Volunteer roles

Help us to make a difference tackling loneliness in Oxfordshire.

We are a pioneering charity who have been changing lives for more than 40 years.

If you have experience in fundraising and would like to help us to develop our income generating approach, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise in fundraising will be instrumental in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organisation.

Job description available on the Archway Foundation website (details attached).

If you'd like to discuss the role with the CEO, please call our office to arrange a call or email (details attached).

We actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld is currently looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Saferworld, ensuring the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals align with its governing document, as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of the charity sector as well as an understanding of how charities operate in a local context – often operating effectively in extremely challenging environments. An understanding of the UK charity context would be helpful but is not crucial. 

The Board is currently reviewing different governance models, including the possibility of a Chair/Vice Chair structure. While this model is still under consideration, it would involve clearly defined roles and responsibilities, helping to balance the workload and bring diverse perspectives to the Board’s leadership. The incoming Chair should be adaptable and open to these ongoing discussions, and play a key role in shaping and refining the governance structure to ensure it aligns effectively with Saferworld’s needs.

We are interested in hearing from individuals who share our values, possess the capacity for independent and creative thinking, and bring strong leadership, relevant competence and experience to our governing body. Whether you are an experienced Chair or wanting to take your first step at senior Board level, we still want to hear from you. 

Please download the recruitment pack for more information on how to apply to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing date: 11 May 2025

We are recruiting 2 volunteers who are interested in working with young people and supporting the staff at two of our locations; in Seaton and Axminster.

The new volunteers will assist at Headlight’s fortnightly peer support sessions, supporting young people aged 11-18 with mental and emotional health issues. Volunteers may also be involved in the delivery of annual activity days (Discovery Days).

What volunteers are expected to do:

• help with running activities and will be encouraged to run their own once they are confident;
• helping with cooking and/or preparing food;
• offering a listening ear to a young person or who needs to talk;
• clearing, tidying and making cups of tea;
• offering support as may be necessary to service users;
• offering support to other volunteers and to staff; and
• mostly we ask that you get involved with activities and have fun!

A voluntary position will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all volunteers are expected to complete training and induction as part of their role.

We welcome and encourage applications from all people of all backgrounds including young people, people with disabilities and/or additional needs, and ethnic minorities. Please read more about the opportunity and apply.

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

What will you be doing?

East Lothian Foodbank provides emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis. Without our volunteers, selflessly donating their time, we simply would not be able to provide the support our community needs.

Our Board, comprising both Trustees and co-opted advisory board members, are essential members of our volunteer community, offering their time and expertise to ensure that the management team have all the support and advice they need to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory expectations.

About the role

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the foodbank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. 

Co-opted Board membership does not have a fixed term but we would ask that candidates be prepared to offer at least six months, so that collectively we can assess whether a path to trusteeship is desirable. No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and willingness to learn and develop. 

As an inclusive organisation we welcome applications from anyone, but are particularly keen to bolster our collective knowledge and experience in areas we know the Board currently has gaps:

• Data protection, information security and cyber risk
• Talent acquisition, management and retention
• Direct, personal lived experience of financial difficulty/poverty

No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of East Lothian Foodbank as a member of its Advisorary Board you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with the food bank.

Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.

Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:

 · increased independence and self-confidence

· improved mental well-being

· reduction in social isolation

· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.

· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.

We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.

Would you like to help govern and shape the work of your local Wildlife Trust whilst being part of a federation of 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK and Wildlife Trusts Wales?

We are looking for people who share our vision and commitment of nature recovery to take up vacant positions on Gwent Wildlife Trust’s board of trustees. In particular, we are looking for a Company Secretary as well as trustees with financial oversight skills to succeed to Treasurer, however these are not the only requirements, applications for general trustee positions are also welcome.

· Are you committed to protecting and restoring our natural world?

· Do you enjoy working as part of a diverse team?

· Do you share our core values of commitment, integrity and inclusiveness?

· Are you willing to play your part in collaborating with other Wildlife Trusts?

· And are you able to give at least half a day of your time each month as a volunteer?

We’d love to hear from you if so.

Our activities and the communities we serve across Gwent are diverse and we want our Board to reflect this, and include a diversity of gender, colour, age, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation and religious belief. We particularly need people with specific skills or experience including financial, secretarial, legal, governance, fundraising/marketing, people engagement, business and social partnerships, farming and conservation.

The Board is responsible for governance and the strategic matters facing the Trust, including finance and funding, programme development and HR with operational matters delegated to the CEO and our professional and committed staff team. Our Board meets every two months; a mix of in person and remotely or hybrid. Trustees need to devote some time in advance of these to read relevant papers so they can ask questions and provide strategic direction on plans and issues. In addition there are sub committees where trustees advise staff on key policy and operational matters.

If you join us, you will be part of a friendly and positive group of Trustees, helping to ensure a better future for the wildlife and people of Gwent as well as contribute to the Federation of Wildlife Trusts’ 2030 Strategy.

The Trust is a charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Trustees must be members of the Trust. Trustee appointments are voluntary and decided by the Trustees following a process outlined in our constitutional document.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are recruiting two Senior Communications Officers who can operationally lead one of two teams, either the Website Development Team or Social Media Team. The successful applicants will provide direct support and supervision to Communications Officers.

Responsibilities

• To oversee a team of communications officers and to support them as required

• To oversee performance of team members and provide leadership

• To support the welfare of team members and help to contribute towards a positive culture

• To carry out communications related tasks as required and to guide the work of others

Requirements

• To have previous communications and marketing experience

• To have strong communication and people skills

• To have the ability to lead and guide others

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Manager who can provide strong and stable operational management of the communications teams, directly supervising Senior Officers, while working with the departmental head to develop the department.

Responsibilities

• To provide effective operational management of teams within the Communications Department 

• To directly provide guidance, support and direction to Senior Officers who oversee the teams within the department

• To welcome new volunteers to the department and work alongside the departmental heads to improve team culture

• To plan the work of the department and support with strategic decision making

• To provide support as required to ensure that the communications teams are achieving their goals and making progress

Requirements

• To have at least 2 years of communications and marketing experience

• To have demonstrated leadership skills in a previous professional setting

• To have held a management level position

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Treasurer

Volunteer Position

London

The Board meets eight times per year and there is one AGM annually.

• Do you share our client’s passion and commitment to empowering local communities to create their own permanently affordable homes?
• Are you supportive of their drive to ensure that their homes are priced according to local earnings, ensuring that people are no longer priced out of the neighbourhood they grew up in?
• Are you a Qualified Accountant with the necessary expertise in financial management and accountancy to serve as their next Treasurer?

If the answer to these questions is YES, our client would love to hear from you.

Decent, secure, and affordable homes are getting harder to come by, and there is widespread recognition and acceptance now that London needs more affordable homes, with The Government, The Mayor of London and the London boroughs rightly prioritising affordable housing.

What remains is a gulf between those who are attempting to deliver affordable housing and the communities that need these homes. This is the gap that our client successfully bridges, working with local people to create genuinely and permanently affordable homes and community spaces, putting Londoners back in charge of how their neighbourhoods positively evolve.

Proud to be at the vanguard of the Community Land Trust (CLT) movement. They were the first CLT in the capital to sell homes, starting with their flagship project at St Clements in Tower Hamlets with 23 homes, and then continuing with their first direct development at Citizens House in Lewisham with 11 homes. They also currently have projects across 6 London boroughs, with 34 homes built to date and a pipeline of 100+ new homes in development.

Treasurer (unremunerated)

Our client’s expectations for their new Treasurer are also equally high. As their new Treasurer you will be joining our client at a particularly exciting time as they enter a period of significant growth, not only advising on the financial implications of their strategic plan but also working to ensure that their financial systems and processes keep pace, so that they can continue to manage their finances confidently and proactively.

