Volunteer Roles in Europe

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Wallingford
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

Bramley Elderly Action (including BEA and OWLS) is looking to recruit a Chair of Money Committee with finance expertise to lead their Committee and bring skills to support the further development of the Charity and its positive impact on older people in their communities.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

Location: Northwest Leeds 

Time commitment: c.1-2 days a month

Who we are.

Set-up in 1994 by local people, BEA/OWLS is a community-based charity with a small staff team and 200 volunteers, that works with a range of partner organisations, both voluntary and statutory, to improve health, increase happiness, and reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people.

At a strategic level, we seek to influence local and city-wide policy development as active members of the community and Leeds’ third sector. We share good practice whilst at the same time take learning from others.

About the role

The Chair of the Money Committee will bring their finance experience to strengthen the technical capability of the committee. As well as chairing the Committee meetings, Committee Chairs will lead on the strategic development of key finance issues.

Who we are looking for.

Applying your background in finance, you will have the capability to become a Committee Chair and lead the Money Committee. You should also be able to think strategically, challenge constructively and listen to others to ensure that we are inclusive and all voices are heard.

Most importantly, you will be a local person who is committed to helping older people live happy lives in our community. You will also have a willingness to invest the time and effort in delivering for local older people, which is important to us.

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 7th October.

Make a lasting impact on future generations and your community, by becoming a governor for your local college.

Peridot Partners have partnered with the Department of Education to revolutionise the education governance sector, by appointing 137 new governors to college boards across England.

Education governors come from all backgrounds and sectors with either professional or lived experience that can help the board to make their decisions. A passion for education and future generations is a must, but you don’t need to have any experience in the education sector to become a governor.

Being an education governor or trustee is a rewarding and fulfilling venture for any of us. You don’t need to be a Chief Executive, a senior leader or even an educationalist to join the ever-growing pool of people who regularly attend board and committee meetings to influence and impact the quality of education delivered by our schools, sixth forms, further education colleges and universities. 

As an education governor, you will draw on the professional experience of your working career and your own life experiences to support and challenge the strategic direction of the organisation. You will reflect on the lessons that you have learnt through education, work and life to ask questions and understand how decisions being made on an operational level will and could impact the students and their potential for achievement.

Peridot Partners and the Department of Education are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate(s) will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can see the available opportunities and register your interest. 

Help us create a world where refugees are seen for more than just a label, where their unique experiences and skills are valued o the board of The Launchpad Collective.

Location: Remote

Time commitment: 8 days per year

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

Who we are.

The Launchpad Collective (TLC) is a newly registered charity dedicated to challenging the systems and inequalities that prevent refugee talent from being recognised and valued. We are committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder refugees and asylum seekers in the UK from accessing meaningful employment.

We connect with third parties to unlock additional employability support and push for social change. Together, we open doors so that refugees are recognised as positively enriching society.

About the role

We are now a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and seek to grow our Board of Trustees. We are looking for individuals with experience in Finance, HR, Communications, Senor Leadership of a company or charity and Education (ideally Higher Education or Students’ Unions). Experience with ethical organisations like B Corps would also be welcomed.

We welcome first-time Trustees and those with lived experience. We are particularly keen to appoint a Trustee based in the Midlands or North of England, as we work nationally and seek representation in these areas.

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 7th October.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Canterbury area covering postcodes CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.

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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records 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

Join Ardgowan Hospice as our new Chair of the Trustee Board and lead us in our mission to become the best wee hospice in Scotland, providing exceptional palliative care with love, compassion, and innovation. 

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively in service of its vision and values. The Chair leads inclusively, supporting the Board’s work and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador and figurehead for Ardgowan Hospice.

Leadership

• Be willing and able to lead the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive.
• Support the Chief Executive by influencing our future well-being by having or developing relationships with principals in our locality in both the public and private sectors.

Clarity of Purpose

• Ensure the Board discusses and agrees on the strategy and core values of the organisation.
• Ensure that decisions advance the purpose, strategy, and values of the organisation.

Cohesive Board

• Create productive relationships with and among individual Board members.
• Create the environment for a high-performing Board team.

