Volunteer Roles in Europe

At the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the organisation achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the Senior Management Team to enable the BDA to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to a cause that matters, ensuring we stay true to our mission and achieve our goals.

For full details of the role including key responsibilities, the skills we are seeking from prospective applicants, along with the anticipated time commitment, please view the trustee role description.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking individuals who bring enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication to the role, and who can contribute fresh perspectives to our Board. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas, and ideally, with prior Board experience:

• Dyslexia specialist within the field of education
• Special educational needs – research expertise
• Finance or technology

What’s in it for you:

As a trustee, you will have the chance to:

• Make a difference: impacting the lives of those we support and contribute to a cause you care about.
• Develop your skills: gain valuable experience.
• Network: connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.
• Personal fulfilment: experience the satisfaction of giving back and contributing to something meaningful.

Terms of office - Trustees are appointed for 3 years each, for 2 terms.

Equal Opportunities

The BDA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals and believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and help us achieve our mission.

Interviews - These will take place in November 2024

Location: ellenor Hospice Gravesend

Hours: from 2-6 hrs per week
Times: Flexible
Days: Flexible

Are you passionate about organisation and community support? Do you have a knack for coordinating schedules and managing teams? If so, we need you to help lead our dedicated volunteers in the Catering and Housekeeping departments at ellenor Hospice!

The Role:

As the Volunteer Coordinator for Catering and Housekeeping, you’ll be the driving force behind the smooth operation of our departments. Your role will include:

• Managing Rotas: Creating and overseeing volunteer schedules to ensure coverage and efficiency in both the Catering and Housekeeping teams
• Recruiting and Training: Identifying and onboarding new volunteers, providing them with the necessary training and support
• Supervising Volunteers: Offering guidance and support to volunteers, addressing any concerns or issues that arise, ensuring all volunteers are compliant with mandatory training
• Maintaining Communication: Acting as the main point of contact between volunteers and the department, ensuring clear and effective communication
• Coordinating Activities: Organising and overseeing daily tasks to ensure that catering and housekeeping operations run smoothly and meet the high standards of the hospice

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong Organisational Skills: Ability to create efficient schedules and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent Communication: Good written English, Confident in liaising with volunteers, staff, and management to ensure smooth operations, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the aptitude and ability to learn in the role
• Leadership Abilities: Experience in supervising or managing teams, with a supportive and motivational approach
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring that all tasks and schedules are completed accurately and to a high standard
• Previous Experience: Experience in volunteer coordination, administration, management or a similar role is preferred, but not essential

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Make a Real Impact: Your coordination will directly contribute to the well-being of patients and the efficiency of our departments
• Be Part of a Supportive Community: Join a team that values your contributions and is dedicated to making a difference
• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in volunteer management and team coordination

Ready to Lead and Inspire?
If you’re organised, communicative, and excited to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today to become the Volunteer Coordinator for Catering and Housekeeping at ellenor Hospice and help us deliver exceptional care and support to our community.

Please note to volunteer in the hospice applicants must be over the age of 18, have the right to volunteer in the UK and require a Standard DBS.

This is not a paid role.

Are you someone who finds joy in washing, ironing, and folding clothes? Do you have a few hours to spare each week to support a meaningful cause in your local community?

Location: ellenor Hospice, Coldharbour Rd, Northfleet, Gravesend DA11 7HQ

Hours: from 2-4 hrs per week between 8am -12 pm
Days: Weekdays or Weekends – whatever fits your schedule

The Role

As a Laundry Volunteer, you'll play a vital part in maintaining a warm, comforting environment for our patients and their families by:

• Ensuring cleanliness standards are met in the processing of laundry
• Washing, ironing, and folding clothes from our ward, adhering to hygiene requirements

About you

· A friendly, approachable personality

· Ability to work independently while completing essential tasks

· A caring heart and a willingness to contribute to a supportive, loving community.

Your dedication will help make a real difference in the lives of patients and families in their time of need. Join our hospice team and be a part of something truly special!

Please note all applicants must be over the age of 18, have the right to volunteer in the UK, and a Standard DBS will be required. This is not a paid role.

Location: ellenor, Coldharbour Rd, Northfleet, Gravesend DA11 7HQ
Hours: from 4-6 hrs
Times: Weekdays (11am-6pm) Weekends (8am-1pm or 1-6pm)
Days: Monday – Sunday, whichever days suit you best!

The Role

As a Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, you'll play a key role in supporting our team by:

• Delivering meals to patients in the hospice, brightening their day with a smile
• Keeping the kitchen and café clean, organised, and ready to serve
• Helping with washing up and kitchen waste disposal
• Prepping ingredients such as peeling and chopping vegetables, monitoring freezer stock, and ensuring proper food rotation for freshness

About You:

· Warm and compassionate personality

· Food Hygiene Level 2 or willing to undertake

· Physically able to lift and stand for extended periods, and comfortable in a sensitive environment

· Knowledge of allergens and nutrition requirements is beneficial

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us

• Make a meaningful difference in your community by supporting patients and families in need
• Gain valuable experience in a professional kitchen environment
• Join a warm, compassionate community that truly appreciates your time and effort
• Enjoy flexible shifts that fit your schedule!

