Volunteer Roles in East Midlands

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, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Kent
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

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 come into contact with as part of our activities.

RSPB Brighton and District Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

RSPB Plymouth Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

We need someone to lead a group of enthusiastic people who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee things. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing people closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.

RSPB Pinner and District Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

RSPB Portsmouth Local Group needs someone to help plan our programme of talks. We can provide all the help and assistance you need, including a directory of speakers.

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in your community. It is an opportunity to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of your RSPB Local Group. We are a friendly and supportive team, so you will get the chance to build new relationships and meet new faces.

You will be leading the group in developing a range of activities designed to encourage wide participation from the group membership and to attract new group members, as well as heading the committee comprising individuals which assist with the running of the group and the activities which we run. You will have the support of Area/Country offices, and HQ.

We're looking for someone to help with planning, developing and sharing articles, news and stories from the group's activities and the RSPB, as well as drafting media releases for us.

Altus Education Partnership, a four-school trust in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is seeking two trustees with specialisms in HR or audit/risk join the Board. The ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience in their respective fields and be familiar with working in a strategic role. The Trust welcomes applications from all backgrounds but would particularly welcome applications from those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.

Trust Board meetings are held four times a year on a Wednesday, typically 5pm-7pm. Meetings are held in-person at the Trust’s Headquarters in Rochdale centre, although the option to join remotely can be facilitated in exceptional circumstances. Occasionally meetings will be held at one of the schools to align with Trustee site visits. The Trust board also have the following committees:

• Finance & Resources (four meetings per year)
• Audit & Risk (three meetings per year)
• Education Standards (five meetings per year)
• Staff Pay and Performance Management (three meetings per year)
• Governance and Search (one meeting per year)

It is expected that the Audit/Risk trustee will bring their expertise to the Audit & Risk Committee, while the HR trustee is likely to be asked to join Staff Pay and Performance Management. The new trustee would not be expected to chair the committee, although there is scope for succession planning if a candidate is interested in this opportunity. 

A full induction programme with meetings with the CEO, CFO and Chair of the Board along with a full training package will be available online and via local providers for the new Trustees joining the board. Successful applicants will also receive access to Governors for Schools ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning, devised in partnership with CST.

About Altus Education Partnership

Altus Education Partnership is a four-school Trust based in Rochdale (two secondary schools, one primary and Rochdale Sixth Form College). The Trust's mission is to build a family of inclusive academies from early years to 18 in Rochdale and its surrounding areas, with the memorandum between Rochdale Sixth Form College and Hopwood Hall College forming the cornerstone of the Trust’s strategy.

Altus has an 'all-through' strategy, with the vision of having one Level 3 provider (Rochdale Sixth Form College) supported by a number of secondary and primary schools that enable the intelligent sequencing of the curriculum from early years to age 18. All schools in the borough of Rochdale and its surrounding areas are eligible to work with the trust through memoranda of understanding, service level agreements, and, for those interested in joining Altus, through a trust partnership agreement. 

The trust is committed to working with Rochdale schools and regularly collaborates with local schools in various supporting capacities, such as the Rochdale Enrichment and Activity Hub (REACH) and the Children’s University. The trust is due to expand to five academies in 2025 with an outstanding primary school joining, and a number of other schools are in discussions about joining Altus. Altus also enjoys good relationships with Rochdale Local Authority. 

The trust has a dedicated school improvement team, which reports to the Trust’s Education and Standards Committee. Of the four current academies: 

• Rochdale Sixth Form College is graded Outstanding by Ofsted and is regularly one of the top-performing sixth-form colleges in the country. 

• Bamford Academy is graded Good. 

• Kingsway Park is graded Good. 

• Edgar Wood Academy is graded Requires Improvement. 

What difference will you make? What’s in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering on an academy trust board is deeply rewarding and impacts the lives of hundreds, even thousands, of young people. Academy trusts support schools to give children a better future. For young people to have the best possible opportunities in later life, it’s vital we have individuals with the right expertise leading schools and holding executive teams accountable. Becoming a Trustee is a fantastic opportunity to give back to communities by strengthening education.

