Volunteer Roles in West Midlands

Milton Keynes and North Bucks RSPCA have two retail outlets, a cattery and storage facilities. We are looking to expand our retail footprint and open an education centre in the near future.

Use your skills learned in a professional environment to benefit your local community by becoming a trustee for MK & North Bucks RSPCA. As a trustee of the MK & North Bucks branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for the animals in our care and prevent cruelty to animals.

 It's a great way to meet likeminded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks need to raise £400k per annum to survive the current cost of living crisis. We are generously supported by private donors and our retail outlets give the majority of funds, however there is more to be done to educate the public and through fundraising and sponsorship partnerships we believe we can reach more people.

We are looking for people with a background in fundraising on a scale of £200k+ who know how to speak with corporate sponsors and can engage directly with our events team. You will be part of a team of Trustee's and responsible for your area of expertise, which requires an experienced leader of people.

The trustee will be responsible for:

• Generating new partnerships with corporate sponsors

• Engaging with internal stakeholders

• Generating ideas and project plans to source funds

• Planning and executing fundraising events from one day events to long partnerships.

Full training on trustee role is provided by the national RSPCA, all other skills must be brought by the applicant.

• You will need to have experience in creating partnerships with corporate sponsors- Essential

• You will need to have led teams to generate funds from various sources for a charity -Essential

• You will have been directly responsible for planning events to raise funds – Essential

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Founded in 2005, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) is the parent charity of the world-renowned Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the biggest military airshow in the world.  All of the profits from the show go to RAFCT, to support its purpose of inspiring young people to careers in air, space and technology, and to promote the RAF.

This is an exciting time to join our Board of Trustees to help shape our growing ambitions as we expand our reach to 500,000 STEM interactions with young people a year from 2026.

Specific role

We are seeking a Trustee with a Finance specialism to join our Board of Trustees. This individual would provide oversight of our financial affairs, ensure that our plans are sustainable and that our charitable operations are suitably assured.

• Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification with a strong track record of financial management and reporting.
• Knowledge and understanding of financial planning and budgeting and best practice in this area. An understanding of the voluntary/charity sector, along with knowledge of the financial framework for charities would be helpful.
• Strategic financial thinking with experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organisations.
• Ability to identify and translate financial risks and opportunities, to enable the board to make informed decisions.
• A track record of commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

We are looking for someone who has the time to commit to four Board Meetings annually, usually held in our offices at Douglas Bader House, Fairford, an additional four virtual meetings plus the RIAT weekend in July each year. This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. If you are interested and would like to discuss the position, please contactt

Volunteer Mystery Shopper – can you help?

The Hospice Lottery Partnership runs a weekly lottery in support of local charities such as: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity in Northwood, Rennie Grove Hospice Care in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe, and The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

Mystery shopping is a form of market research work, that requires an individual to play the role of a genuine customer and report their experience back to us.

We are looking for someone with a good level of literacy and a great memory that could spare a few hours a week visiting our Fundraisers at local retail stores and medical centres to provide feedback on a Fundraisers performance and the overall perception of the experience. In essence, how you would rate the service you received during your experience?

“I volunteer with The Hospice Lottery; I always have a few hours spare each week and it’s lovely to feel that I am helping such a worthy cause.”  Diana Hewitt, Office Volunteer.

Canterbury Food Bank, one of the largest charities of its kind in the UK, is recruiting new trustees.

The food bank was set up over a decade ago with an objective to end hunger and tackle poverty. 

We’ve made a start, but we’ve still got a long way to go.

Last year the charity provided enough food to make 132,000 meals for people in the district who are suffering financial hardship.

Trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it's doing what it was set up to do. They are volunteers and have board meetings once a month.

Previous trustee experience is not necessary. Lived experience of poverty, volunteering, community involvement and passion are as valued as work-based knowledge and skills

Interested?

Please take a look at the broader explanation on our website.

To take an active role in the charity activities.  Responsible for governance, safeguarding and strategic direction of the charity with other board members.  To work in partnership and to support contractors and volunteers helping them to achieve the aims of the organisation.

