Charity Shop Volunteer Roles

Join the Board as Treasurer at ScotsCare, a historic charity making a real impact for Scots in London.

Applications close on: Monday 24th March 2025.
Location: London EC1Y 2AJ
Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per month

About ScotsCare

ScotsCare has provided vital support to Scots and their families in London for over 400 years. Starting from our roots as a mutual aid society during the Great Plague, we have evolved into a modern, comprehensive support organisation offering financial grants, advocacy, mental health services, sheltered housing, and social programmes.

In 2023, we merged with Borderline, the charity for homeless Scots in London, to create a one-stop-shop of services for vulnerable Scots in London, particularly focusing on preventing homelessness and breaking cycles of poverty.

Our evolution from a traditional grant-giving charity has been transformative. We now provide comprehensive, wraparound support services that address the complex challenges facing Scots in London. Our work spans multiple areas of intervention: providing financial grants, advocacy support for navigating welfare benefits and housing issues, offering specialised psychotherapy services, including substance misuse, and maintaining sheltered housing across three London sites.

With an investment portfolio of £47.5 million and rental income from our properties, we maintain a strong financial foundation to support our mission. We operate three sheltered housing sites across London, providing 97 flats for those in need. Our volunteer programme, with 65 dedicated volunteers contributing over 5,400 hours annually, enables us to extend our reach and impact.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our mental health services, strengthening our family support initiatives, and enhancing our digital capabilities to better serve our community. Our commitment remains steadfast: to end the cycle of deprivation experienced by Scots and their families within a 35-mile radius of Charing Cross in London.

About the role

As our current Treasurer comes to the end of their term, we are looking for a new Treasurer who will Chair our Audit Sub-Committee and sit on our Investment Sub-Committee.

We are looking for someone passionate about supporting Scots in London, who is a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and has a strategic mindset. You will work closely with the Investment Sub-Committee to oversee our £47.5 million investment portfolio, which is crucial for funding our charitable activities.

Who we are looking for

The ideal Treasurer for ScotsCare embodies more than just financial expertise. You will bring a nuanced approach to financial leadership, characterised by genuine collaboration and emotional intelligence. This role requires a strategic partner who truly understands the charity’s mission. You will demonstrate an ability to provide constructive challenge, offering insights that support.

Communication is key, so we are looking for a Treasurer who is personable, approachable, and able to work seamlessly with our Chief Executive and finance lead. More than just overseeing finances, this person will be a trusted advisor who brings both professional rigor and a genuine commitment to the charity’s goals, helping to drive ScotsCare’s vision forward while maintaining financial prudence and supporting its important work for Scottish communities.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 24th March 2025.

Role context

Hi there, we’re a charity called Local Welcome. We support local people in joining together as a team of Leaders in order to run Local Welcome meals in their local area on weekends.

Local Welcome meals are open to all - they’re the sort of places where strangers become friends! Some group members will have been born in your local area, some new, some seeking sanctuary, or refugees. 

As a member of the Leader team, you’ll be supporting your group in cooking and eating a delicious meal from scratch. No cooking skills are required - our simple recipe steps have that covered!

The commitment

Location

In-person.

Voluntary

This is an unpaid role.

Time commitment

4-6 hours per month - this includes 4 hours leading on the day of the meal, and a couple of hours of prep and organising which is split between leaders before and after the meal. Depending on your leader team’s capacity, it’s possible for a very busy leader to arrive on the day and lead with only a small amount of involvement before and after.

Responsibilities

With the support of our small staff team, and the Local Welcome leader handbook, you would be working with your fellow leaders to:

1. Organising and facilitating monthly meals in your local area
2. Coordinating practical elements of running meals as a team - e.g. deciding what to cook and organising the grocery shop before the meal, ensuring the meal runs smoothly on the day, and sharing feedback with our staff team afterwards
3. Completing your own safeguarding training and a disclosure check. This includes committing to keeping everyone in your group safe by reporting any concerns accordingly on an ongoing basis
4. Keeping in touch with your fellow leaders and the Local Welcome team between meals - e.g. to share your availability for the next meal
5. Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for your group members and fellow leaders

Support from Local Welcome

1. Safeguarding training tailored to Local Welcome meals
2. Regular check-ins, support and guidance from the Local Welcome team - including an on-call staff member available for any support during meals
3. Access to our leader handbook, which contains resources and materials for setting up, running and growing your group
4. A Whatsapp group to connect with the Local Welcome team and fellow leaders
5. Opportunity to connect with a network of Local Welcome Leaders across the UK

Membership

Membership is for everyone who takes part in Local Welcome meals, whatever role you play on the day!

