
• Liaising with internal teams and external bodies
• Explaining complex requirements clearly to non‑experts
• Supporting audits, compliance checks, or policy reviews
• Understanding data security measures and access controls
• Managing data quality and correcting inaccuracies

Desirable (Not Essential)

These are beneficial but not required:

• Experience responding to SARs or other rights requests
• Knowledge of retention schedules or IG frameworks
• Experience in compliance, legal, or large‑scale data environments
• Understanding of cybersecurity basics
• Professional certifications (completed or in progress)
• Passion for mental health and safeguarding
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities

If you are passionate about mental health and helping others, and are interested in this

voluntary position, please contact volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk

Why Volunteer With Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC?

Make a Real Difference While Growing Yourself

Volunteering with Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC isn’t just about filling a role. It is about stepping forward when people need support most and gaining tangible personal and professional benefits along the way.

“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

Every conversation, task, and hour you give helps create hope, safety, and connection. At the same time, you’re building skills, confidence, and experience that can help you explore new careers or make a career change.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the willingness to care. We’ll support you with the rest.

Key Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering can give you:

• Practical Experience for Your CV – Hands-on experience in mental health support, administration, or chat support roles adds real value to your future job applications.
• A Step Towards Coaching, Counselling, or Career Change – Gain exposure to supportive conversations and mental health awareness, perfect if you are considering a career pivot into coaching, counselling, social care, or related sectors.
• Confidence & Personal Growth – Build self-belief by contributing to meaningful work and seeing the direct impact of your support.
• Transferable Skills – Improve communication, teamwork, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership skills that employers value.
• Networking & References – Connect with professionals in the charity and mental health sectors and receive strong references for future roles.
• Purpose & Belonging – Join a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive team, and be part of work that truly matters.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Training and Development

We know volunteers succeed when they are supported. That’s why every role includes:

• Free role-specific induction and training
• Ongoing guidance, supervision, and check-ins
• Opportunities to take responsibility and develop your skills further

No experience is needed. If you care, we can teach you the rest.

Well-Being & Support

Your well-being is as important as the support you provide to others. Volunteers have access to:

• Mental health guidance and resources
• Peer support and check-ins
• Wellness workshops (mindfulness, resilience, self-care)
• A safe, supportive environment where asking for help is encouraged

Career and Progression Benefits

Volunteering with us provides:

• Leadership, mentor, or senior volunteer opportunities
• Experience that strengthens applications for jobs, education, or career pivots
• Clearer direction for a career in mental health, coaching, counselling, or related sectors
• Opportunities to gain strong references and real-world exposure

“Kindness is a language that everyone understands.”

Is Volunteering Right for You?

Volunteering may be right for you if you:

• Want to make a genuine difference
• Care about mental health and suicide prevention
• Are looking for personal growth, experience, or to explore a new career path
• Value compassion, respect, and teamwork

You don’t need to be perfect. Just be present.

Apply and Start Your Journey

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers and would love to hear from you.

Next Steps:

1. Complete the application form and attach your CV with a cover letter
2. Review the role information
3. Our team will be in touch to guide you through the process

Questions? Email us at: volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk

By volunteering, you gain real experience, develop skills, and build a foundation for potential career changes, all while helping save lives. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.