Can volunteering lead to paid work?

Absolutely. Many of our current staff members first joined LHA as volunteers, and we have some wonderful success stories of volunteers progressing into paid roles across the organisation.

Over the years, volunteers have gone on to become Team Members, Assistant Managers, and House Managers, steadily growing within the organisation through their experience and commitment. Some volunteers have also explored opportunities within our Central Office teams.

Please note that any volunteer wishing to move into a paid role must have the appropriate Right to Work in the UK. Most paid positions within LHA are full-time roles, although some positions, such as certain Night Porter roles, may occasionally be offered on a part-time basis depending on operational requirements.

Volunteering can therefore be a fantastic way to gain experience within hospitality, customer service, operations, and charity environments, while also developing a strong understanding of LHA’s values, culture, and community.

Even if your future career takes you beyond LHA, the experience gained through volunteering can provide a wealth of transferable skills that are valued by employers across many sectors. Depending on the role, volunteers often develop skills in communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, time management, conflict resolution, adaptability, organisation, and contributing within diverse communities.

Many volunteers also find that living and volunteering alongside people from different backgrounds helps build confidence, cultural awareness, resilience, and independence. These are all valuable qualities that can support future employment, education, and personal development opportunities.

Whether your goal is to build a career within LHA, gain practical experience for your CV, improve your confidence, or simply contribute to a meaningful cause, volunteering can be an excellent stepping stone towards future opportunities.