Volunteer roles in fife, scotland

Who are Open Briefing 

People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.

By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Briefing supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive.

Our dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing.

As a social impact consultancy, we provide professional support and advisory services to global nonprofits and foundations seeking to bolster their risk management, data protection, and staff care.

"To describe Open Briefing as a caring partner would be an understatement. They have consistently been at the forefront, providing invaluable support whenever we have faced security threats. Open Briefing has stood by us, offering bespoke services that have enabled us to carry out our mandate with confidence and timeliness. Their support has given us the peace of mind necessary to operate fearlessly and effectively." 

Phyllis Omido, executive director of the Center for Justice Governance & Environmental Action, Kenya and Winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize 

Protecting people at risk 

The need for our work has never been greater. At least 300 human rights defenders and 91 journalists were killed in 2024. Many others were arrested, kidnapped, or forced into hiding. 

Last year, we worked with those around the world fighting for human rights and social justice, protecting the environment and defending their communities, exposing corruption and reporting the truth, and advocating for women’s rights and reproductive justice. We supported organisations and activists at risk in 100 countries across every inhabited continent, underscoring the global scale of the challenges we face.  

The number of requests for our support increased by 20% on the previous year to 575 in 2024. This represents 11 new cases every week. In response, our international team provided over 6,000 hours of direct support, a 32% increase on 2023. Roughly a third of the cases that we worked on were with individual defenders or informal collectives and 33% of all cases involved those defending their land and rivers or demanding climate action. We also trained 1,014 defenders in 112 workshops.

“I came out of my work with Open Briefing stronger. I know that because of the work I do, the security risks I face won’t go away, but I’m not as fearful. I used to doubt and question myself, but now I know what to do. I know how to manage the risks we face.” 

Director, women-led human rights organisation, West Africa 

Our efforts delivered measurable impact. We reduced perceived risk by 15% and achieved a remarkable 25% improvement in individuals' stated capacity to manage those risks - significantly enhancing the safety and resilience of those we served. An inspiring 84% approval rating from clients and grassroots partners underscores the meaningful difference we made, reaffirming the effectiveness and importance of our work in this complex and challenging field. 

I fled into exile after being arrested and torture by police and people close to me were murdered. Open Briefing helped me when no other organisation could. I had lost hope, but their support saved my life.” Investigative journalist, Rwanda

The wider impact of our work was captured in an external impact evaluation commissioned by a donor last year, which concluded that: “The different issues around which the activists had sought support from Open Briefing were profound, serious, and challenging. The scale of the risks is such that it would not be possible for them to operate without this kind of support. The nature of the support that Open Briefing has provided is therefore highly important, and has allowed activism to continue in contexts where it might not otherwise be able to.” 

Becoming fundable and findable 

With demand for our support up by 66% in the past two years, we need to ensure that we have the funding and resources to direct our support wherever we are needed most. 

We are proud to have built long standing partnerships with a small community of foundations who have been crucial to our success so far. But we can’t meet the current surge in demand for our support without growing this community. We need more people to know about the threats facing grassroots activists, human rights defenders, and indigenous communities around the world. We need more people to understand why physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing is vital in helping them continue their work. We need more people to know about Open Briefing. 

“Open Briefing's expertise has been revolutionary for our organization. They have helped us develop the tools we need to better safeguard our team and respond to safety and security risks. All of this was done in a way designed for our organisation and considering our own limitations. Doing this kind of security work should be inherent to any organisation like ours that works in vulnerable communities and sensitive areas; however, it's not always within reach.” Dylan Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, Caminos de Agua, Mexico 

In May 2026, Open Briefing will come to the end of our current strategy cycle and will be looking ahead to where we need to scale our work and strengthen our impact. We need to make sure that we have the funding and resources to protect even more people, effect systemic change, and ensure the eyes of the world are on the perpetrators of attacks and reprisals. 

This means we need to be findable and fundable. To date, Open Briefing has largely operated behind the scenes, building a solid reputation as a trusted ally and critical friend to grassroots activists, movements, and foundations across the globe. 

