Volunteer roles in merseyside

The Student Publication Association (SPA) is recruiting charity trustees to assist its work in advancing the education of student journalists across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

As a small, student-led charity, we support more than 330 member publications around the UK and Republic of Ireland, offering advice, training, and recognition at both our regional and national awards.

Our trustee board plays a vital role in our governance, ensuring that we remain within the boundaries of charity law, protecting the charity’s long-term stability, and supporting our student executives.

For this round of applications, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants with expertise relevant to the journalism industry.

No previous experience in journalism or as a charity trustee is required — but we do ask that you share our commitment to the advancement of student journalism.

We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but isn’t limited to BAME, LGBTQI+, disabled, and care-experienced communities.

About The Role

As a small volunteer-run charity, we anticipate the role would take up an average of 1-2 hours a week, although this may increase during busier periods for the SPA, such as around our annual national conference (SPANC).

As a trustee, you will be a collaborative and supportive team player who will:

• Attend monthly oversight meetings with the executive committee and other trustees;
• Attend other meetings and 1-2-1s as needed on an ad hoc basis;
• Offer guidance and support to the executive committee throughout the year to help them achieve their goals, particularly in your area of expertise;
• Ensure that the charity is carrying out its core purpose, that resources are managed responsibly, and that activities comply with our governing documents;
• Support the delivery of our national conference, including attendance at the weekend itself during the Easter university holidays;
• Where possible, attend our induction day, for new executive members each year.

This is a volunteer role, but all reasonable expenses will be covered. The term for these appointments will be three years.

You will be part of a trustee board of ten people; four elected trustees, four appointed trustees, and two ex-officio trustees from our student-led executive committee.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.

We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.

We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.

We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:

• Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
• The arts / music in particular
• Fundraising
• Law
• The Criminal Justice System
• Business development
• Financial management
• Strategy

In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning. 

This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.

To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.

To apply please send a CV and Cover Letter.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

Have you been volunteering with RNIB for at least 6 months? Would you like to share your experiences as a volunteer? You can play a key role to help us shape our understanding of volunteer expectations and the way in which we can meet and exceed them. You'll meet with the volunteering team and other advisory council members to provide advice and opinion based on your experience to inform development of our work. This role is available to current active RNIB volunteers only. Volunteers can only serve one term on the council to allow a wide variety of representation.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook. In this role you will be: • Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join. • Creating a warm and welcoming environment. • Supporting group conversations. • Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group. • Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. •  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Location

Region

• Wales

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Ceredigion, Torfaen, Glamorgan, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) is seeking two dedicated Lay Trustees to join our esteemed Board of Trustees. This is a unique chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic, student-led charity based in the picturesque setting of Cornwall.

Why Become a Lay Trustee?

As a Lay Trustee, you will have the rewarding experience of shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the student experience. This role offers the chance to:

- Make a Lasting Impact: Influence key decisions and policies that directly affect students’ lives.

- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide and support President and Student Trustees, fostering a culture of student leadership.

- Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and charity operations.

- Networking: Collaborate with a diverse board, including recent graduates and current students, in a vibrant and evolving sector.

Role Overview:

Lay Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of The SU. You will be involved in finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan and the quintennial review of our Constitution. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities:

- Ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and governing documents.

- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the organisation’s strategy.

- Safeguard the financial stability and assets of The SU.

- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.

- Provide mentorship to President and Student Trustees.

Skills and Experience:

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

- Finance

- Higher Education

- Human Resources

- Charity or Employment Law

Essential Attributes:

- Commitment to The SU’s mission and values.

- Strategic vision and independent judgement.

- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.

- Understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship.

Commitment:

- Four Board meetings per year (online).

- Additional sub-committee meetings (online).

- One or two in-person events in Cornwall annually (expenses paid).

How to Apply:

Submit your CV, a covering letter, and the completed Person Details form and Skills Audit spreadsheet: by 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will be conducted online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, with an additional slot on Thursday 22 May if needed.

Join us in creating a world-class student experience. Apply today and help shape the future of The SU!

Contract: Volunteer

Hours: Up to 4 hours per month

Could you befriend and support a child in care?

We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Stockport!

About the Role

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.

Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.

Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Please mark any questions as N/A if they seem irrelevant to the Independent Visitor role.

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No.312278.

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees.  We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:

· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work

· Developing our campaigning and strategic work

· Building up our social media and comms presence

· Stepping up our fundraising game

If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Volunteer Helpline Advisor – Role Description 

Purpose of role:

As a Volunteer Helpline Advisor, responding to Helpline enquiries from parents and carers, you will be playing a part in helping ERIC to achieve its key goal of reaching even more families.

You will work remotely, with equipment and training provided.

If you are passionate about helping to improve the lives of families whose children are affected by continence issues, and can commit your time on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Terms:

Due to the nature of the work, our helpline volunteers are continence nurses or qualified healthcare professsionals.Volunteer sessions are a full day of 5 hours, on the same day each week, please note that currently we need more volunteers on Mondays & Tuesdays only. We ask volunteers to commit to this regular weekly pattern, ideally for a period of one year or more. This helps to maintain consistency and a high standard of professional practice. 

Expenses may be paid, subject to agreement in advance . 

