Volunteer Roles

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) is seeking new Trustees

Commitment: 2-3 hours per month

Location: Exeter/Hybrid

Contract: voluntary

ECI has an active board of trustees known as the ECI Council. The trustees set the strategic direction of the organisation and oversee the governance required to deliver innovative projects and programmes that meet the needs of people in Exeter and wider Devon.

We are seeking multiple trustees to strengthen and diversify our board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have skills and experience in the following areas:

• Using ECI’s services or similar services of other organisations.
• Have relocated to Exeter and/or have faced challenges finding a sense of belonging in their community.
• Child and/or adult safeguarding.
• Human resources, particularly employee relations/employment law
• Law/Legal services.
• We are keen to hear from younger applicants as we want to ensure we are including the
  perspectives of young people.

About the role

 As a voluntary trustee you will play an important role in the success of ECI as part of the board team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the strategic direction of ECI.
• Advocating for the services we provide and the positive outcome they have for our community.
• Governance oversight to ensure we operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Networking/utilising your skills to enhance our reach and impact.

The board of trustees meet bi-monthly, usually alternating between in person and online, with meetings taking place on weekday evenings. In addition, we will look for your engagement and support in areas of work that your skillset and experiences lend themselves to on an ongoing basis.

All reasonable travel and other associated expenses will be reimbursed in line with ECI’s travel allowance policy.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a charity board trustee – we will give you the support that you need to learn about us and your role.

ECI is an equal opportunities employer and we will provide reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the process. Please contact us to identify any additional support that you might require to enable you to make an application. 

Purpose of role:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

Scope and Objectives:

Trustees have a duty individually and collectively to:

·Determine the overall direction and development of WCA through good governance and clear strategic planning.

·Ensure that WCA pursues the objectives defined in its governing documents, and complies with charity law, company law, employment legislation, and with all other relevant legislation, constantly striving for best practice in governance.

·Uphold the financial responsibilities invested in their position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in WCA.

·Ensure that WCA uses its resources in pursuit of its charitable objects.

Main duties:

·To contribute actively to the Board’s role in providing direction for WCA, in setting overall policy and in maintaining a framework of good governance and accountability, and in evaluating performance against agreed targets.

·To give clear direction, leadership, guidance, and advice to the WCA director and staff.

·To safeguard the good name and values of WCA and to act as an ambassador for the organisation.

·To provide vision, inspiration, and support to the WCA director and staff.

·To ensure the effective and efficient administration of WCA.

·To ensure the financial stability of WCA.

·To appoint the director and monitor his/her performance.

·To use specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board of Trustees to reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

·Scrutinising Board papers;

·Contributing to or leading Board discussions;

·Acting as a board champion for a particular area of WCA’s work;

·Identifying and focusing on key issues;

·Providing guidance on new initiatives;

·Being part of a working group.

Duty of Care:

Each Trustee will:

·Apply reasonable care and skills as a Trustee, using their knowledge and experience to ensure that WCA is well run and efficient;

·Be ready to consider the need for external professional advice on matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties;

·Safeguard the good name and values of WCA.

·Maintain absolute confidentiality about sensitive information received in the course of responsibilities as a Trustee.

Each Trustee will:

·Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent; keeping informed of the charity’s activities and financial position;

·Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.

Each Trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of WCA in mind.

Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

·Has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent.

·Is an un-discharged bankrupt.

·Has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners.

·Is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

It is an offence to serve as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

Accountability:

The law imposes a duty of care on Trustees to act responsibly and prudently in all matters relating to their charity and to act in the best interests of the charity.

WCA is a registered Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and Trustees are therefore accountable to the members, the Charity Commission, and to Companies House (as company directors).

Suitability as a WCA Trustee will include many of the following:

·Commitment to Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

·Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

·Availability to attend meetings regularly.

·Strategic vision.

·Good, independent judgement.

·Ability to think creatively.

·Willingness to participate actively in discussions, listening to others and con- tributing accordingly.

·To use professional experience and any technical skills and knowledge to contribute to Trustee decision making.

·Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

·Ambassadorial ability and willingness to represent WCA in a range of situations.

·Experience of involvement in community or residents’ groups and/or in building community involvement.

·Commercial awareness including, but not limited to: marketing, branding, fundraising and social media.

·Skills and experience within finance or communications.

·Valuing diversity, with experience and/or knowledge of minority issues and perspectives.

·Capacity to pursue potential sources of charitable investment in WCA.