Becoming a Trustee is also an opportunity for you to build your experience in strategic decision-making at senior level or demonstrate your ability to perform in a non-executive position as part of a portfolio career. 

All roles are volunteer/pro bono in nature.

Governing boards should represent the communities they serve, as well as wider society. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply to ensure academy trust boards are diverse in background, skillset, and thought.

Diversity is a powerful instrument for effective governance. Trustees are required to make choices that impact the daily lives of students, from school finance all the way through to staff recruitment and pupil admissions. We believe that true representation at board level enables all students to fulfil their potential.

Further Information

We strongly recommend that you review information about the trust both via their website, and also on Companies House, Get Information About Schools and the Schools Financial Benchmarking Service.

For essential reading, please visit the resources for academy trustees section of Governors for Schools website, where you will find the Academy Trust Governance Guide, Academy Trust Handbook and the free eLearning, ‘Becoming a Trustee’.

Job description
Fantastic opportunity to make an impactful difference in women and girls lives by leading our social media department and content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts, in addition to researching and creating creative content for different social media channels.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing social media posts across all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube,TikTok, and X.
• Develop new, engaging informative content to educate, raise awareness and prevention, increase interest, attract supporters and encourage ambassadors.
• Working in conjunction with the Operations Manager, be responsible for posting original, high-quality content (three times per week) to improve our brand presence, grab the attention of our target audience and drive engagement.
• Assist with creating our new social media strategy 

What are we looking for?

• Commitment and passion to advocate and fight to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking
• Clear understanding of social media platforms
• Innovative and creative leader
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing is also desirable.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Creative Skills
• Canva Experience
• Commercial Awareness
• Creating Calendar
• Customer Service
• IT Skills
• Marketing and PR
• Research
• Team Working
• Written Communication Skills

- Up to 5 hours per week (remote)
- We request a minimum commitment of 1 year volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a good cause that makes a real difference to lives
• Make a lasting impact in lives and communities
• Provide education and information on a topic where the silence needs to be broken
• Be a voice for women and girls who cannot speak
• Use and share your skills and gain new skills and experience
• Be part of a friendly team of people

Please note that we will request references.

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact? We are seeking a dedicated and efficient Human Resources Manager to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

About Us

Emerge Worldwide's work involves raising awareness surrounding some of the key issues that lead to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and its destructive consequences. The work focuses on prevention of the issues, victim identification and support through advocacy, public support and empowerment of communities.

We make an impactful difference in the lives of children, young people, women and professionals as well as organisations and businesses through education and support. There has been a 10% increase in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking against children, and 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are female. 

How you can help

It is a great opening to gain valuable experience in the human trafficking sector through Emerge Worldwide. As HR Manager, you will crucially ensure ethical, professional and effective management of volunteers and staff is maintained.

The positive impact of the HR Manager role ensures that the organisation can better serve its mission to combat sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers and staff
• Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practices
• Manage performance management and Development
• Provide guidance on employment law and HR compliance
• Foster a positive and productive organisational culture
• Deliver on training and development initiatives

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven HR experience (manager level desirable)
• Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for charitable work and making a difference in people’s lives for a great cause

Time Commitment

Up to 5 hours per week

What you will gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives and gain valuable experience in a charitable organisation
• Be part of bringing positive change to women & girls lives, and our communities
• Work with a passionate and supportive team
• Utilise your HR experience and skills in an organisation advocating for a great cause

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

If you're interested in using your HR skills for a great mission, we'd love to hear from you!

Before you apply

The recruitment process includes an interview, and we will request references and a DBS on successful appointment.

About:

Changeworks is seeking Trustees with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of the complexities of governance within the charitable sector.