What are we looking for?

It’s essential for you to:

• Have a keen sense of strategic leadership and purpose.
• Have an inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Listen and engage effectively; be comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others while fostering a collaborative Board environment.
• Advocate; be able and willing to champion Ardgowan Hospice’s work through personal networks, social media and other channels.
• Be strongly committed to reducing health inequalities.
• Be responsive; as a small charity, things sometimes “come up” that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is, therefore, helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

It’s desirable for you to:

• Be passionate about Hospice and palliative care.
• Be familiar with local health and social care networks, and have knowledge of the HSCP/health care environment.
• Have Trustee or Chair experience, but this is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of Ardgowan Hospice, you will have a profound impact on the lives of patients and families in Inverclyde by guiding our strategic vision and championing our mission to provide exceptional palliative care. Your leadership will be crucial in navigating financial challenges, spearheading a transformative capital building project, and ensuring our services reflect the dynamic and compassionate ethos of our community. Join us in this pivotal role and help shape the future of palliative care in Inverclyde.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting Ardgowan Hospice with our recruitment. 

We are asking you simply to send us a letter that introduces yourself to us, along with your CV. Within that letter, we’d like you to answer the following questions: 

1. What is it about this role that excites you? 
2. What is it about you that makes you a great candidate for this role? 
3. Why Ardgowan Hospice?

If you would like to have an informal conversation in the first instance, please contact the TrusteeWorks team to arrange it.

About The Role

Our wetland centres shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about the amazing work  WWT does to conserve wetlands and species around the world.

A good cup of tea and a relaxing snack looking over our beautiful wetlands are an important part of that experience. Plus, all the profit from our cafes and shops goes back into funding WWT projects. 

We're looking for friendly, welcoming people to help in our café and make that experience a great one.

In this role, you will be:

• Serving our visitors light meals, snacks and drinks

• Helping keeping our café tables clear, clean and free for use

• Engaging with our visitors, directing them to our seasonal highlights and daily talks, helping them to make the most of their visit

• Supporting behind-the-scenes with tasks such as washing up and sorting deliveries - keeping us on track

• Helping with food displays- helping visitors to make those tricky choices!

Our café has an amazing view of the reserve and you'll be able to watch the seasons change whilst helping visitors to have an enjoyable day.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

If you have a positive, friendly and can-do attitude and are happy to get stuck in, always keeping our customers in mind, this could be the role for you. You'll enjoy working alongside our staff team, interacting with visitors and helping make their experience in our café a great one. 

A good general knowledge of food safety and hygiene would be helpful, but we’ll give you training and the information you need. 

Help/join us as a Legal Advisor/Company Secretary! Help us empower disadvantaged communities by ensuring our nonprofit's legal compliance, drafting essential documents. Be a part of meaningful change!

Setting up this nonprofit  is on an exciting journey to expand our impact and establish a strong presence in the UK. Our dedicated team of volunteers is passionate about empowering young girls and women through education. Since 2021 we have created a network of qualified volunteers who have taught girls, boys and women in Afghanistan in various subjects. we have run workshops, seminars and supported socially and economically disadvanteged students to have access to education.  As we have  witness the impact of our work we wish to set up a nonprofit organisation to support our efforts and expand our impact. 

However, we face challenges ensuring our compliance, opening a bank account and take first steps to secure grants/donations to fully set up our organisation. 

We are seeking a dedicated Legal Advisor/Company Secretary to support COEMPOWERED in solidifying our legal foundation as we work to empower disadvantaged communities. Your primary responsibility will be to draft our Articles of Association, oversee the legal process of incorporating our organization as a company limited by guarantee, and guide us in securing recognition as a nonprofit or charitable company.

Key deliverables include successfully incorporating COEMPOWERED as a legally recognised nonprofit, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal standards, and preparing us to open a nonprofit bank account and apply for grants.

You will work closely with our core team, including the founder and other management commitee members, and there is room for flexibility in this role based on your expertise. We welcome your insights on how best to structure our organization for long-term success and compliance.