Please note to volunteer in the hospice applicants must be over the age of 18, have the right to volunteer in the UK and require a Standard DBS. This is not a paid role.

If you're looking for a chance to join a close-knit board and executive team, where you can play an active role in grant allocation and help shape the charity’s strategic direction, this position could be perfect for you.

• Location: Meetings held in Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon or Wiltshire
• Time commitment: The equivalent of up to a day a month
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 21st October

Who we are.

The National Benevolent Charity is a grantmaker. We make grants to individuals experiencing poverty and to organisations aiming to relieve poverty.

We are one of only a handful of benevolent charities to which people experiencing poverty can apply directly from anywhere in the UK. Our applicants include refugees, women escaping domestic abuse, people from the travelling community, working families on low incomes, care leavers and pensioners.

Our grants to organisations focused on Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon, and Bristol. Our successful applicants include food banks, housing and homeless shelters, women’s refuges, and money advice organisations.

We ensure our grants are used to help people survive and thrive, live in reasonable comfort, and improve their physical and psychological well-being by providing home essentials, financial, emotional, and practical support, advice, and training.

We collaborate with other funders and referral agencies to offer the widest support possible and aim to be inclusive and equitable in our grant giving. In 2023, we awarded grants to 729  individuals and 42 organisations.

The charity employs three staff members, led by the Chief Executive, Ali Russell. Total income and endowments for the year ending 31 December 2023 were £ 867,742, with expenditures £1,108,271. Assets are just under £24m.

About the role.

To complement the skills and experience of the existing Trustees, we are looking for a new board member with expertise in finance. This board member will be a qualified accountant and hold a senior strategic leadership position as our new Finance and Investment Committee Chair. They will need to attend all Full Board and all Finance Committee meetings.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board and demonstrate the following personal skills and qualities.

• They must be willing and able to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Be able to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Be an effective communicator who is willing to participate actively in discussions.
• Have a strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Have enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Be willing to practice our values of collaboration, compassion, and openness.

This board member will Chair the Finance and Investment Committee and will be responsible for ensuring investments and assets are maximised professionally and ethically by:

• Having oversight of the charity’s Investment Managers.
• Ensuring robust and comprehensive investment policies are in place and being implemented.
• Assisting in the presentation of investments to the Board of Trustees.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Oversight of the Management Accounts and Budget setting.

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 at 9 a.m. Monday 21st October.

Person specification

• A commitment to Ashden and its mission.
• A finance, accounting or business background, preferably with experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience and good understanding of the role of a trustee, including an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Experience of financial management, risk management, budgeting and strategic financial planning.
• Understanding of audit requirements and relevant regulatory compliance.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to:

− Prepare for and attend Board meetings (usually four times a year including an annual away day).
− Chair the Finance and Operations Committee (also usually four times a year).
− As appropriate, depending on where you are based: attend our annual Awards ceremony and some of our events through the year.
− Liaise with members of the Executive Management Team on specific areas in which you have specialist knowledge or contacts, including joining external meetings as appropriate.

• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in a constructive fashion.
• Willingness to work collaboratively to find solutions to such difficulties as may arise.
• A commitment to the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

You may also have one or more of the following

• A good understanding of/strong interest in climate change and related matters, such as zero carbon energy, natural climate solutions or climate finance.
• Knowledge of UK debates relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and related issues such as the “just transition”, green investment and regulation.
• Knowledge of issues relating to equitable clean energy access or natural climate solutions in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
• International development experience in the not-for-profit, social enterprise, governmental or donor community.
• Good understanding/experience of social change/innovation.
• Experience of developing and growing new businesses.
• Experience in finance and impact investing.
• Fundraising experience, contacts and networks.

Trustee Responsibilities (Including Treasurer)

Trustees will ensure the proper management of Ashden in accordance with its charitable objects and charity law, including by:

• Ensuring that Ashden is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Ensuring that Ashden complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Holding the CEO and executive team to account for Ashden’s performance, effectiveness, and the proper management of resources.
• Acting in Ashden’s best interests, including safeguarding the good name and values of Ashden.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Contributing to the development of Ashden’s strategies.

In addition to the above, each trustee will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees may also help with external relations as appropriate, such as fundraising or speaking at events.