The Organisation:
Changeworks has a long history of delivering significant impact. By working with individuals, households, businesses, and other organisations, it prevents hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions from damaging the planet each year.
In 2020-21, Changeworks’ efforts resulted in a reduction of £2.2 million in heating and electricity bills for people, alongside the installation of over 3,000 energy efficiency measures in homes.
Changeworks’ fuel poverty advice service also makes a tangible difference. Each year, it removes over 200,000 tonnes of lifetime carbon, creating a lasting impact on both people’s lives and the environment.

To learn more about Changeworks’ work, visit the website: Changeworks

The Role:
The purpose of these roles is to serve as statutory Trustees, providing strategic leadership, guidance, and governance oversight of Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations. Board members act individually and collectively to support the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring it delivers on its mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes and uphold its environmental and social values.

Person Specification
Senior Leadership Experience:
We are looking for individuals with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of the complexities of governance in the charitable sector. This could include:

- Senior management, executive, or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations
- Experience serving on boards or committees in any sector
- A track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth
- Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including but not limited to social housing, local government, or minority groups
- Strategic Growth and Risk Management:

Candidates should demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas:

- Driving or enabling organisational growth and development
- Understanding risk management in complex organisations
- Good governance in regulated organisations
- A proven record of success in purpose-driven organisations

Location: Remote (with occasional attendance to in-person events)

Hours: 8 Hours per month

Expenses: This is an unpaid remote position; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Closing date: 11 April 2025

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​Role Overview

​The Safeguarding Trustee will provide guidance so that Migrant Help meets all safeguarding obligations and promotes a culture of safeguarding at every level. They will provide expert oversight, policy guidance, and support the embedding of best practices across the organisation. The Safeguarding Trustee will work closely with senior leadership to provide oversight of the way that the organisation remains compliant with safeguarding regulations.

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​Key responsibilities

• Maintain an awareness and understanding of the Charity Commissions safeguarding regulations, responsibilities and safeguarding good practice through training, conferences and guidance review.
• Review the Charity’s safeguarding policies annually.
• Be aware of statutory safeguarding processes and policies, acting as a point of reference for the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as needed, and as assurance on behalf of the Board, for guidance on statutory and legislative safeguarding matters for issues in all four countries in the UK.
• Assess the monitoring reporting for safeguarding policy and procedural effectiveness from both internal and external reviews.
• Consider the Charity’s strategic plans and make sure they comply with safeguarding legislation and regulations specific to our activities, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charity Commission.
• Review the Charity’s risk register for inclusion of safeguarding risks with sensible measures in place or planned, including relevant insurance for trustees’ indemnity, providing assurance to the Board that safeguarding risks are being managed appropriately by the organisation’s staff.
• Lead on the standing action item at the Board of Trustees meetings regarding safeguarding.
• Trustees share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, ensuring the charity’s mission is achieved and its operations are effective. Trustees support the CEO by contributing to strategic planning, offering expertise, and working together to provide the necessary oversight and direction for the charity’s growth and success. The Safeguarding Trustee has the additional responsibility to fulfil this for safeguarding processes.

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The skills and abilities you need

• Professional experience in safeguarding children or adults, with a means to keep informed of current legislation and good practice.
• Ability to advise and support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Manager within the Charity.
• Act with integrity and respect when working with others.

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Mandatory Training Requirement

​The Safeguarding Trustee must complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

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Terms of Appointment

​​Trustees serve an initial three-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of a second term of three years.

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​Time Commitment:

• 8 hours per month, including:
  • Quarterly board meetings, preferably with in-person attendance.
  • Safeguarding Operations Group – monthly, via Teams.
  • Annual half-day strategy session to contribute to the charity’s direction.
  • Regular Teams/telephone discussion with the Designated Safeguarding Lead averaging half an hour a week.
     

​About Migrant Help

​Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential. 

​We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work. 

​At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

​Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process therefore:

• All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

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How to apply

​​To apply for this role, please click on the 'use this link to apply' button and complete the online application form where you will be asked to upload a copy of your CV along with an expression of interest letter.

​We particularly welcome applications from people with first-hand or indirect experience of displacement, either recently or in past generations

Sense College Loughborough is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways and work with Loughborough College, to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals. 

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed.

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College Loughborough Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.