Volunteer Roles in South East

The Housekeeping Staff work as a team to ensure excellence in cleanliness and hygiene of the Hospital and public ship areas, led by the Housekeeping Team Leader.

What You Will Contribute

•Responsible for the cleanliness, disinfectant, and general tidiness of the ship’s hospital, public areas, offices, and laundry facilities.

•Empty waste baskets and dispose of trash.

•Inform the team lead of any supplies or equipment that need to be replaced or restocked.

•Keep housekeeping closets organized and stocked.

•Report routine maintenance requests as well as any breaks, damages, or safety issues to the team lead. 

•Responsible for laundry services; collection, separation, washing, drying, ironing, folding, and delivery.  (Note: hospital laundry is subject to regulated handling.)

•Clean, organize, and sanitize public areas of the vessel.

•Attend and participate in departmental devotions and all meetings called for by the community.

•Regular working hours are 8 am to 5 pm (day shift) or 7 pm to 7 am (night shift), Monday – Friday.

•All staff are subject to rotating on-call, evening, overnight, and weekend hours as needed.

•Due to ever-changing staffing levels and field service demands, all staff may be reassigned to temporarily fill other roles within the Stewards department as needed.

Our Galley Team daily supplies the Crew, Day Crew, patients and caregivers with the food they need to keep on going. The Galley team will prepare up to 1,700 meals a day in a role that is mostly performed standing up and moving around, while keeping the best possible standards in hygiene.

What You Will Contribute

• Prepare and cook menu items in compliance with established recipes and standards. 

• Assist in the setup and stocking of cooking stations with necessary supplies. 

• Ensure cleanliness and organization of the galley area, adhering to sanitation standards. 

• Adapt to any changes in the menu or galley procedures as directed by the Galley Team Leader, Senior Chef, or Food Services Manager. 

• Assist with meal preparation and clean-up.

• Attend departmental meetings on all workdays.

Provide holistic end-of-life care to people who are suffering of a terminal illness, under the direction of the Palliative Care Nurse Team Leader. By caring for those often isolated, hopeless, and fearful, this position is a living example of God’s love and compassion for the weak, lonely, and marginalised members of society. This position works primarily off-ship; hot and dusty or wet (depending on season) conditions can be expected. Visiting people in their house requires cultural sensitivity.

What You Will Contribute

• Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

• Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

• Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

• Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

• Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

• Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

The Helena Kennedy Foundation exists to overcome social injustice by providing financial bursaries, mentoring and support to disadvantaged students from the further and adult education sectors, enabling them to complete their studies in higher education and move on successfully into employment.

Founded in 1998 the organisation relies completely on donations and receives funding from a variety of funding sources, including Universities, Trusts, Foundations, colleges and many more.

The President, Patrons, Trustees and Chair of the Foundation are all volunteers. They are actively involved in promoting the work of the Foundation, in business planning, fundraising, and performance management. The Foundation's work and reputation continue to grow with strong support from the further education sector as well as in higher education.

We are now looking for an experienced and committed Treasurer to join the dedicated board the Helena Kennedy Foundation. Could this be you? 

This is more than a role—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact, grow alongside inspiring people, and be part of something truly life-changing! Read on to find out more…

The Role

As a Treasurer you will be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation and ensuring they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice. Duties will include:

• Ensuring funds are invested and used sensibly, in a strategic way to support and develop the organisation
• Agreeing and presenting finances at Trustees’ meetings, with support of the office
• Acting as a point of contact for the office for day to day and on-going financial queries
• Agreeing financial decisions as part of staffing reviews, with the Chair
• Deputising for the Chair / Vice-Chair as need arises

The Person  

To be considered for this unique and exciting opportunity you should have a natural leadership ability, integrity and a have meticulous eye for detail. You must demonstrate good and independent judgement with an ability to make decisions for the good of the organisation. You should come from a financial or accounts background, and ideally have an understanding of the financial landscape in the charity sector.

From a practical perspective, you must have a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil required duties and an ability to work effectively as a member of a geographically dispersed team. The board hold remote meetings four times per year which you would be expected to attend.

Why The Helena Kennedy Foundation?

Becoming a Trustee for The Helena Kennedy Foundation has many benefits including the opportunity to influence the policy and strategic direction of the charity and the knowledge that you are helping to support the lives of students who have faced considerable challenges.

By taking on this hugely rewarding role you will have an enormous impact on the work of a valued and specialist charity, as well as grow your own skills and experience in an incredibly meaningful field.

To register your interest, apply here, or get in contact with Charlie or Leanne at Charity Horizons for more information about this exciting role.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

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 and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Key Volunteer:

Our Key Volunteer role is an extra level of responsibility for someone who can commit to supporting their local Sense Shop on a regular basis. Once you've had all the training, you'll be getting involved by:

• Learning and following fire procedures.
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.

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 and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Key Volunteer:

Our Key Volunteer role is an extra level of responsibility for someone who can commit to supporting their local Sense Shop on a regular basis. Once you've had all the training, you'll be getting involved by:

• Learning and following fire procedures.
• Open and close the shop when necessary to support the Shop Manager.
• Cash up the till at the end of the day.

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.

