Volunteer Roles

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket.

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.

Do you love pets? Would you like to be part of an amazing team caring for pets and helping them find their “furever” home? Then pet foster caring might be for you.

Every year thousands of pets find themselves in our Blue Cross Rehoming Centres. They get all the love of our Centre teams but it's not like being in a real home. Our foster carers open their homes and hearts to pets who really do need a home environment.

This might be because Centre life doesn’t suit them, maybe they need some quiet time to recuperate if they’ve been poorly or would just really benefit from being in a home environment. Fostering is hugely rewarding but it takes a special kind of person. We provide full training and ongoing support and all costs are covered. You can apply to foster any or all of the species we care for and we’ll chat through which pets might be the best fit for your home and situation. If you’re interested, just click apply and we’ll go from there

Volunteer role -Pet Foster Carer

Volunteer manager - Foster Coordinator

Where you will be based -Home

Why we want you

We know the best place for pets is in a loving home. Sometimes they can’t stay in their original home, or perhaps they are one of the many babies born in Blue Cross care. As a Blue Cross Foster Carer you’ll provide the loving home our pets need, giving care and affection to animals whilst they wait for their forever home. Our Foster Carers care for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, chinchillas, rats and degus. Some of our Foster Carers look after all species, some specialise and, with further training, can also help us to care for pets with specialist needs.

Every year we help thousands of pets. Our Pet Foster Carers ensure we do that in the best way, providing comfortable warm homes and lots of love to pets in need. We’ve been helping homeless, sick and injured pets since 1897 and with your help we can continue to do that.

What you will be doing

• Caring for Blue Cross pets and providing them with a safe environment in your own home until they can be rehomed
• Supporting pets who might be struggling to cope in a Rehoming Centre
• Transporting your foster pet to and from a Blue Cross site or vets as required
• Providing all the care they need including feeding, socialising, grooming and cleaning
• Giving observations and feedback on your foster pet including filling in assessments, diaries and feedback forms
• Sending progress updates to your manager using video or photographs some of which will be used on our website and for potential adopters

The skills you need

• Previous experience of handling and caring for pets. We can train you on any species new to you
• Time to dedicate towards socialising and caring for your foster pet
• Access to a car to undertake journeys to and from our Rehoming Centre and vets
• A safe, quiet area within your home so pets can settle in at their own pace
• Willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures and undertake training provided
• The ability to provide timely and regular communication with our foster teams through phone or email
• Some IT skill would be helpful, or someone who could support you, as much of our training is completed online and we’d like you to be able to email us photos, videos and updates of your foster pet

What's in it for you

• You’ll be making a difference to pets and giving them the best chance of finding a new home
• You’ll have all the joy of a pet without the long-term commitment of pet ownership
• Blue Cross pay all expenses related to caring for your foster pet including travel costs
• You’ll gain practical skills, experience, and access to a dedicated Blue Cross ARK training programme
• You’ll join a great team of like-minded people

Disclaimer

Fostering is a flexible process, but you need to be able to volunteer for a long enough period for pets to settle in a new environment. You need to be 18 or over for this role. If you are a driver, we’ll need you to complete some basic checks, or we’ll need to do this for anyone who will be driving you and your foster pet. Some IT skill, or someone who can help you, will be needed for this role. We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to involve the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this. At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are. Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating an organisation where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcomed, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities. We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us. If you would like to talk to us about any accessibility needs that we can support with in terms of our volunteer recruitment processes, then please do get in touch. 

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Make a lasting impact on future generations and an inner London community

Based in Islington, the Central Foundation Boys School is a popular, high-performing, voluntary-aided comprehensive school for boys aged from 11 to 16, with a successful co-educational Sixth Form. The Central Foundation Schools For London supports the Boys School and appoints the majority of the governors.We are working together to appoint a new Foundation Governor to join the governing body this autumn.

The successful candidate will join a governing body comprising 18 members.  It is critical that the successful candidate has a keen interest in the school and is prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for pupils.  As well as being members of the governing body itself, members are expected to participate in one additional sub-committee: Teaching & Learning; Pay & Personnel; Finance; or Premises/Health & Safety. Members are also expected to act as a link governor for one faculty.  Link governors act as liaison between the governing body and a particular faculty, including meeting with relevant teachers and visiting the department from time to time.  In addition, there are a range of other ad hoc circumstances where governor involvement is necessary.