This role is critical to our mission, and while we have clear objectives, we are open to your suggestions on how you can best contribute to our goals. Your involvement will make a lasting impact on our ability to continue empowering those who need it most.

Your Impact

Your role as a Legal Advisor/Company Secretary will be crucial to COEMPOWERED’s beneficiaries. We’re a small, dedicated team with a big mission: to empower those who face significant barriers to education, and your legal expertise will help us take the necessary steps to solidify our foundation. By guiding us through the incorporation process, you’ll help us become a recognised nonprofit or charitable organisation, opening doors to funding that will sustain and grow our work.

This isn’t just about legal formalities—it’s about enabling us to continue providing education and support to those who need it most. Your work will directly impact our ability to secure the resources needed to keep our programs running, whether it’s teaching young girls in Afghanistan, supporting disadvantaged individuals in Iran, or helping Persian-speaking immigrants and refugees. We are also planning to expand our activities in the UK ina year time after we have solidified our organisation. 

Your guidance will be essential as we navigate this important stage. With your help, we’ll be able to move forward with confidence, knowing that our organisation is on solid legal ground. This will allow us to focus on what matters most: making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve.

We truly believe in the impact of our work, and with your support, we can ensure that COEMPOWERED continues to grow and reach even more people. Your contribution will be significant, helping us build a strong foundation for the future. We’re committed to making this happen, and we’re excited to have you join us in this important effort.

If you're enthusiastic about giving girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure then you'll make a perfect Brownie leader or helper. Get creative, have fun and be an inspiring role model to girls and young women. As part of a team you'll be planning and delivering a high-quality programme of activities and events.

Brownies welcomes all girls from 7 to 10 years old for nonstop fun, learning and adventure.

It’s full of firsts: she might grow her first plant, cook her first cake, put up (and take down) her first tent, light her first fire, go on her first fun-packed weekend away with guiding friends. With a helpful hand from our encouraging volunteers, she’ll explore her creative side, get out into the great outdoors, and start learning to look after herself, others and the world we live in. There’s something for every girl at Brownies, and plenty of moments she’ll never forget. 

Why volunteer with Girlguiding?

Volunteering for Girlguiding is a great way of meeting new people and taking a break from your daily routine. You can also build your own skills by taking our leadership development qualification, becoming a first aider or qualified outdoor activity instructor. Whatever it is you’re looking for, there’ll be something in it for you.

Learning new skills is an important part of volunteering with us. 

· Teamwork - working in a team with other volunteers is essential to make guiding happen. Volunteers in all roles work together, from planning local meetings to joining with other units.

· Leadership - our volunteers are trained to lead others. This includes volunteer management and coordinating local guiding activities.

· Organisation - programme and event planning teaches skills from time management to budgeting.

· Communication - working with people at all levels develops confidence and communication skills. Volunteers also learn about negotiating and giving presentations.

· Specialist skills - from training and mentoring other volunteers, to fundraising experience and working with partners.

We have Brownie groups across the city meeting on various evenings. We'd be happy to talk through the options to help you work out which one works best for you.

Why do we need you?

Caerlaverock Wetland Centre is a spectacular 1,400 acre wild reserve situated on the north Solway coast. From dawn until dusk, from January to December, in fair weather and not so fair, its open coastal landscape and wide skies are full of the sights and sounds of nature – and very little else.

The centre is deservedly famous for its vast flocks of over-wintering water birds, including around 30,000 barnacle geese from Arctic Svalbard and large numbers of pink-footed geese and whooper swans. Summer offers the opportunity to explore rolling wildflower meadows, watch ospreys hunting over the Solway and even spot barn owls and badgers.

We are involved in the maintenance of this internationally important wetland site. This involves maintaining and developing the various habitats that attract large numbers of migratory birds but also help develop the reserve to increase general biodiversity.

What will you be doing?

• Maintenance of visitor facilities including paths, hides etc
• General habitat management work across a multitude of habitat types
• Maintenance of screens and stock fences
• Maintenance of bird feeding stations
• Maintenance of hedges and trees
• Assist with wildlife monitoring
• General visitor engagement
• Occasional assisting with management of livestock/visitor centre work

Who are we looking for?