Are you passionate about disability inclusion and playing your part in improving the nation’s health and wellbeing? If so, we’re looking for a new trustee to join the Board at The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), as we continue to develop for the future.

At a time when more and more people are recognising the physical and emotional benefits of interacting with animals, our mission to ensure that everyone with a disability can benefit from the unique bond between humans and horses has never been more relevant.

You will join a forward-looking Board, who are seeking a candidate with significant skills and experience in Human Resources.  Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding and engaging with volunteers, whilst not essential, would also be helpful.

Applicants are welcomed from individuals with experience across the charity, non-profit, private and government sectors.  Applications close on 20 February 2025.

Term of Office: 3 year term renewable for up to 3 terms.

Candidates Should

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to RDA, its strategic objectives and cause.
• Exhibit strong relationship building abilities and enjoy an ambassadorial role.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
• Demonstrate an ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
• Have a good understanding of charity governance matters.

Skills

Candidates will have significant skills and experience in Human Resources. Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding and engaging with volunteers, whilst not essential, would also be helpful.

Time Commitment

• 4 Board meetings per year. In addition, Trustees will be asked to join one of RDA’s sub-committees.
• All trustees are expected to attend key RDA events and visit RDA groups from time to time.
• It is expected that the trustee role will require working on average 2 days per month.

We believe that diversity of views and experience are paramount to how we develop and grow our charity. As such we actively encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of disability, ethnically diverse and LGBTQUIA+ communities, and from less advantaged backgrounds.

We are recruiting for RNLI Trustees 

People will always need our help. You could play an important part in making sure we can always be there to answer that call. 

As we launch into our third century of lifesaving, we are seeking people to join our trustee board who have experience as a Non-Executive Director or Trustee and experience within large, complex organisations, in any of the following areas:

• Providing commercial and financial leadership
• People management at a senior level
• Audit, risk management and/or assurance 

For further details about the role and what skills you will need please see the attached recruitment pack. 

The impact you will make

This is an important role for the RNLI, our trustees are a body of volunteers who carry the full financial and legal responsibility for everything the RNLI does. You will be contributing advice, expertise and effective leadership as a Trustee. You will be helping us to adapt for the future, enabling us to continue achieving our purpose of saving lives at sea.

This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity within the RNLI. Travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed in line with RNLI policy. 

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for over 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone.

In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable). 

In person interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled to take place in London in the week commencing 17th March 2025. 

To apply, complete an application form and attach a copy of your CV. The closing date for this role is Sunday 23rd February 2025.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are currently NG4, NG5, NG6, NG9, NG17, NG18, NG19, NG20, NG25 

Please contact the volunteering team for further information

WHO WE ARE

The Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation promoting sustainable energy deployment / education and focuses its work within a 25-mile radius of the Westmill Wind Farm & Solar Park, near the village of Watchfield, between Oxford and Swindon.

The Wind Farm at Westmill has been in operation for over fifteen years now, with five turbines that produce enough electricity to power over 2,600 homes. The Solar Park beside the turbines produces the electricity for a further 1,100 homes. Both projects are community-owned.

Westmill is the only place in southern England where people can see wind and solar power in action on the same site.

WHAT WE DO

One of the main ways in which we connect with others is by giving tours of Westmill, where we welcome groups large and small consisting of members of the public, plus community groups, primary school classes and university students. Additionally, on occasion, we also welcome planners, civil servants, councillors and others involved in making decisions about renewable energy.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team of volunteers at WeSET to help guide people around the Westmill site. If you are passionate about sustainable energy and a low-carbon future, and are eager to share your interest with others, then we'd love to hear from you.

As a WeSET volunteer tour guide you would interact with our visitors, telling the story of how the Westmill Wind Farm & Solar Park was created, describing how our turbines were installed and how they operate, and detailing the installation and energy generation of over twenty-thousand solar panels. You would be trained and guided on the content and its delivery.

On some occasions, you will be working alone in welcoming and leading groups at Westmill, and on other occasions you may be working alongside other guides.

You may also prefer to work as 'guide support' which is another volunteering role available that provides practical help to our guides during the tours.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

If you already have knowledge of renewables then this would be useful. But it is by no means essential as we can introduce you! Either way, we would run you through some training and shadowing sessions to bring you up to speed.

Experience of work in a public-facing role would also be useful, but is not crucial as you will be guided on the rudiments by our existing guides, with continuing, ongoing support from the WeSET Visits Coordinator.

This opportunity may only be suitable for people who live in north-east Wiltshire, south-east Gloucestershire, south-west Oxfordshire or west Berkshire - all to allow quick and easy travel to and from the Westmill site. We can offer reimbursement for any travel expenses, usually within a 15-mile radius of Westmill, and this can be discussed in advance of any volunteering.

If you have a happy, friendly demeanour, with a genuine passion for sustainability, then this could be a great opportunity to share that passion and meet other like-minded people at the same time!

Do You Want to Make a Difference? 

We're looking for a few individuals to join our team who want to make a genuine difference.

Wildlife for All is a pioneering environmental charity, and we're proud of our deeper approach to nature conservation.