The governing body plays a key role in the school’s governance and is responsible for, or involved in, many significant decisions concerning the school. The governing body has 3 core functions. They:

1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of our school;
2. Hold the executive leaders to account for the educational performance of our school and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
3. Oversee the financial performance of our school and make sure its money is well spent.

The successful candidate will join the governing body this autumn.  The members come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and includes members appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Islington Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London, an Educational Charity which supports two schools in inner London, ourselves and the Central Foundation Girls School in Tower Hamlets. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the school governing body.

At this time, we are particularly interested in individuals who have had experience in law, human resources or are experienced at a senior leadership level in a large company, charity or public sector organisation.  We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

For more information please click 'apply via website' to be redirected to the Foundation Website

It is a very exciting time in the life of the school with an extensive building project recently completed.

One Million Mentors is a community based mentoring program that empowers young people to become the best version of themselves: building relationships - free of assumption and judgement - where they benefit from another’s experience and perspective and can think bigger, find their own answers and take the next meaningful step into their future.

This 2024, we are in need of volunteers to help our young people in London. We recruit, train and deploy volunteer mentors, matching them with mentees and providing high quality support to both so that they are well prepared and can have an effective and impactful mentoring relationship. Our mentoring is one to one, for young people aged 14-25 years old, for 1 hour, once a month, for up to a year.
 

What will  Mentors receive? 

• Access to our platform’s mentor resources and online training to help you in your mentoring journey 

• To support and create connections in your local community 

• A certificate when attending our online Mentor Induction Workshops (optional) 

• Develop skills in guidance, listening and empathy
   

​Requirements:

• We ask our volunteers to sign up to our platform  and complete some mandatory online training.

• Mentors to have 5 years experience, 2 years experience post graduate or retired / on a career break.

You can mentor your mentee in - person, online or hybrid formats across London.
 

How to apply: Click 'Apply' to be directed to our website so you can sign up and become a mentor today!

We are seeking volunteers to assist in our busy surplus food warehouse, where the role includes:

• Ensuring food quality and safety by checking use by and best before dates.

• Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food quantities.

• Assisting our Community Food Member partners with food order collections during scheduled visits to our base. 

• Maintaining high standards of health and safety and food hygiene during sessions.

• Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

The opportunity provides you with skills and training to boost your employability by gaining experience in the food industry, warehousing and customer service, or just enables you to give back to your community, whilst tackling food waste and climate change. It is also perfect for someone who is looking for a practical activity to help boost or maintain fitness.

FareShare is a national charity that fights food poverty and climate change by tackling food waste.

We source food that is surplus to requirements from food retailers and manufacturers, and engage many volunteers to help redistribute this to local Community Food Members (CFMs), who provide meals to people and families experiencing food poverty.

We operate from our FareShare Greater Manchester regional centre, which is based on New Smithfield Market in Openshaw, and has been run by EMERGE 3Rs since 2008.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare; ensuring that the food delivered to our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into the orders placed by our charities and community groups.

You will be required to complete introductory sessions before you are confirmed in the role.

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a real difference in your community? Join us as a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance and embark on a rewarding journey where you’ll inspire, guide, and support the next generation! 

What will you do? 

As a Youth Helper, you’ll be a key part of our dynamic volunteer youth teams, working with children aged 5-10 (Badgers) and 10-17 (Cadets) across East London. Here’s how you’ll make an impact: 

• Engage and Educate: Deliver fun, interactive sessions teaching first aid and life skills, boosting young people's confidence, teamwork, and self-discipline. 

• Support and Supervise: Help coordinate activities and sessions, ensuring all participants are safe and supervised. 

• Administrative Assistance: Support the Unit Manager with admin tasks, resource collection, and logistics. 

• Foster Inclusion: Encourage active participation and a safe environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community among young people. 

What are we looking for? 

We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the vision and mission of St. John Ambulance. Ideal candidates will have: 

• A passion for engaging with young people and helping them develop life skills. 

• Enthusiasm for St. John Ambulance’s values and a commitment to our Youth Voice principles (Support, Empower, Inspire). 

• Teamwork and communication skills. 

• A flexible and positive attitude. 

• Previous experience working with youth is a plus but not essential—what matters most is your dedication and willingness to learn! 

What can you gain from this volunteering role? 

• Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to your community by helping young people grow and thrive. 

• Training and Development: Gain valuable skills through our comprehensive training programs, including the opportunity to learn first aid and progress into leadership roles. 

• Community: Become part of the St. John family, making new friends and building lasting connections with like-minded volunteers. 