Treasurer-Specific Responsibilities

• Chairing the Finance and Operations Committee (a subcommittee of the board) in line with its terms of reference and delegated responsibilities. These include the scrutiny of financial and risk management by the executive team, and leading on the budget approval and audit process.
• Reporting the outcomes of Finance and Operations Committee meetings to the Board of Trustees.
• Making recommendations to the board on financial and risk management matters.
• Acting as the main point of contact between the executive team and trustees on financial matters.

Trustees serve for a term of three years which may be renewed a maximum of three times.

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.

We're recruiting for new members of ReachOut's Board of Trustees, as well as members of our governance committees. 

If you’re passionate about supporting young people from under-resourced communities to thrive, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d love to hear from you. 

We’re currently recruiting for the following roles:

• Trustees.
• Committee members for our Programmes and Impact Committee and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

For more information on the roles please download our information pack. 

Why We Want You

We are FARA. We have been around for over 30 years and have 40 Charity Shops across London. Our Greenford store as an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to come and help us. By volunteering you will be helping not only the work of the charity, but also creating a pleasant experience for our community of customers. You will also help us make sure the items FARA can’t sell, find the right home, maximising our contribution to a sustainable economy.

The Volunteer Role

The role will be but not limited to:

· Visual merchandising including window displays

· Greeting and assisting customers

The Volunteer·

Someone who has a passion for volunteering

· Someone who is friendly, approachable and enthusiastic

· A creative flare

What's in it for you

Our shops are run by friendly, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You will gain experience volunteering with a team that supports each other to develop, challenge and celebrate their contributions with FARA.  Full training will be provided.

Working timesLocation:

FARA Greenford UB6 9PR

• Shop Opening Hour: 09:00– 17:00
• 4 hours per week

Opening hours will differ slightly between shops but essentially they are all structured around a 4-hour morning and afternoon shift. However, shops will try to be as flexible as possible to allow you to volunteer when you are able.

DCF are a family-founded charity focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.

We are looking for a Trustee to lead on financial oversight of the charity, set up financial controls and processes and oversee our treasurer.  

Our board currently has six Trustees however, the two who oversee financial controls and treasurer responsibilities are stepping down in May.  We currently have a lack of financial oversight which impacts on grant applications and planning.  We have a need for trustees with specific skillsets so that each board member can take ownership of their areas related to the charity.  Currently our CEO has a very active role within Board meetings and would benefit from support from proactive members.

We would like to grow the Board to around nine members and create processes and procedures that diversify our income and sustainability. We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs.  

What are we looking for?

This individual should have:

Knowledge and experience of charity finance practices
Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification
Strong understanding of financial management and reporting
Experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organisations
Ability to explain financial procedures to other Board members
Experience of providing Governance to organisations 
Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to exercise good, independent judgement.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

The role will involve:

Supporting the Treasurer
Providing overview of income, expenditure, reserves, balance sheet, and cashflow
Recording transactions
Monitoring spend for various projects
Providing reports to the Treasurer and Board 
Forecasting project and operational spend with CEO 
Attending 'monthly' meetings (10 per year)
Providing information to HMRC and Pension providers 
Monitoring compliance with local accounting laws and regulations

Hours:   
Part Time – 3.5 hours a week on either Monday or Thursday evenings; plus, additional training/supervision as required 

Location:   
Bristol (we will also be recruiting remote volunteers in 2025, so please do get in touch if you're further afield) 

Details of role: 

If you are looking for a rewarding, meaningful role and a new challenge, this is the opportunity for you. Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for over 30 years and we are looking for new volunteers to help us continue offering these vital support services.

Our wonderful team of Support Service Volunteers provide valuable non-judgmental support to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds via our helpline, text, webchat, email and letter-writing services.

We are looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is personal and unique. We are keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable and open to new learning experiences.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self injury or mental ill health or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.  

You don’t need previous helpline or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.  

Why volunteer?  

• Participate in a training programme delivered by staff with a wealth of experience and expertise in self-injury and related issues  

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-injury, trauma, mental health, and many more topics  
• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at volunteer days where you'll receive additional relevant training  

What’s it like being a volunteer? 

• When you join our team, you’ll take part in our training course. The training is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work. Our training covers experiential listening skills, self-injury, supporting suicidal callers, understanding the impact of trauma and abuse, mental health awareness, and reflective practice.  
• You can choose which service you’d like to join and will receive further training in how to support people via your chosen platform. 
• Once you’ve started on the service, you’ll either answer calls, texts, webchats, letters or emails from people across the UK and offer them confidential emotional support. The work can be emotional but highly rewarding.  
• Each month, you’ll meet your personal supervisor for a free 1:1 supervision session. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and its impact on you and talk through any issues.  

What Happens Now? 

• Once you've filled in our Interest Form we'll contact you for a chat and to discuss next steps.
• We require all volunteers to attend our small group training courses, there will be a general skills training course followed by breakout groups. To learn the skills specific to your chosen service. We can discuss your availability when we meet.