·Willingness to take part in training and learn new skills

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) was founded in 2009 and aims to provide protection and improve the welfare of animals in need. 

We are currently looking for a Research Volunteer to help support our Online Retail/Fundraising Team. This will enable us to continue raising vital funds for our animals in need by helping to identify potential sources for donations of goods or sponsorships for our projects. 

Tasks will include:

• Researching suitable businesses to reach out to.

• Gathering data and presenting findings.

• Collaborating with the Retail Manager on future projects, helping to research and develop fundraising strategies. 

• Providing support for the preparation of funding proposals.

Ideally you will;

• Have experience or an interest in a Research/Data Collection role, particularly within the charity sector.

• Be familiar with Google Workspace or willingness to learn.

• Have the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.

• Offer 1-3 hours per week (hours can be fully flexible)

What we can offer you;

• Full training and support from our Retail Manager.

• An opportunity to build your CV skills and develop your experience.

• A chance to help increase the awareness of the great work we do at IAPWA.

• A fully flexible role that can fit around your schedule via remote working.

If you would like further details about the role, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Apply button.

We're on the lookout for passionate volunteers to join us at one of our events. As a volunteer on the day you’ll be part of an amazing atmosphere and will support Mencap to make change through raising funds or engaging with your local community.

The Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the world with over 50,000 runners taking part. Mencap has runners who have signed up to run and fundraise for us. We need you to come to our cheer point to give our runners big cheers and high fives on Sunday 8th September. We need volunteers to arrive by 10am and we will be finished by 3pm.We will send you more details about how to get there nearer the time. We will also provide you with snacks and water and a Mencap t-shirt.

Our community and fundraising events are vital to Mencap, bringing people together to share experiences, launch programmes and celebrate successes! They also often help to raise funds for our services, such as the Mencap Direct helpline, advocacy services, and national campaigns such as Treat me Well.

We hold lots of events throughout the year, including bike rides and runs from 10km all the way up to Marathons. We also do bucket collections, garden parties, Christmas wrapping sessions, and lots more!

We couldn't run these events without the support of volunteers, so by giving a few hours of your time you can help us to host events, raise vital funds to support Mencap's work and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

You'll be part of a diverse and inclusive team alongside volunteers with and without a learning disability. You will represent Mencap and help to promote our work and raise awareness for people with a learning disability at iconic events across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends
• Receive agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive a full volunteer briefing and training on the day
• Volunteer alongside our experienced
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We are looking for a patient volunteer to visit a gentleman who lives in Newcastle. This man has learning disabilities. The visits will likely be short, enough time for a chat, a cuppa, and to check in on how he is doing.

This gentleman is supported by a dedicated team who regularly take him swimming, horse riding, out for walks and for meals in the local pub or café, which any volunteer is very welcome to join.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing.

In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them. In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local cafe/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap 

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to the isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide educational support and a fun, safe space for young people.
• Engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness.
• Interact with a young person on a one-to-one basis, leading conversations or trying new hobbies together (e.g., book club, video games, music, crafts).

Why You'll Love It:

• Make a significant impact by helping young people who have missed out on school experiences.
• Fit volunteering into your working day or busy schedule with a commitment starting from just 1 hour per week.
• Receive full support from Bright Futures UK staff, including training and resources.
• Gain personal fulfillment by providing much-needed companionship and support to young people facing challenging times.

What We’re Looking For:

• Warm and energetic individuals who can positively engage with young people.
• No tutoring experience necessary; full training is provided.
• Ability to create a fun and safe space for young people to explore new interests and skills.

Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – whether you have questions, need resources or materials, or just want to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!

Thank you for considering this opportunity. Apply now and make a difference!

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.

We are asking for one hour online a week.

DBS will be provided where needed.

Safeguarding training provided with certification.

Must be 18 or over to volunteer.

London-based housing and homelessness charity, Fresh Horizons CNB, are seeking new Trustees to provide strategic support to their Trustee board.

Fresh Horizons CNB offers a safe and stable living environment for those who are on the journey back to independent living. We are seeking three Trustees to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

• Reflect the organisation’s vision and values, strategy and policies.
• Work closely with the Board to formulate and review the strategic aims of the organisation.
• Ensure the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charity.
• Use resources effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure best practice is developed and applied.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation.
• Take part in training sessions.
• Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets 4 times a year, meetings usually last for 2 hours.
• There are 4 other meetings a year, which usually last for 1 hour. These meetings are a chance to catch up on how things are going and complete any relevant training.
• Most meetings are held remotely.
• One away day per year.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to our mission and values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Strategic vision and experience.
• Sound, independent judgement.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to others.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• We would be interested in hearing from candidates with experience of the housing or homelessness sector.
• First time Trustees are welcome, as training is provided for all Board members.