Going forward, we must build our profile and widen our support base. We need to pursue innovative and creative approaches to communicating who we are and the human stories behind our work. We need to reach new audiences in order to engage and influence a wider network of donors, allies, and philanthropists across the globe. And crucially, we need to translate this work into new donations and unrestricted funding.

Key to this will be the formation of our first Development Board. We are looking to achieve a step change in our fundraising, help us build our audience, develop exciting communications and support us in ways we haven’t even thought of yet! 

Could this be you? 

• Are you passionate about bringing your skills, expertise, and networks to a dynamic global non-profit? 
• Are you excited about collaborating with us to help protect people and communities on the frontlines of the fight against social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis? 
• Do you have bold ideas for how Open Briefing could be more findable and fundable? Can you help us translate your ideas and our ambitions into creative, impactful strategies that could lead to new funding and resources for our security and wellbeing work? 
• Are you disinterested in ‘talking-shop Boards? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills, creativity, voice and connections in a way that will directly power our fundraising and communications work - making introductions to your network, brainstorming around key challenges, and executing dynamic profile-raising events and campaigns?  

We are looking for 3 - 5 people to join a dynamic, passionate and action-orientated Development Board. Previous experience as a Trustee or on a non-profit Board is not required.  We are particularly interested in people with experience from the following industries: 

• Communications, design, and media
• Technology
• Venture capital
• Strategy consultancy
• Fundraising, philanthropy, events, and giving circles.

We are asking potential members to commit to an initial one-year term and to be available to meet online on a monthly basis, with engagement between as necessary. 

If this sounds like you, please tell us what makes you excited about the role and upload your CV. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

We would love to talk! 

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.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Website Design Volunteer

We are seeking a creative and dedicated Website Design Volunteer to join our team at Center for Human Rights Research and Advocacy for Sustainable Development in Africa (CHRRASDA). This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute your skills in web design while supporting our mission to protect human rights, promote gender equality and champion sustainable development. Our vision is to create a world where there is nondiscrimination and equality for all. Our mission it to:

1. To promote/enhance and protect human rights, peace, justice and the rule of law.
2. To Promote Gender Equality
3. To promote environmental protection
4. To promote sustainable Development

Key Responsibilities:

Website Development and Maintenance – Design and update our website to ensure a user-friendly experience that reflects our mission and activities.

Visual Content Creation – Create compelling graphics, banners, and other visual assets for our online platforms and campaigns.

Collaboration – work with staff and volunteers to define the website’s goals, audience, and key user pathways.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in web design within a nonprofit environment.
• Opportunity to showcase your work on a meaningful platform.
• Recognition on our website and related publications.
• A written reference and certificate of appreciation.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Proficient in web design tools and technologies (HTML, CSS, WordPress, etc.).

✔ Creative thinker with a keen eye for design and user experience.

✔ Passionate about making a difference through your skills.

✔ Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

We are a small, friendly charity, run by four volunteer trustees and loads of volunteer fundraisers. We are a dynamic charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) based in Liverpool, dedicated to fundraising initiatives that create meaningful impact both locally and for baby and children’s hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Rooted in solidarity values, our work often aligns with principles of Islamic giving, including zakat, but is open to all who wish to give and support. On occasion, we co-fundraise with charities for Palestine.

We are seeking a volunteer treasurer to help us with financial management and reporting. Our turnover is less than £50,000 per year and we are therefore able to produce light touch accounts for the Charity Commission. We would like support with this, and with ensuring we remain financially compliant, as well as with ideas for sustainable fundraising. The trustees meet less than once a month and we anticipate a small time committment for this role. 

We are particularly keen to see applications from people who have a specific interest in health and wellbeing for people living in war affected states, especially Yemen; or who have a connection with Liverpool. We're a real passionate 'family' and look forward to welcoming a new member who shares our goals.

�� The Role

As our Volunteer Treasurer, you will play a vital role in supporting the financial health of the charity. You’ll oversee our finances, ensure transparency, and provide guidance to trustees on managing funds responsibly and in accordance with both UK charity law and, where relevant, principles of Islamic giving.