Tasks could include:  

· Answering calls on the Helpline

· Signposting to information on our website

· Responding to & following up enquiries by email  

· Entering information onto our IT system

Skills and qualities:

· Professional qualification and/or clinical experience

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Friendly and positive with a can-do attitude

· Well organised with good time management skills

· Empathetic and non-judgmental

· Able to use standard IT packages including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook)

· Able to follow ERIC’s policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality 

· Willing to continuously develop professional practice.

Dreams Come True – Chair of Board of Trustees

Terms: This is a voluntary role and is therefore unremunerated

Length of tenure: The Chair’s tenure is for an initial period of three years.

Dreams Come True, a national charity which creates life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions and who live in social deprivation, is seeking a new Chair for their board of trustees.

For over 30 years, Dreams Come True has been transforming lives through their unique mission and dream programme, bringing joy and lasting impact to thousands of children every year from the UK’s most socially deprived areas who have serious illnesses, life-limiting conditions or disabilities.

The charity helps to transform individual and community dreams into reality, and is committed to scaling up their work by forging new partnerships, innovating their fundraising approaches and enhancing the dream programmes to ensure that every dream granted has a lasting and transformative impact. They are now seeking a new Chair to help lead them into the next chapter of this journey to broaden reach and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and visionary individual with proven leadership skills and the ability to guide the board and executive team in achieving strategic objectives.  The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a charity board, either as a Chair or as a trustee, with a personal empathy to the mission of Dreams Come True. They will also bring strategic oversight and governance expertise, and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and well-established networks would be highly desirable. A solid understanding of finances, particularly within the charity sector, to support sustainability and growth will be essential, alongside strong diplomacy, interpersonal and negotiation skills. They will also need to understand the challenges and opportunities of a growing charity.

The new Chair will work closely with the CEO and a talented and committed board of trustees to ensure the charity continues to deliver life-changing dreams, builds on their successes and looks to the future with ambition and optimism.

Please click through to access and download our Candidate Pack for more information [PDF] including application details.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31st March, 9am GMT.
 

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

Passionate about animal welfare? Bring your expertise to our Board.

Our mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats today and avoid harm tomorrow.
The Edgard & Cooper Foundation exists to end the suffering of dogs and cats.
To realise our mission, we work in partnership with projects that meet our three key goals:

1. Stop the avoidable suffering of dogs and cats
2. Help people understand what dogs and cats need
3. Champion the legal protection of dogs and cats

Since the start of our operations in 2016, The Edgard & Cooper Foundation has worked hard to reach its full potential but we need your help. We see the need to bring a new Trustee to the Board, with a background in legal or governance and animal welfare to help us continuously improve and further our impact.

Edgard & Cooper and the Foundation

The Edgard & Cooper Foundation operates as a distinct and independent entity from Edgard & Cooper, the pet food brand. While both share a deep commitment to improving the lives of dogs and cats, the Foundation is solely dedicated to philanthropic efforts, focusing on funding impactful animal welfare initiatives worldwide. Since our inception, we have provided financial support to 22 projects in 16 countries, with a total funding commitment of €3,303,869. In 2024, we donated €770,000 to partners addressing animal welfare, education, and legal protection.

Person Specification

It’s essential to us that all persons involved with The Edgard & Cooper Foundation in any capacity have a genuine passion for the welfare of all animals, and fully support our mission and values.
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise and experience in:

• Animal welfare issues faced by dogs and cats, and their possible solutions locally and globally, to enhance impact.
• Legal, compliance, and risk management to ensure strong charitable governance.
• Previous Board Trustee experience, ideally within animal welfare philanthropy or related causes.

Trustee Responsibilities

• Developing and upholding the mission and values of The Edgard & Cooper Foundation.
• Strategic input on our Theory of Change model and setting our goals and key priorities.
• Expert input on decision-making and evaluation of partners and grant-making activities.
• Ensuring legal, compliance, and risk management best practices are integrated into all Foundation activities.
• Reviewing budgets and statutory annual accounts, as well as reviewing and developing all internal processes; financial, operational and otherwise.
• Reviewing and development of external communications when required.
• Supporting the Foundation team with expertise and critical advice.
• Review of organisational structure, including advice and decision-making on new Board members and succession.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Edgard & Cooper Foundation and paying keen attention to any organisations we fund through grant-making.

What's in it for you?

This is the perfect opportunity to make a tangible, lasting difference in dog and cat welfare while using your professional skills for a meaningful cause. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s impact, working alongside a passionate and dynamic Board committed to driving positive change.
This role offers valuable learning and developing opportunities, exposure to high-level strategic decision-making, as well as network expansion opportunities.
Please note that trustee roles are not accompanied by financial remuneration, though reasonable travel expenses may be claimed.

Hiring Process

• Fill in your information through our Careers Page to express your interest in the position and we will schedule a “Get to know you” call (25’)
• Match? Please send us your resume and a cover letter
• Competency-based interview with the Executive team (1 hour)
• Opportunity to engage with the other Board Members

Equal opportunities

We believe our strength comes from its diversity. We strive to create an environment where every person feels valued and empowered. So no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in or what your dreams are, we welcome you and look forward to receiving your application.
If your circumstances require any special arrangements at any stage of our interview process, please let us know.
We're looking forward to hearing from you.

We kindly ask you to apply in English.