Join us in creating a vibrant, supportive environment where young people can flourish. Together, we’ll make a difference, one life-saving skill at a time. 

Ready to inspire the next generation? Apply now to become a Youth Helper with St. John Ambulance! 

We are seeking fundraising staff to liase within the local community to assist in arranging local events/competitions and raise awareness around domestic abuse, You will be confident in communicating with local businesses, building ideas and formulating strategies to raise vital funds whilst also raising the charities profile and bringing community together,

This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead fundraising activities. The fundraising team will be responsible for creating and implementing an innovative fundraising strategy that works alongside our community. Previous experience preffered but not essential and with multiple opportunities for growth,

Responsibilities

• To liase with local businesses/services/organisations to collaborate events
• Raising the charities profile 
• Helping to raise awareness around domestic abuse
• Creating oportunities for individuals to pursue interests/hobbies locally
• Empower the comunity to get involved 

Experience

• Respect for the confidentiality and self-respect of service users
• Non-judgemental, reliable and patient
• To be friendly, approachable, good communication skills and a good listener
• Knowledge and understanding of (or ability to learn) domestic abuse and the effects on ALL persons
• Confident in communicating with local businsses/ services and organisations
• Organisational and basic admin skills

What you will gain as a volunteer?

• A rewarding experience and opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of someone
• Training enabling you to develop new skills and broaden your knowledge.
• Skills development in support work 
• On-going training and opportunities for personal development and progression
• Support
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

We are looking for more people to join our volunteer bus buddy team. You will receive training and will be a valued member of our friendly, supportive organisation. If you are able to commit to 1 day/half day/a few hours per month and are looking for an opportunity which is fun, flexible and brings real meaning to the socially isolated and lonely people in our community then please do contact us for more information.

Although the main part of the job is helping people on and off a bus, in reality it is so much more than that!  Without you, our clients are unable to travel to social events.... sometimes one lunch club a week is the only time they get out to socialise, by being that helpful, smiling face that greats them you are enabling them to meet others and fight social isolation!

We are looking for volunteers that are able to do one buddying trip per month, or more!  Trips are:

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Monthly Sundays

The times vary but usually involve meeting between 10.30-11am and you will usually be back at base by 2.30pm/3.30pm.  We are also able to split one trip between two people so it could be you are just needed for two hours, for the out trip or the return.

Lunch/refreshments may be provided depending on the nature of the trip.

We are a Children's Rights based charity who work with children, young people and young adults nationwide. We are commissioned by Wokingham and Slough Borough Council, as well as many others across the country, to deliver their Independent Visitor service.  An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care.  Our Volunteers enjoy fun activities together which give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences.  The Volunteers consistent friendship help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. More information about the role can be found on the NYAS website. 

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust.  Visits can be fitted in around the volunteers own time and work commitments.  We only ask that they can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.

Activity and travel expenses are covered.

Are you a minister of the gospel with experience of preaching, teaching or mentoring others in the ways of the Lord? Then you are welcome to join us as volunteer Evangelist.

We are looking for someone with passion for souls and for God's people who will be able to feed them with God's word for their spiritual edification.

If you are a new minister of the gospel and are looking for a place to use your passion of sharing God's word, you are welcome to apply also .

We are based here in Manchester. Ideally, ability to meet in person for regular meetings will great but remote/hybrid will be considered also.

Apply today if this interests you

Kangaroos is entering a phase of strategic development; we want to serve all of our community who wish to access our services.We are looking for a Treasurer to join our team to support this development.

Kangaroos is a registered charity, based in mid Sussex, providing a range of fun, social and recreational activities, clubs and outings in the local community for children, teenagers and adults with severe learning disabilities, additional physical, sensory and medical needs and extreme behavioural difficulties. We provide a lifelong service - our oldest member is 43!

We believe that people living with a learning and/or physical disability or a long-term illness should have the same choices, quality of life opportunities and aspirations as others. We are the only non-specialist regular provider for children and adults with complex needs in mid-Sussex.

The treasurer will oversee the monitoring of the organisation’s finances on behalf of the whole board of trustees, to report regularly on them to the board, and to make sure that money and property are properly managed.

We have 4 board meetings a year plus a strategic away day. The CEO is supported by a part time Finance Director and so the Treasurer's role is to provide oversight and leadership and take the lead on advising the Board of their financial responsibility.

This is an exciting time to be joining Kangaroos to help shape the future strategy.