A Qualified Accountant with demonstrable commercial awareness and a passion for community action, affordable housing, and sustainability, together with an understanding of Community Led Housing, you will be expected to be a good communicator, able to explain financial matters to non-experts, and help to shape the future of our client.

If this appeals to you and you would welcome the opportunity to play your part in addressing what is arguably the biggest social issue impacting London, please do consider applying.

Our client actively embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and is determined to reflect the rich and diverse city that they represent, encouraging applications from all sections of society and communities.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as a Patient Transport Volunteer Driver and become a vital part of our Patient Transport Service in your local area. Your commitment will ensure that vulnerable patients can access essential medical appointments on time with ease and comfort.

Our volunteer team is a diverse blend of individuals united by a shared desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

As a volunteer, you'll be the friendly face that patients rely on during their journey to appointments. Your role is simple yet profoundly impactful: providing safe and reliable transportation, while offering reassurance and support during a challenging time in their lives.

No prior experience is necessary - just bring your caring attitude, a 4-5 door car, and some spare time. Whether you're available from the crack of dawn or prefer flexible hours that fit around your schedule, every contribution counts.

By volunteering, you will experience the fulfilment of giving back to your community and supporting the NHS. Join our growing team of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing patient care and making a real difference in people's lives.

What benefits can you expect?

• 50p per mile with reimbursement for approved expenses
• The chance to make a tangible difference in your local community
• Be a part of our excellent EMED Volunteer Team
• Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support
• Opportunities to connect with new people

Other duties include:

• Drive patients to non-emergency appointments
• Assist individuals in accessing vital hospital services
• Coordinate with our dispatch teams for seamless operations
• Foster positive relationships within the community
• Enjoy the autonomy of volunteering independently while knowing you have the backing of a supportive team

What we're looking for:

• Valid driving licence with (no more than 6 penalty points)
• A friendly and empathetic demeanour
• Access to a 4 door (minimum) car
• Alignment with our organization's values
• Basic IT skills (like the use of smartphone)

Our Values 

Collaborative – we work as one team with a shared purpose to meet the needs of our patients, passengers, colleagues, customers, communities, and the planet.

Agile – We listen, learn and adapt to improve the business, each other, and ourselves.

Reliable – We do what we say we will do, we take responsibility and we behave with integrity.

Empowered – We are confident and committed to taking responsibility to deliver the highest quality service.

About Us

The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group.  We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with more than 3000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.

Are you passionate about young people and ensuring everyone has equitable access to opportunities? Do you have a vibrant energy and experience to bring to our families and children? Then we could be looking for you to join our team of volunteers supportung families and young people in the North Kensington community.

As we ease out of lockdown, we are looking for volunteers to help on day trips in and around London to support families in getting back to normality again.

Trips will include anything from horse riding through to the beach, farms and Kew Gardens. This is an opportunity to help families in our community while gaining experience of working with a small, friendly and supportive charity.

Volunteers will help the group leader to accompany groups of parents/guardians and their children on a variety of cultural/fun trips, helping to make them feel welcome. 

Suitable volunteers will be reliable and sociable and enjoy working with children. Volunteers must be available for day trips during school holidays, as this is when most of the trips take place.

Volunteers receive a full induction, and support from the Children and Young People Coordinator. Travel expenses on the outings and any entrance fees are covered, and some further expenses can also be claimed.

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are looking to recruit four people who can commit their time and effort on a voluntary basis. We are recruiting Communications Officers to join either our Social Media team or our Website Development Team.

Responsibilities

• To input into a regular flow of communications activity in either the website or social media team

• To work with others to design content and design strategy

• To take part in regular team meetings

• To carry out tasks as assigned

Requirements

• To have an interest in social media, marketing, website development or public relations

• To have strong communication and people skills

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!