Everyone has the option of attending their first meal as a newcomer (for free). Afterwards, we’ll invite you to sign up as a member of your local group.

We ask our members to donate what they can afford to help us cover the costs of running monthly meals. Donations also help us keep free spaces available for group members who can’t afford to pay, and helps us become more financially resilient as an organisation. 

Learn more about membership on our website.

Experience and skills

We’re looking for leaders who believe in our mission, vision and values and are committed to helping us live up to them. 

Broadly speaking, our leaders are ‘help to organise things’ type people who can commit 4-6 hours monthly, and enjoy working in a team.

We believe our groups are at their best when our Leaders have a mixture of identities, skills, personality types and life experiences, so everyone can play to their strengths and bring something unique to the table. Unlike other traditional ‘leadership’ settings, the leader role isn’t simply for those who can speak the loudest!

In particular, we’re keen to find Leaders who have lived experience of forced migrations, who are people of colour, people who are LGBTQ+, people who have a disability and people from working class backgrounds.

Most importantly, all leaders must respect and value people’s differences and be committed to helping Local Welcome to be an inclusive organisation.

Values

Our values are not just a set of nice words we stick up on the wall, they are very important to us and we gently hold ourselves and each other accountable to them every day.

• Build open, honest and diverse relationships
• Deliver joy through service
• Think big and act long-term
• Be creative and take risks
• Grow and learn
• Have compassion and fun
• Build diverse supportive teams
• Eat together
• Tell the truth
• Be humble

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Ref: PAV-251

Are you a proactive, efficient and compassionate individual who is looking to make a difference?  If so, St Giles Trust is looking for a Pantry Volunteer to work at its Leeds Pantry, where you will play a key role in providing vital support to individuals and families on low incomes across the city through a membership scheme to purchase surplus food at heavily subsidised prices and, in turn, help tackle food poverty, poor diet, overcome health inequalities and linking in clients to other support services.

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key volunteering role

As our Pantry Volunteer, you will help with specific Pantry needs such as stock rotation, making coffees, speaking to clients, and making them feel comfortable within The Pantry.  You will carry out and comply with all health and safety procedures and policies, ensure all labelling of food items are correctly displayed and ensure any items are within the correct date for display.

You will be responsible for volunteering at the Pantry and providing support around deliveries and collection. The Pantry is a Social Supermarket which will support clients to access affordable and healthy food each week (for a maximum of six months). The Pantry offers both a responsive solution and a sustainable route out of poverty, ensuring people can access healthy food whilst getting the support they need. The Pantry is designed to look and feel like a regular shop but provides food at an affordable cost of just £3.50 per week.

What we are looking for

• Supporting the daily running and operation of the Pantry.
• Supporting the Pantry coordinator ensuring the shop is well-stocked, clean and presentable.
• To carry out and comply with all health and safety procedures and policies, including food safety and manual handling.
• To ensure all food items are correctly labelled and within the given use-by date.
• Positively supporting members and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• To assist customers to choose their shopping items and to complete simple forms.
• On occasion, offering meal planning advice along with recipes and food shopping tips.
• Helping to unload deliveries and ensuring food is correctly stored.
• Ensuring the Pantry always has a welcoming and dignified experience for all members.

Please note this role requires that successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi-heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Role Description for the vacancy.

If you have any queries, or require further support, please contact us via our website. 

Closing date: 03 April 2025, 11:00 pm

Interview date: 15 April 2025.

Background to the role:

Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness.  We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.

Availability/commitment:

· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through

· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours

Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:

· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].

· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.

· Support might include:

- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.

- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.

- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.

- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.

NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.

We will provide:

· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).

· Regular contact and support from the project staff.

· Occasional social events for volunteers

· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers

· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us

· An enhanced DBS check

· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering

Skills needed:

· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.

· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.

· Enthusiasm and commitment.

· A friendly personality.

· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing

· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.

· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people

· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)

Accountable to:

Keep Active Coordinator

Are you a UCL graduate who completed their studies at least five years ago? We’re looking for an outstanding UCL alumnus who is a bold and visionary leader in their field to join our Board of Trustees. You will help us achieve our vision of making sure our members have an outstanding experience during their time at UCL and at one of the best student unions in the world. We’re looking for an inspirational leader in a field related to one of our services or values to join us in our mission. That mission is to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for better.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the mission, vision and values of the Students’ Union and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose through our 2024-2029 Strategy, Making More Happen. The Trustees ensure development of, and agree, a long-term strategy and approve and monitor plans and budgets to deliver the strategy. There are five meetings a year, and as an External Trustee you will work with our Board and Senior Management Team to affect change and ensure everything we do for our 50,000 members is led by our values to be Community Building, Empowering, Inclusive, Democratic, Bold, Sustainable and Fun.

Applications close at midnight on Friday 4 April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Thursday 1 May 2025 and will join our Board for a four-year term beginning in May 2025.

Please note that this position is only open to graduates of University College London who completed their studies at least five years prior to appointment.

As a volunteer videographer at our wetland centre, you will play a vital role in helping us to inspire our visitors to connect with wetlands and wildlife. In this role you will be visiting WWT Castle Espie on a weekly basis to capture wildlife spectacles, species, visitors’ experiences and our volunteers for inclusion in promotional material online and on social media.

No formal qualifications are required but you will ideally be able to provide good quality examples of footage you have taken to demonstrate a high level of skill in any or all of wildlife, landscape, or people videography.

In addition, this role would be suitable for you if you:

• Have use of your own video equipment
• Are proactive in seeking out creative content opportunities
• Are patient and willing to spend time waiting for the right video opportunities
• Have a keen eye for shooting and editing interesting and inspiring video content
• Don’t mind working in all weathers and interacting with visitors, volunteers and staff
• Are comfortable with file handling and transfer between centres and HQ at Slimbridge

Currently we have six trustees and Chair who oversee our activities including a very experienced and qualified Treasurer and a trustee generating income mainly from Charitable Trusts. We have a paid team of 10 part time and one full time all directly delivering our services. 

We need someone who can publicize our five services to the local area and particularly attract more volunteers particularly for car driving. We are using social media, have a web site and use the local newspaper and local area magazines that also have web sites to exploit.

Our accompanied volunteer car driving involves taking older people to hospital, GP clinics, dentist, social clubs, to shopping. One to one befriending involves a volunteer visit to their home. Over the last two years we have taken on three new projects for older people, three community cafés each week in the Basingstoke area, a handyperson service and gardeners.

We have around 130 volunteers, 55 volunteer car drivers, accomplishing around 3,000 tasks a year and 50 befrienders. We ask for charitable contributions for driving and a modest charge for handyperson and gardening. We are supported mainly by charitable trusts; our costs are around £150,000 a year. Our Report and Accounts for year ending March 2024 is available through our web site and via the Charity Commission.

The driving service is organized by 5 part time paid coordinators working from a small office in the Orchard using phones, e mail and a client/volunteer CRM database. We reimburse drivers at 45p a mile for each journey they make. 

We are very well known in the Basingstoke area having been in operation for 27 years, gaining the Queen’s Award. We are a Strategic Partner with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Our transport service ensures older people with limited mobility and no local family can get out and about and reach activities that would otherwise be denied to them. Accessing medical services to maintain good health is essential with possible diagnosis and early treatment. Cafés provide a welcome break for older people to get out and about with entertainments organized as well as snacks. Handyperson and gardening enable people to live better and longer in their own home.

I can provide more detail to an interested person.

Peter Robson, Trustee

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.