What difference will you make?

Bringing your skills and experience to the Board enables us to continue re-housing those who have been street homeless, providing training and growth through acquiring properties and valuable resources. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling role.

If you have extensive experience of fundraising, there is a volunteer opportunity here for you which offers a chance to make a difference at Ampleforth Abbey in its mission to the Church and society in the 21st century.

What will you be doing?

The Ampleforth Abbey Trust wishes to appoint a trustee with fundraising expertise and experience who will be able to align fundraising with the charity’s overall Strategic Plan and ensure effective income generation.

As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ampleforth community by setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction to ensure sustainable delivery of core objectives. 

Main duties:

• Fundraising strategy: provide expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation
• Fundraising Steering Group: work with the Chair of the board and invited experts on a Fundraising Steering Group
• Donor engagement: collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan
• Compliance and Risk: ensure compliance with legal requirements, assess risks in fundraising planning, alerting the Board of Trustees in a timely manner about any concerns
• To report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.

What are we looking for?

• Clear demonstrable and evidenced empathy with support for Ampleforth Abbey Trust’s mission and ethos;
• Experience of participating in the oversight or management of organisations and an understanding of organisational operational and effectiveness issues;
• Experience (professional or non-executive) in strategic philanthropic development and fundraising and an understanding of the key opportunities for the Trust in this area;
• Willingness to use different experiences to support the Trust, and to act as an ambassador;
• A capacity for independent thought, judgement and expression - balanced by influencing skills with an ability to advise and challenge on a constructive and open basis;
• A warm, collegiate and diplomatic style with the ability to take tough decisions when required;
• Good interpersonal, communication and team working skills;
• Able to give sufficient time on a voluntary basis;
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside a personal commitment to core principles of opportunity, openness, transparency and respect for others;
• Experience in a non-executive role.

What difference will you make?

Through your fundraising experience you will have a pivotal role in providing expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation; collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan; and report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and a cover letter containing the contact details of two referees. 

Fundraising Research Assistant Volunteer Role

Location: Remote/home working

Hours: Flexible (can include evenings and weekends)

Volunteer Manager: Major Gifts, Associate Director (or other Heads of within the fundraising team)

Purpose of role

Be part of an incredible team who raise the vital funds needed to run Thames Hospice and care for local patients with life limiting illnesses and their families. This role supports the Fundraising Team with identifying and researching potential supporters or suppliers for Thames Hospice.

Main tasks

• Research individuals, trusts and companies who have been identified by the team who may have the ability to support the hospice or work with the hospice to find out useful information (as requested by the team).
• Working with the team to identify new individuals, trusts and companies who may have the ability to support or work with the hospice
• Researching individuals, trusts and companies using online sources to discover: any donation history or links with charities, any volunteer history, professional and personal connections, personal interests, other wealth indicators
• Research other companies or connections with whom the hospice may want to work with
• Where appropriate make phone calls to companies and trusts to establish contact and find the best point of contact

Induction

• Time with the fundraising team who you will be working with
• Research training is available (subject to discussion)

In addition the following training and support will be given:

• Using the database – Donorfy
• Information governance e-learning training 
• Regular Volunteer meetings (optional)

The role is subject to a trial period after which both parties can review the suitability of the role

Knowledge, skills and abilities required

• Enthusiastic, committed and able to use initiative
• Experience of researching through online sources 
• Able to summarise information found and communicate this back in an effective way

Thames Hospice Values: Compassion, Ambition, Respect, Excellence

Thames Hospice is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation; to promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination. Thames Hospice is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users, volunteers and staff and expects all volunteers and staff to share this commitment.

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.

We are delighted that you are interested in volunteering for Herts Musical Memories.