Practical Details 

• Our main office is Central Bristol. There are good public transport links and parking nearby 
• We regret that the premises is not wheelchair accessible. We can offer our preliminary chat over the phone and discuss any adjustments we could make for more flexible roles. 
• We ask that volunteers commit to 6 months to a year on the service after completion of training. 
• Due to the nature of our women –only nights, roles on those nights are only open to self-identifying women and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010 

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role which will be paid for by Self Injury Support 

Closing Date:  
20/10/2024

Contact Person:  

Jess Puplett/Sian Rance/Modge Sullivan 

Help Close By is a charity which uses technology to fight poverty - connecting people with vital support in their area. Founded in Birmingham in 2020 to coordinate relief efforts during the pandemic, we've developed with focus on identifying people in need, supporting them and connecting them to services that will make a lasting change to their lives. Our next step is to roll out our app national-wide, and to encourage change with the reporting of real-time mapping and statistics.

Our Secretary of the Board of Trustees will support the organisation as it develops, ensuring oversight and scrutiny of vital decisions. Tasks will include keeping minutes, managing communication between the board and volunteer teams, and preparing all necessary documentation for the Charity Commission.

DCF are a family-founded charity focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and lead our fundraising approach as an organisation.  Our CEO currently has a very active role overseeing all areas of the charity.  We are looking for someone to take the lead on developing our fundraising strategy and submitting grant applications.

There is flexibility in how the role could develop and we would value your expertise in how best to diversify our income and sustainability. 

We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs. 

The role would include: 

1. Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the financial needs of the organisation.
2. Identify grants and funding opportunities and draft, submit and manage application forms.
3. Support the Income Generation Volunteer to identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners to expand our donor base and increase fundraising opportunities.
4. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, tracking key metrics and making necessary adjustments to improve results.
5. Stay informed about trends and best practices in fundraising, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance our fundraising strategies.
6. Maintain accurate records of donors, donations, and fundraising activities.

What are we looking for?

DCF are a family-founded charity focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.  

We are looking for someone to take the lead on planning events and managing donor relations.  There is flexibility in how the role could develop and we would value your expertise in how best to diversify our income and sustainability. 

We currently deliver services in two boroughs (Croydon and Merton) and have a 5 year plan to expand to four boroughs. The role would include: 

Work with the Fundraising Strategic Lead to develop a range of fundraising strategies
Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners to expand our donor base and increase fundraising opportunities.
Plan and execute various fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives.
Collaborate with the team to support creation of compelling fundraising materials, including solicitation letters, email campaigns, and social media posts.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, tracking key metrics and making necessary adjustments to improve results.
Maintain accurate records of donors, donations, and fundraising activities.

Do you want to help us end the abuse of animals raised for food? In this flexible role, you will create change for animals by attending in-person events and taking campaign actions from home at a time that works for you. 

Why join us? We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food. We work specifically on corporate focused campaigns demanding better welfare practices for chickens. This flexible and rewarding role is perfect for those looking to make a difference for farmed animals but without the strict time commitment. There are no set hours, you can get involved whenever you are free. Whether you're a student, retired, working full time, or somewhere in between - we would love to welcome you.

As a Campaign Volunteer, you will help us drive change for farmed animals by: 

• Joining us for in-person events locally, and nationally (this may include peaceful protests, public outreach and informal meet-ups). All relevant expenses will be paid.

• Taking part in campaign actions from home including writing emails and letters, making phone calls and social media actions

• Connecting with your MP to campaign for change

• And more! 

Gain fantastic transferable experience and build your advocacy skills in this flexible and rewarding role. You will be working directly with THL UK staff members who will steward and support you throughout your time with us. You will also have access to exclusive training opportunities to further your animal advocacy development, as well as a full onboarding process to get you started.

Our team is based all over the UK, so we’re set up to provide you with a great experience no matter where you’re based. We cover expenses to join us at in-person events, so you can be based anywhere and still get involved. No prior experience is required, we’ll give you everything you need. There is no set time commitment, but roughly 2-4 hours a month is average for this role, depending on how much you choose to get involved with.

Everything you do in support of our campaigns will help to reduce the suffering of animals who are on factory farms right now. Want to get involved? Apply today!

Disclaimer:

The Humane League UK is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunities organisation and welcome volunteer applications from all people, regardless of their race, sex, age, religion, disability, neurodiversity, orientation, gender identity or expression. We particularly encourage those currently under-represented in the animal movement to join our team – individuals who are Black, Indigenous or People of the Global Majority, a person who is differently abled, and people who are LGBTQIA+.

We endeavour to make all our events and activities as inclusive as possible, with accessibility at the forefront of our minds - not as an afterthought.

If you prefer to apply in another way, or you have alternative requirements you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to contact us - please find our email address on the Role Profile document below.