Volunteer Roles in East Midlands

NATAL CARES

NATAL CARES is a social enterprise which leverages on the power of Mobile Technology, Machine Learning and Low Cost Innovation to combat maternal and infant mortality specifically focusing on Pregnant Women, Nursing mothers and Vulnerable Children in Rural Under-served communities in Nigeria.

According to W.H.O, Nigeria stands as one of the world's most riskiest countries for childbirth, contributing to 19% of global maternal and child deaths. UNICEF reports that Nigeria loses 2,300 children under five and 145 women daily due to pregnancy and delivery complications, making it the LARGEST contributor to global under-five and maternal mortality rates. Our research indicates that a staggering 85% of this mortality is concentrated in underserved rural communities in Nigeria due to three major root causes. 

Video Editors

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

create visually appealing videos for social media and websites

Weekly Time Commitment

7-9 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Eco-Stylist

We are a go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands.

The fashion industry has a massive sustainability problem: less than 5% of clothing makers earn a living wage, 60% of clothes are made from fossil fuel based fabrics like polyester, and because of fast fashion, half of new clothes end up in a landfill in less than one year. Sustainable fashion brands are challenging these problems but “it’s hard to find sustainable brands and trust them.”

Eco-Stylist is the trusted go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands. Our Certified brands are different: 78% of our brands are making progress on living wages, with 61% already ensuring most of their clothing makers earn a living wage. 92% of our brands use a majority of more sustainable fabrics like hemp, tencel, and organic cotton. 0% of our brands are fast fashion.

We have a brand directory of 100+ certified brands, a marketplace of 1,400+ items, and a blog with shopping guides and educational content.

Blog Writer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

The Blog / Content Writer writes and publishes blog articles on a bi-weekly cadence. The ideal candidate loves writing and is seeking to build an online portfolio of their work. Topics include sustainable/ethical fashion, fashion, sustainable living, and sustainability research.

Prior experience not required but must have strong interests in sustainability, fashion, and gaining writing experience. Looking for entrepreneurial candidates who are extremely driven and self-motivated.

Benefits: includes mentoring. At the end of your 3-6 month internship we will assist you in your next career steps: informational interviews, jobs, letters of recommendation, grad school applications, etc.

Eco-Stylist is a growing startup and social enterprise, with a mission to make sustainable fashion the norm.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Light and Hope Initiative

We educate, empower, and restore hope to vulnerable communities in the Mathare slums, Kenya.

Our Challenge is Poverty. Poverty denies people of their basic needs such as; food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. It destroys hope, purpose, and self-worth. It infects hearts with isolation, apathy, dependency, disconnection, and addiction.

Our Strategy is Holistic Poverty stretches across the entire Mathare slums affecting almost everyone in this area. Its effects reach deeper. Uniquely connected to different causes, the effects of poverty are revolving—one result leads to another source leads to another consequence. Our consolidated strategy address brokenness in every sector of life to bring light and hope where none existed before. Every Light and hope program seeks to educate, empower, and restore hope to the vulnerable community members and set them on improved trajectories thus breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty.

GRANT/ DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Responsibilities: Grant Research & Identification – Identify and research potential grant opportunities from local and international donors, foundations, and institutions that align with Light and Hope Initiative’s mission.

Proposal Writing & Submission – Develop compelling grant proposals, funding applications, and concept notes, ensuring they meet donor requirements and effectively communicate the impact of our work.

Donor Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, grant agencies, and funding partners to enhance long-term collaboration.

Fundraising Strategy Development – Assist in creating and implementing a sustainable fundraising strategy, including grant funding, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving campaigns.

Reporting & Compliance – Monitor grant obligations, track fund usage, and prepare progress reports for donors, ensuring transparency and compliance with funding requirements.

Collaboration with Program Teams – Work closely with the program teams to understand project needs, gather data, and develop funding proposals that align with organizational goals.

Capacity Building – Train and support other team members in grant writing and donor engagement to strengthen the organization's fundraising capacity.

Impact Documentation – Collect success stories, testimonials, and data to demonstrate the effectiveness of funded programs and improve grant applications.

Innovative Fundraising Initiatives – Explore and develop creative approaches for fundraising, including digital campaigns, crowdfunding, and partnerships.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Why we want you
As branch treasure you will be key part of your local branch creating a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions and authorised payments.
• Providing and present reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s central office.
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system.
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review.

The skills you need

• Some experience of financial administration
• Great written and verbal communication skills

What's in it for you

• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

What will you be doing?

This is an exciting time for the Canaan Trust!

As the refurbishment works near completion on Aspire House to accommodate our new Female Project, we have started the process of appointing staff with the aim of accepting the first clients in January.

Our current Chair of Trustees, having been in post for ten years, has decided that now is the right time to step down from this role at our AGM in January.

We are therefore looking for the right person to lead the Trust into the future, to ensure that as we develop we are meeting the needs of both male and female residents while also supporting those in the community who call on our services.

Being an ecumenical Christian charity we wish to appoint someone who can demonstrate their commitment to the Christian Faith in their life as we firmly believe that Canaan is God’s project and we as a Trust are called to respond to the needs of the community.

What are we looking for?

The Trust is looking for someone experienced in organising policies able to lead the trustees in undertaking their duties as set out by the Charities Commission.

Being an ecumenical Christian charity we wish to appoint someone who can demonstrate their commitment to the Christian Faith in their life as we firmly believe that Canaan is God’s project and we as a Trust are called to respond to the needs of the community.