�� Key Responsibilities

• Maintain clear and accurate financial records using simple bookkeeping tools (e.g., spreadsheets or accounting software).
• Prepare simplified annual accounts and financial reports suitable for a small CIO.
• Advise the Board of Trustees on financial matters, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and budget monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and reporting deadlines.
• Provide guidance on zakat-eligible projects and ensure funds are managed in accordance with Islamic charitable principles where applicable.
• Help develop and review financial policies and procedures.
• Attend trustee meetings (typically quarterly) and provide financial updates.
• Brainstorm and share experience of novel and sustainable fundraising ideas.

�� Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience with bookkeeping, accounting, or finance (qualified accountant or qualified by experience).
• Familiarity with charity finance and reporting requirements (especially for small charities/CIOs).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Understanding of Islamic giving, including zakat, and ability to advise appropriately.
• Commitment to the values and objectives of the charity.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of digital accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Excel).
• Previous trustee or treasurer experience in a charity setting.
• Experience of fundraising.
• Based in or familiar with the Liverpool community.
• Special interest in aligned issues or geographies.

�� What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference through financial stewardship.
• Be part of a passionate and friendly team of trustees and volunteers.
• Gain experience in governance and charity finance.
• Flexibility and autonomy to manage your time and role.

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 12 May 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

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.

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.

RSPB Crawley and Horsham Local Group plays a vital role supporting the RSPB locally through a mixture of inspiring talks, guided walks and trips, and other events. This volunteer led group provides a focal point to meet friendly and like-minded people, while learning more about birds and wildlife. For the smooth running of the group we have regular committee meetings and you will need to:

• Take minutes at meetings of the local group committee.
• Disseminate agendas prior to meetings, and actions following meetings.
• Share other information among committee members before and after meeting.

You will be part of our team at a Challenge Event e.g. London Marathon and located on the race route. You will be responsible for cheering on and supporting our runners, cyclists or walkers, encouraging them to keep going.

Cheering at events is lots of fun as your part of the whole positive energy and event experience. It helps to lift the spirit of our participants so that they cross the finish line and feel valued for their efforts. Your time will make a huge impact in our participant’s challenge, and you’ll have a nice time while doing it.

What we are looking for

As a Young Epilepsy Volunteer Events Cheer Leader, you will need to have:

· Lots of enthusiasm.

· The ability to help make sure Young Epilepsy is the best cheer squad at the race.

· Good interpersonal skills: you will be talking to some of our incredible supporters’ friends and family as well as the                  Young Epilepsy team.

· Endurance as the days can be quite long, and we have no control over the weather. It can be cold and wet or                       extremely hot – this is the UK!

Benefits

· Meeting new people.

· Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience.

· Making a difference and helping to raise awareness of epilepsy for children and young people.

· Travel expenses paid

· Lunch expenses paid

What Support will I Get

Young Epilepsy will give you everything you need to cheer on our lovely participants. Whistles, bangers and even a free Young Epilepsy T-Shirt. The team will brief you on the runners before the event, so you know who you are cheering for. 

Where are the events.

We have events in Brighton, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Sussex, Scotland. You don’t need to be able to travel to all these areas. Just let us know when you apply which areas would be better suites to you.

How long would I be required at the event.

It depends on the event; a normal event day starts at 9am and ends by 3pm. This is subject to change depending on the event and we are flexible, let us know the times you are available, and we will try to make it work for you.

As part of our new strategy,  we are looking to invite people with some or all of the following strategic NHS/Commissioning skills on to our Board of Trustees.

• Significant & strategic understanding of integrated care boards (ICBs),

• Understanding of the NHS funding landscape e.g. commissioning and/or NHS Trusts , personal health budgets

• Strategic incentives within the NHS e.g. Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Health and Wellbeing Strategies

• The evidence and data that is important to the NHS when taking decisions on care pathways choice

You will offer your expertise and guidance in a period of learning, testing and growth for us.

You will bring your knowledge of best practice at both localised and national levels to help the newly formed Business Development team (focused on Music Services and Delivery) achieve targets.

Trustees on the relevant Committees (in this case the role would also sit on the Music Services Committee – MSC) hold the delegated authority responsibility on behalf of the board.Complete Trustee duties and role expectations are detailed in our Trustee recruitment pack.