• Ensure the charity is run in accordance with the governing document, charity law, company law and that the decisions of the board and any other appropriate legislation or regulations are upheld.
• Ensure the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Work within SDAC’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies at all times.
• Assisting with the development of strategic plans and ensuring the charity operates efficiently.
• Assisting in setting organisational aims and objectives and setting priorities.
• Supporting other trustees in their roles.
• Assisting with reports and being responsible for own secretarial work.
• Attending and actively participating in monthly Zoom board meetings on a Tuesday from 6.30 to 8.30pm and yearly AGM.
• Seek out new opportunities to work with vulnerable residents in Surrey to promote the success of SDAC Ltd.

· Take delegated roles/tasks for the Board as discussed and agreed with the

Chair and report back to the Board.

· Ensure the charity’s confidentiality and safeguarding policies are adhered to with regards to the management of the charity.

· Attending in person meetings with volunteers in Guildford.

About Smart Works

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Greater Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 30,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a new Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. To achieve this, we will grow our existing centres and open new centres in areas of need.  As of June 2024 40% of the clients that Birmingham Smart Works centre saw were aged 16-29. Consequently, we are seeking a new trustee who will help raise greater awareness about our services with young women so that we are more successful in connecting with that community across the West Midlands. 

Smart Works Birmingham, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart Works service across the West Midlands. More information about who we are can be found on our Smart Works website.

About the role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Birmingham Board of Trustees. 

The Young Women’s Trustee will lead the development of understanding the needs of Smart Works younger clients aged 16 to 25 years (these being unemployed, NEET or in danger of becoming NEET, and those leave the care system) and become a recognised and valued advocate for this community across the West Midlands. 

The successful candidate will develop new and existing connections with referral partners who support young unemployed women, input to the marketing plan and social media content to better reach and communicate with this audience, and build relationships with corporate partners and grant funders who support this community. 

The candidate will also have the opportunity to connect with policy makers focussed on improving the employment outcomes for young women across West Midlands.  

General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee

• Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively. 
• Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre. 
• Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area. 
• Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters. 
• Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.

“Being trustees of the Birmingham Smart Works charity board is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals seeking employment.   It is a privilege to be part of the team that empowers and supports individuals to achieve their full potential.   As trustees, we are committed to using our skills and expertise to contribute to the strategic direction and success of Smart Works, ensuring we continue to create positive change and provide opportunities for those seeking employment”.  Trustees of Smart works Birmingham 

“I never expected such kindness from strangers, and I certainly didn’t expect to laugh and enjoy myself. The thing with Smart Works is that everyone you meet genuinely wants you to do well, they really care and they are thrilled when you get the job. You really feel that…”Client of Smart Works Birmingham

Personal Specification

The trustee will use their skills and experience to amplify the voices of Smart Works younger clients and successfully network with key employment and skills programme providers, third sector, and 16+ educational organisations that exist across the West Midlands. 

Lived experience of unemployment and overcoming barriers at a young age, and / or experience supporting social value or youth unemployment projects is preferred, but not essential. 

The successful applicant will demonstrate enthusiasm for developing at board level and will become a real advocate for young women living in socially disadvantaged and minority communities across the West Midlands. 

The Trustee will be required to sit on relevant task force groups as and when experience is relevant and attend (and prepare for) Board meetings taking place quarterly. For those new to Board positions, a mentor from the wider trustees team will be provided.

It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with the Charity’s core values, share a commitment to fairness and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity. 

Smart Works particularly welcomes applications that will represent our diverse client groups and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, to increase the representation of our client groups within the Charity.

Learn More and Application Process

If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please email us to be connected with a member of the Smart Works [Birmingham] Board of Trustees. 

To apply for this position, please answer the following questions and email your answers, alongside a copy of your CV to us by Friday 2nd August at 5pm.