We train our team members to understand how psychological attitude has a huge impact on project effectiveness. Previous conservation experience isn't needed because of our refreshingly different way of working. We provide all the necessary training to be part of our highly successful work, starting at our nature reserve in Sussex, England. We also run a massive nature reserve in South Africa.

You need to be willing to challenge yourself, learn to work hard, and want to be the best you can be.

This is a unique opportunity.

Please see the "Interviews" page of the Wildlife For All website for details of how to apply.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

British Registered Charity 1006174

Join our Board as a Trustee and be a Changemaker for the Chilterns.

The Chiltern Society is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, heritage, and accessibility of the Chilterns. As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking to strengthen our Board of Trustees.

We have a number of openings for Trustees, including two key roles:

General (Company) Secretary:

This pivotal role includes managing board agendas, recording accurate minutes, and fulfilling the duties of Company Secretary. Candidates with legal expertise or previous experience as a Company Secretary are especially encouraged to apply.  

The Volunteer lead:

This role involves chairing the Volunteer Committee and leading efforts to enhance the experience of our 700+ volunteers. Experience in professional HR or volunteer management will be a distinct advantage.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a critical role in a volunteer-led organization that is making a tangible difference across the Chilterns. This is a chance to work collaboratively, contribute your expertise, and represent the diverse communities of our region.

The Chiltern Society values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds in these roles and for all others.

What We’re Looking For

Like many of our trustee roles, time commitment will be dependant upon how involved you would like to be, but typically this will be at least 4-5 hours per week.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience or enthusiasm in:

• Nature Restoration
• Heritage Preservation
• Community Access and engagement
• In addition to these two specific roles, we are always actively looking for Trustees and volunteers who can add value to our work and represent the wider Chilterns community. Whether you’re stepping into your first Trustee role or bringing seasoned experience, we want your unique skills to help the Chiltern Society strive.

Be part of something meaningful. Learn more about the roles and apply today.

Getting the right support at the right time can make a world of difference.

In the challenging times following a terminal diagnosis or the death of a loved one, the Hospice has a range of support available. The Shed provides an alternative to formal support, enabling ‘Shedders’ to spend time with others in similar situations while engaging in a purposeful activity, learning new skills and enjoying friendship and support along the way. The primary aim of the Shed is to be a place to talk with others about anything and everything. Volunteers also help ‘Shedders’ to plan and safely work on their DIY projects, and make sure sessions run smoothly. 

We’re looking for Shed Session Leader Volunteers for all sessions but especially Mondays and Thursdays. This is a weekly commitment of 6 hours per week, you will commit to 2 sessions on 1 day per week. Sessions take place from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm, with some time required to set up and leave the workshop tidy afterwards.

You’ll enjoy helping and teaching other users, be comfortable supervising the safe use of equipment, and offer a listening ear to the attendees.

Full training and support will be provided. You must be able to attend equipment training day on Tuesday 11 March.

If you’re motivated by the idea of joining a community where your time will make a difference to those who have experienced bereavement, we’d like to hear from you!

Do you want to create impactful change addressing critical global challenges? 

Do you have a collaborative approach to relationship building, a successful track record of leading through change, experience in convening and a commitment to our mission? 

About Forum for the Future 

Forum for the Future, one of the world’s leading international sustainability non-profits with an over 25-year track record, works to influence the arc of change towards a just and regenerative future. We inspire change-actors to step up their ambition, stretch their vision and find pathways that are systemic, strategic and tackle root causes of our current crises. 

Our current trustee board is a committed group who are passionate about helping Forum to deliver its mission.​​ 

We are looking for the following key attributes from candidates: 

• A deep understanding of how philanthropy operates at a global level, with a specific understanding of the philanthropy landscape in ideally two of our four geos (UK/Europe, US, SE Asia and India), ideally with either Board or Senior Management experience with a grant-giving foundation. 

• Experience in any of our Deep and Urgent Transition areas (Food, Energy, Purpose of Business) 

• A desire to deliver the mission of Forum for the Future, to deliver a shift towards a just and regenerative future. 

About the role 

We are recruiting for a trustee for our UK charity, but you do not need to be based in the UK to apply. Trustee meetings normally take place at 2.00pm-5.00pm UK/GMT time.  

The role description is here 

We do not have an ‘ideal’ candidate in mind as we recognise and value the range of diverse experiences that people can bring to a role. If you do not meet all the requirements outlined in the job description but still believe you have the right mix of skills and experience to thrive in this role and further Forum’s ambitious goals for change, we encourage you to apply.

If this piqued your interest, please read on, and apply to join our team. We look forward to receiving your application! 

Recruitment process 

To apply please send your CV and a brief note explaining why you are applying 

The application deadline is the end of the day 24 February 2025 and interviews will take place in March.

Equal Opportunities 

Forum for the Future wholeheartedly supports the principle of equal opportunities in employment. We promote and support equality, diversity and inclusion both in our own workplace and through our work with our partners and the wider public.  We actively support and promote diversity as an essential component of sustainability, and as a key element of our organisational values. We oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, caste, religion or belief. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, including those who identify as disabled, LGBTQ, ethnic minorities, and come from diverse social and educational backgrounds.