Our groups are entirely volunteer run and led. They are in the front line of engagement with local people, with an extensive programme of walks, talks, day trips and indoor meetings for the group and members of the public. We're looking for people who are passionate about connecting people with nature and helping in the smooth running of the group. By becoming part of the group, you'll have the chance to use your existing skills (and learn new ones) to build the group and make it an ever more important aspect of local RSPB connections with people. The roles available will depend on the group and can include:

• Publicity and / or social media
• Website editor
• Helping with organising and running events

Being a community group, you'll also have the opportunity to make new friends, have fun, and know you are enthusing people about the joys of nature. All you need is a willingness and ability to help with one or more of the varied activities of our RSPB groups, and able to give a minimum of a few hours each month. We have groups across the UK (see our map to find your nearest group). Feel free to contact your local group direct or go along to an event or two to find out more. If you can't find a group near you and would like to help set one up, please click on "Ask a question".

Notes: This opportunity is not based on a reserve and may not include practical conservation work. It is also not suitable for work experience. However it can usually be customised to your skills, experience and requirements depending on your situation.

We are committed to better reflecting society within our workforce and are keen to encourage more applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and younger people.

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing, and taking initiative and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

Main Purpose of Job: You will be the main point of contact for the HR General Team, handling day-to-day management of volunteers, communications, and policy administration. Additionally, you'll support Talent Acquisition by screening CVs, scheduling interviews, and managing onboarding. This is a great opportunity to contribute to new HR initiatives and strategies.

Department: HR General

Division: People & Culture

Position Reports to: Chief People Officer

Position is Responsible for: No direct reports

Main Duties & Objectives
 

Your main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 

• Assist with the Talent Acquisition process by screening CVs, coordinating interviews, and managing the onboarding of new hires.

• Support the HR team with administrative tasks related to recruitment and employee onboarding.

• Assist in the development and implementation of human resources policies, systems, and processes.

• Undertake tasks around performance management.

• Gather and analyse data with useful HR metrics to develop effective action plans (i.e., employee turnover rates, volunteer satisfaction, retention rate per manager, etc.)

• Create strong relationships across the organisation and develop a network of contacts throughout your area and understand who the key individuals are.

• Update and maintain volunteer records when necessary.

• Provide administrative support to the Talent Acquisition team by screening CV’s and setting up interviews.

• Working with leadership teams on developing, organising, and implementing design models.

• Attend the HR General Team weekly meeting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Previous administrative experience in Talent Acquisition

• Proven experience as an HR Generalist or HRBP and be able to demonstrate your complete understanding of the position.

• Knowledge of HR processes and HRIS systems and HR best practises.

• Able to assist on developing action plans for the implementation of new HRIS systems, policies, HR strategies, etc.

• Excellent communication and people skills.

• Experience in working closely with business leaders and line managers to build their people capability.

• Able to deliver a high standard of work in a timely manner, within defined processes and with minimal supervision.

• The ability to keep sensitive information confidential.

• Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week 

• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment.

• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment.

• A committed team player with good communication skills.

Desirable

• Hold a qualification related to HR.

What ADC Offers You

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

• Professional learning and career development opportunities.

• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession.

• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world, that is changing lives in Africa.

• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise.

• We will provide work reference for you.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitmentatafricandevelopmentchoicesdotorg.

We are looking for someone with lived experience of accessing services provided by the wider psychological workforce. As a member of the Registration Advisory Panel, you will provide input on the service user experience of the wider psychological workforce. Members are led by the Chair who is responsible for preparing an independent report on an annual basis that will be submitted to the Trustees and will form part of the Professional Standards Authority annual accreditation renewal reporting.

In 2021 the British Psychological Society launched a new voluntary register for certain roles within the psychological workforce currently without statutory or other registering bodies. This important work ensures that these roles (currently Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Clinical Associate in Psychology, Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner, Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Education Mental Health Practitioner with a view to expand to other roles) ensures public safety, registrant accountability and a framework of fitness to practice including handling and investigating complaints.

The Registration Advisory Panel are responsible for strategic oversight of the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and reports directly into the Board of Trustees. The panel aims to hold the society to account against standards set by the PSA and its own policies on areas such as complaints, register developments, audit and accountability and reporting.