• Why do you want to be a trustee of Smart Works Birmingham? (Max 300 words)
• What experience do you have that you feel is relevant to the role? This may be work experience, lived experience or voluntary experience. (Max 400 words)
• Why do you particularly want to be a Trustee? (Max 300 words)
• Is there anything else you would like to share as part of your application? (Max 300 words)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview shortly after the closing date. From this, Smart Works Birmingham will select the preferred candidate who will be invited to meet with the Smart Works Charity CEO prior to formal appointment.

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community though a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Settled currently has vacancies for volunteers in the following roles. Further information about volunteering and any new roles will be on the volunteering page of our website.

• Advice Volunteers for EU citizens, giving advice on the EU Settlement Scheme. We seek volunteers who speak any of these languages: Czech/Slovak, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, or Romanian. We also seek volunteers who live in Wales (no specific language requirement for them).
• Complex Case Support Volunteers, working with our senior advisers on more EUSS complex cases. We seek volunteers who already have some experience giving immigration advice.
• Ukraine Advice Volunteers to support our Ukraine visas advice team. We seek volunteers who speak Ukrainian.
• Outreach and Communications Volunteers - to help raise awareness of our work and expand our reach so that we can support more people. 
• Data Volunteers - to assist with outcomes data monitoring, so that we can analyse our caseload and demonstrate the difference that we make.
• Culture Volunteers to help showcase a new ‘Settled Culture‘ website promoting arts and events by, for or about EU citizens.

We're currently recruiting for a small number of new Trustees who are passionate about tackling homelessness and want to support a well-established charity extend its impact.

What do we do?

Street Support Network connects local people and organisations in order to support those experiencing, and at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Our website is an online hub to find out about homelessness, see what support is available, and see what you can do to help.

In addition to hosting the website, we work extensively offline, connecting people to co-produce better solutions, facilitating conversations and co-ordinating action across the sector.

Who are we looking for?

We'd love to work with collaborators, preferably with experience of charity governance, working with or as part of the board of a not-for-profit organisation, or with public sector experience. We’d also be very keen to hear from people with lived experience of homelessness.

But please don’t let a lack of experience hold you back from applying. We know that skills and knowledge don’t always come from previous roles. Often, it’s less about what you have done, and more about what you can do. We’re looking for someone who fits in with our close-knit team and will help us operate and innovate.

We'd especially like to talk to people who know about:

• Fundraising / Income Generation
• Finance
• Website Development
• Human Resources
• Connecting with Businesses
• Public Sector areas such as NHS or Local Government 

Why become a Street Support Network Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be incredibly rewarding - and we think the way we work is little bit different:

We are very values driven and not too formal. Everyone really cares about what we do and homelessness more generally.

We are a small team, with a small number of Trustees, so everyone has a voice and the opportunity to make a real, lasting impact.

Trustee Terms

If your application is successful, we see the first few months being a time where we can both get a feel for whether we’d like to make the position permanent.

Throughout this period our Chair will check in to discuss how things are going, receive feedback, and provide any support needed. Our meetings are usually monthly and take place online. We aim to meet face-to-face once or twice a year in Manchester. The role is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Blackheath shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Kenilworth shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Production Team Assitant to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts.We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, there was a Senior Company, but at present the Senior Company is on hold.   

The Advertised Position 

The role advertised is for one person to provide support to the Director, the Musical Director and the Choreographer of the Junior Company.

The Company is primarily a “teaching” organisation, offering a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. 

The Company meets on a Tuesday evening at Aylesford School, Warwick, for tuition and rehearsal sessions.  We also perform a musical at a local theatre, usually in April/May.  

Key Attributes 

The Production Assistant is primarily in a learning and support situation and will be developing their ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and should be prepared to learn from, and assist the Production Team. Candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS check (Spa Theatre Company will cover the cost of this). 

Duties 

The Production Assistant will: 

A. report directly to the Production Team; 

B. take their instructions from the Production Team;  

C. demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement; 

D. help to ensure the safety and well-being of the children attending sessions. 

Remuneration  

The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This post is a volunteer role, however, we do offer a small honorarium which will reflect the general age and inexperience of the postholder.  