What difference will you make?

This is clearly a key role in the life of the charity. There are many challenges involved in helping our residents and those in the community. You will be supported by the current trustees who are totally committed to the work of the Trust.

There is in place a very experienced staff who often go above and beyond in their efforts to support those in need.

Time commitment

The time commitment is flexible given the nature of the role. The Trustees meet bi monthly for Board meetings with sub committee meetings in between.

Before you apply

The Trust has a policy in place for trustee recruitment and an application form. These can be sent to interested parties.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Recruiting Multiple Volunteers

Are you passionate about community building, travel, nonprofit development, and positively impacting the world?

Bigger Than Us Residency is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team in multiple roles!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Social Media Management: Work alongside the founder to develop and implement a social media strategy to expand the reach of the charity. (Potential to transition into a paid role once funding is secured.)

• Website Development: Lead the development and enhancement of our website, making it a powerful tool for the residency.

• Partnerships Lead: Play a key role in building relationships with funders, corporate sponsors, and nonprofit mentors. This position is crucial in securing sponsorships, in-kind donations, and guest speakers to support the residency. (Potential to transition into a paid role once funding is secured.)

• Fundraising: Collaborate with the founder to secure grants and develop a fundraising strategy for Bigger Than Us. This role is ideal for entry-level candidates or those looking to gain experience in the fundraising sector. (Potential to transition into a contracted role once funding is secured.)

We are also open to volunteers from other backgrounds not explicitly listed above. Additionally, we welcome volunteers interested in attending and assisting with the residency’s launch in Winter 2025. This will be an international opportunity, and we may be able to provide partial or full funding for travel based on volunteer time and role.

To get a sense of who we are and what we do, please visit our website (still in development). We aim to make history as the first retreat-style non-profit residency dedicated to supporting leaders focused on helping BAME communities worldwide.

How to Apply:
Please submit a brief blurb explaining why you’d like to volunteer and which role you're applying for when completing the quick apply.

We look forward to hearing from you!

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of the Secretary include:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Contributing to Charity Commission reporting
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately 1-2 hours prior to each quarterly meeting supporting with preparation. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Seeking passionate leaders!

Commitment: 3-5 hours a week at the beginning stages, and then 5 hours a month

Location: Remote (with potential in-person international retreats in the future)

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role:

Bigger Than Us Residency seeks dedicated Board Members to provide strategic guidance, fundraising support, and leadership as we launch our pilot program. As a board member, you will help shape the direction of the residency, oversee governance, and support fundraising efforts.

This is your opportunity to be apart of a brand new charity! With big goals and enthusiasm, we are looking for leaders who want to be a part of something grand, leaders who are looking for their next big volunteer opportunity with potential for paid work in the future!

Responsibilities:

• Attend quarterly board meetings and provide strategic input.
• Support fundraising efforts through networking and outreach.
• Offer mentorship and guidance to the residency team.
• Help develop partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Provide oversight on program development and impact evaluation.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or program development.
• Strong network within the nonprofit, philanthropic, or corporate sector.
• Passionate about supporting Black and Brown-led nonprofits.
• Willing to contribute expertise and connections to help the residency thrive.

Special Skills (We do not expect one person to specialise in all skills; please let us know your niche) :

• Report Writing
• Finance and budgeting 
• Website Management 
• Social Media Management
• Extensive Decision Making 

                      While gaining invaluable experience, practice your passion within real-life scenarios. 

Join a group who aspire to think big, have fun, and create work that stands out. We’re looking for a passionate dedicated individual to join our team, who will play a key role in the growth of our brand messages and visions. The ideal candidate will assist us to conduct research and gather information on various projects.

Responsibilities
Conduct relevant research, gather information on various projects
Write research reports
Working closely with the communications team

Requirements
Good attention to detail.
Strong verbal, written and organisational skills.
Self-starter, dedicated and willing to learn. 
Microsoft Word and Excel skills.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.
 
ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic volunteer team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand volunteer needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review volunteer applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Coordinate volunteer orientation, ensuring all are well-informed and equipped for their roles.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote volunteer opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

We're Looking for a Treasurer! ��

Mast Cell Action is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This voluntary role plays a key part in ensuring our financial sustainability, helping us continue supporting and advocating for the MCAS community.  The Treasurer oversees the general bookkeeping and accounting, acting as the primary contact for all the charities financial queries. As Mast Cell Action is a registered charity it is required that the Treasurer also stands as a trustee. The Treasurer will lead on all budget planning, financial reporting, financial record-keeping, and manage payments, with regular communication and feedback with the other Trustees. The Treasurer must have a strong understanding of basic financial principles.

Please note this is a voluntary role and works alongside the charity’s voluntary trustees.

Key Tasks:
Keeping and maintaining financial oversight
Processing and paying invoices.
Keeping accurate records of financial transactions.
Ensuring all cash and cheques are promptly deposited
Reporting regularly to the Trustees on the charity’s financial position.
Preparing a year end statement of accounts to present to the auditors.
Financial planning, including an annual budget and monitoring it throughout the year.
Reporting as required to all statutory bodies, the board of trustees, the CEO and operational managers of the charity.
Provide financial advice if required
If you're passionate about making a difference for people living with MCAS, have strong financial expertise, and want to help guide a growing charity, we’d love to hear from you. While lived experience of MCAS is preferred, it’s not essential.

For more information, please apply via this website