As a volunteer photographer at our wetland centre, you will play a vital role in helping us to inspire our visitors to connect with wetlands and wildlife. In this role you will be visiting WWT Castle Espie at key events throughout the year to capture imagery of visitors for inclusion in promotional material for print, online and social media.

What will you be doing?

• Capturing images of the centre, its events and visitors.

• Receiving direction from the centre Marketing Manager and HQ content team as well as taking pictures whenever you find an opportunity.

• Working proactively with staff and volunteers at your local centre to capture key moments at events that would make engaging content for website, marketing materials, social media etc.

Who are we looking for?

No formal qualifications are required but you will ideally be able to provide good quality examples of images you have taken to demonstrate a high level of skill in people or event photography.

In addition, this role would be suitable for you if you:

• Have use of your own photographic equipment

• Are proactive in seeking out photo opportunities

• Are patient and willing to spend time waiting for the right photo opportunity

• Have a keen eye for interesting and inspiring photographs

• Don’t mind working in all weathers and interacting with visitors, volunteers and staff

• Are comfortable with file handling and transfer between centres and HQ at Slimbridge

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

As a volunteer photographer at our wetland centre, you will play a vital role in helping us to inspire our visitors to connect with wetlands and wildlife. In this role you will be visiting WWT Castle Espie on a weekly basis to capture wildlife spectacles, species, and wetland landscapes for inclusion in promotional material for print, online and social media.

No formal qualifications are required but you will ideally be able to provide good quality examples of images you have taken to demonstrate a high level of skill in wildlife or landscape photography.

In addition, this role would be suitable for you if you:

• Have use of your own photographic equipment
• Are proactive in seeking out photo opportunities
• Are patient and willing to spend time waiting for the right photo opportunity
• Have a keen eye for interesting and inspiring photographs
• Don’t mind working in all weathers and interacting with visitors, volunteers and staff
• Are comfortable with file handling and transfer between centres and HQ at Slimbridge

Please note, this role is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, Come and join our team!

The Project

Gurkhas have served the British crown for more than 200 years, with dedication and valour. They are hugely respected worldwide, but less known are their wives who are dedicated and brave, quietly supporting their husbands, raising their children and looking after their families. When Dame Joanna Lumley worked with HM Government to allow retired Gurkha soldiers and their families to settle in the UK, the lives of these women underwent a huge change. They found themselves in a new country, with a new language, customs they didn’t understand and a very confusing environment. A group of volunteers set about teaching these ladies a mixture of English and other basic skills in a nurturing and happy environment, raising their confidence, so that they could shop, visit the doctor, talk to the local council and enjoy their new environment supporting their integration into the community and life in the United Kingdom. 

We are now looking for a new lead to take this very successful project into its second decade. You will be making a real difference to the lives of those that attend our class and beyond.

We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

We are looking for a project lead to plan, support and facilitate the term time run lessons, working collaboratively with the existing team of helpers and external professionals to provide an exciting, enjoyable class providing language, skills and cultural education.  Also to provide a wider understanding of support available to the community and the ability to sign post and or refer to specialist support when appropriate. 

Key responsibilities

• Establish and foster good relationships with the ex-Gurkha Community, overcoming cultural differences and encouraging integration.
• Manage and organise weekly language classes with appropriate guest speakers when possible.
• Support, guide an amazing team of existing volunteers to aid facilitation of the weekly classes.
• Provide a lesson plan (Scheme of works) and supporting documentation on a termly basis.
• Signpost and support beneficiaries to additional sources of support as appropriate.
• Keep and Maintain records of attendance for reporting purposes.
• Raise awareness of SSAFA and the volunteering opportunities that we offer to the Nepali community.

The skills you need

Friendly, approachable, empathic Non-judgemental approach, great written and verbal communication skills, great organisational and administration skills, good IT skills, some teaching or presentation experience.

What's in it for you

An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others. Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team.  Access to a range of training and learning opportunities

An opportunity to gain experience and develop your knowledge and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS and completion of mandatory online training including GDPR and Safeguarding.

Disclaimer SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information

Time Commitment

Classes run every Tuesday in term time. Additional time for planning will also be required.