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Choreographer to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts. We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was initially founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, the group remained as a young people’s organisation (the upper age limit being 18).  In 1991, the view was that the Company should be more ambitious, by lifting the age limit. As of today, the Company retains the Junior section, but the Senior Company is on hold.

The Choreographer Position – Junior Company  

The role advertised is that of Choreographer for the Junior Company.

The Junior Company is primarily a “teaching” organisation. Its primary aim is to offer a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. It has its own Director, Musical Director and Choreographer. The academic year consists of three terms, commencing in September each year. The academic year includes a public performance of a musical at a local theatre, usually in April/May.

It should be noted that the advertised post is for the Choreographer of the Company, for an entire academic year, and is not a “show only” post. It is intended that the post will be permanent, subject to a high standard of performance, reviewed on an annual basis.

The Commitment 

The members of the Junior Company are aged 8 to 17. Entry is by audition. They meet on Tuesday evenings during term time between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.  For the annual production, we may need to call for additional rehearsals on Sunday afternoons between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. These rehearsals will take place for typically 6 Sundays in a year, with the timing being dependent on the date of the show.During show week, the expectation is that the production team will be present for the full week, from 'get in' to 'technical rehearsals', through the shows and for 'get out'.

Key Attributes 

The Choreographer must have the ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and adapt teaching styles.

Candidates must be, or become, DBS checked and it would be helpful if they had been teacher trained. The Tuesday sessions must be well planned and prepared, and candidates will need to work well with both the Director and Musical Director. It should be stressed that the youngsters gain educational values on Tuesday evenings and that they must be in a learning experience situation. 

Duties 

The Choreographer will: 

• have dance / movement training qualifications appropriate to the needs of children up to the age of 17; 

• understand that there is a wide range of choreographic ability within the group and adapt training styles appropriately; 

• have to work closely with the Director and MD, recognising the inclusive nature of decision-making;

• need to demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement.

The duties, organised on an academic year basis to suit the children will comprise: 

• attending weekly training sessions, on a Tuesday evening in a school in Warwick, from 6.30 – 8.30 during school terms only (for the purposes of general training of the junior members).  This will typically comprise 36 sessions over the course of the academic year;

• teaching a relatively mixed range of ability, so adapting teaching styles; 

• preparing children for a “showcase concert” to demonstrate to parents what the children have learnt – but children often perform things they have learnt outside, e.g solo guitar performances, or a dance; 

• helping the Director and MD of the company to choose the show and preparing audition pieces related to the musical score and the movement / dance needs of the chosen production;

• helping with auditioning and casting for that show.

Remuneration 

The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This is a volunteer role, with a small honorarium. 

The honorarium for the post is subject to negotiation and will be related to the experience of the candidate, it is expected to be a fixed amount up to a sum in the order of £1,200, paid as a single instalment at the end of the Summer term. The Committee reserves the right to adjust the fee proportionately for unfulfilled sessions and unexplained absences. The sum is paid tax-free, as remuneration for expenses. 
 
Supervision

The committee is considering retaining the services of the existing production team in a part-time supervisory capacity, again dependent on the experience of the candidate. The newly-appointed person will benefit from that experience, but the detailed arrangements will be discussed at interview. 

The Volunteer Operations Director will play a critical role in shaping the operational framework of our startup. This position will be pivotal in setting up efficient operational processes, ensuring the successful implementation of our programs, and driving our mission forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the CIC's goals.
• Oversee daily operations, including program management, resource allocation, and volunteer coordination.
• Collaborate with the CEO to refine and execute the organisation's strategic plan.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and administrative procedures.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the CIC's operations.
• Manage relationships with partners, suppliers, and other external entities.
• Lead the effort to secure operational funding and manage the CIC’s budget.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement improvements.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in operations management, preferably in a nonprofit or startup environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A strong commitment to the values and mission of Vibes in Care CIC.
• Ability to work flexibly and adaptively in a dynamic startup environment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to shape and grow a startup that has a direct impact on young people’s lives.
• Gain invaluable experience in strategic operations and nonprofit management.
• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a lasting social impact.