• Practical experience on a nature reserve and good identification skills is desirable although training can be given
• Able to work alone or as part of a team
• Good people skills
• Confident with communicating with the public
• Good level of physical fitness
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather

How will you benefit?

• Training opportunities will be provided along with the opportunity to visit other WWT centres across the UK

• You will be able to become part of the small but friendly reserve team
• You may be involved in role specific training such as strimming and brush cutter.
• You will be involved in the workings of this centre and will therefore be able to take up any opportunities that become available
• Suitable uniform and personal protective equipment is provided to all regular volunteers
• Discount is available in the shop for all volunteers

Are you a good listener, able to show empathy and understanding as well as being able to spot the positive things in life? This could be the perfect role for you!

We are looking for volunteers who have a couple of hours a week to give on a regular basis to make friendly calls to people living with epilepsy who are feeling lonely or isolated.

“It made me feel like I wasn’t alone and has given me confidence within myself.”

You don’t have to have epilepsy yourself and your check-in calls don’t even have to be about epilepsy, sometimes people want to forget about that for a while and instead have a friendly conversation about what’s on telly, their favourite sport or their hobby.

You might be able to encourage them to get out and make more connections in their community but even if all you do is make someone laugh you have brightened their day and made a difference.

What's involved?

There is a DBS check to ensure we keep everyone safe and some basic training to enable you to get started. You’ll then be ready to start making calls. Calls typically last 30 minutes so depending how much time you have to give you can make a difference to two or three people a week, maybe even more!

Calls can easily be made over the phone or if you prefer over video call it's up to you which you prefer.

The role is flexible so that you can choose a time to volunteer that suits you. We only ask that you stick to that same time and day each week as it makes it easier for the service user to remember when to expect a call. We also ideally want you to be able to volunteer for at least a year so that service users have a consistent experience.

You’ll be fully supported by our befriending team and you’ll get to join our volunteer community with regular volunteer meet-ups. Our volunteer portal makes it easy to connect to other volunteers in your area or with shared interests and to be part of our volunteering community.

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have over 250 branches across the UK, all of which help our feline friends in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and staff, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

A bit more information about this role and the team

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 supporting other volunteers in their roles. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Strong interpersonal, leadership and people management skills
• Experience of promoting a positive team environment
• Confidence and experience of ensuring policies, procedures and processes are met
• Excellent communication skills with individuals and groups at all levels
• Organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and delegate
• Ability to think and plan ahead
• Patience and diplomacy
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are always available.

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.

What is the commitment?

Trustees meet online for an hour and a half in the early evening four times a year.  In addition, Trustees may choose to join in occasional meetings of Mentors to discuss current mentoring projects and any challenges that may have arisen.

Who should apply?

We would love to hear from people of all backgrounds.  It is important to us that our board has the diversity of thought to underpin good governance.  You should ideally live within Kent and the Medway towns.

The overall role of our Trustee Treasurer is to maintain an overview of Charity Mentors Kent and Medway (CMKM) financial affairs. Ensuring our financial viability and working with our Charity Manager to maintain financial records and procedures whilst supporting future financial growth and a sustainable income for the charity to function.

Please note that the Charity’s accounts are relatively simple and there are only a few transactions each month.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, duties of the Treasurer include the following.

Fund Raising:

· Contribution to the fundraising strategy of the organisation

· Identifying potential funders and or other sources of income

· Support the creation and review of funding bids

Operations:

· Act as a signatory on our bank account

· Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements

· Assuring that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs

· Maintaining a relevant reserves policy

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

· Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans

· Ensuring that there is no conflict between any finances held and the aims and objects of the charity

· Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission

· If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented

· Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Presenting accounts at Board meetings and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for a Trustee, the Treasurer should have the following qualities.

· Financial expertise and understanding

· Some experience of charity finance and fundraising

· Analytical approach to funding proposals and their financial consequences

· Some knowledge of the charity funding market

· A keen interest in identifying and pursuing new funds and additional income streams