Herts Musical memories (HMM) was founded in June 2017, taking over from Singing for the Brain originally provided by The Alzheimer’s Society in Hertfordshire, bringing together people with dementia and their carers helping them to live well and enjoy a sense of unity through music.  When the Alzheimer’s Society lost their funding to run Singing for the Brain in Hertfordshire there was a sense of loss and devastation among the groups members - they sought help from local MPs along with councillors and press in an attempt to save the groups. Out of this campaign HMM was formed. The personal funding from its members to help start the charity speaks volumes of how key this service was to them, being often the only activity that a person with dementia responded too in any meaningful way - particularly those further along in their illness.  According to family, friends and carers the urgency for the groups to continue was vital for the mental health and wellbeing of their loved ones

The singing sessions have been devised through research carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society and use musical therapy whilst remaining informal and a lot of fun. It has been proven that singing is one of the best activities for people living with dementia.  We remember music in different parts of our brain and it is the last memory to go. One of our members lost his speech early on in his illness and couldn’t read, however once he started singing he found he could read the lyrics. Other benefits are the socialisation, reduction of anxiety and depression and feeling safe in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.  A recent new member told us that when her friends found out that her husband had dementia they all deserted her.  This, sadly is very common and demonstrates how the illness impacts not just the person with a diagnosis but also the wider family. Many clients tell us the relief of finding our services is enormous – they feel they have a life again.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The sessions are run by our professional Group Leaders who carefully prepare them each week and are responsible for ensuring the sessions run smoothly. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting this process, helping to make our singing sessions warm and inviting ensuring from the moment our members come through the door they have a positive experience that helps them deal with this devastating illness.

There are a number of tasks that the Group Leader needs support with, these are:

· Helping set up the room and preparing refreshments.

· Meet and greet people as they arrive.

· Help with the attendance register, signing people in and taking their fees.

· Handing out music lyrics once the singing begins.

· Handing out musical instruments when needed.

· If you are a confident singer – helping with the rounds and the partner song.

· Clearing up at the end making sure the hall is neat and tidy, all instruments and lyrics have been collected and are put away.

Currently we are seeking support in our Bushey group, however we will consider applications from people who are interested in volunteering in one of our other 8 groups within Hertfordshire.

Thank you so much for offering to support Herts Musical Memories. 

Charity No: 1176007

We are looking for a lively dynamic individual to promote the activities of Sussex Area Ramblers by regular communications with members and engaging with local media by producing press releases and responding to enquiries. 

The main purposes of the role are (1) to maintain regular communications with Sussex Area Ramblers’ members by producing articles for publication on the Area Website and distributing email communications to keep members up to date with Area activities, including developing a social media strategy and (2) to communicate (together where necessary with Ramblers' Central Office) with media in the Area, including by way of proactive press releases, and deal with media enquiries, to ensure that the activities and charitable role of the Sussex Ramblers are given a high profile

Become a trustee for the UK’s largest breast cancer charity

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer. 

The role

We have the opportunity to appoint two trustees to join our trustee Board, bringing a blend of experience and expertise to help ensure the charity continues to have maximum impact as well as overseeing the fantastic work being undertaken by our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters, which is to save and improve the lives of those diagnosed and affected by breast cancer.

Our trustee Board meets 5 times a year, normally in London. In addition to this, you will also be a member on at least 1 sub-committee which will be dependent on your areas of expertise and at the request of the Chair. Sub-committees meet up to 3 times a year.

About you

You have the ability to use your skills to ensure good governance through your strategic insight, sound advice and constructive challenge to help the trustee board undertake their responsibilities of scrutiny and support. To do this, you must have experience and interest in either:

Digital, data or design with the ability to provide insights and strategic expertise on how we can harness the benefits of evolving technology and digital routes to grow our impact.

or

Risk management.

Ideally, you will also have business experience, potentially in the commercial sector and a personal direct or indirect experience of breast cancer and/or of using our services. 

The trustee board welcomes applications to extend the diversity of its membership and expertise from all sectors of the community.

Apply to be a trustee with Scottish Child Law Centre 

We are looking for new trustees to complement our existing board to ensure the centre is fully supported and we can take our work forward effectively. 

The role is voluntary. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered where required.

Trustees will be expected to attend 4-6 board meetings a year (online/hybrid) and provide appropriate support to the board and the centre as required.

The Scottish Child Law Centre

The Scottish Child Law Centre has been providing free expert legal advice and training on children’s rights and child law across Scotland for 32 years. We focus on those who need us most to:

· Deliver free and confidential legal advice to children and young people and those who care for and support them

· Educate and inform children and young people and those who support them of their rights

· Influence legal, systemic and policy change using the data and evidence gathered from delivering advice and training

The Centre is going through an exciting period of transition, and over the next 2 years we will be building on our services provision, including outreach work, advice, and training. We work co-productively alongside those that we exist to support to design services to reach those who need us most.

With the recent incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this is an exciting time to help realise children's rights, and we are looking for new trustees to help support the Centre achieve its vision for all children and young people growing up in Scotland to have their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled.