Volunteer roles

What is the purpose of this role? To help with collections and deliveries of furniture, and transfer of stock between our shop in Sutton in Ashfield and our storage unit at Ransom Wood.

What impact does this role have? This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Travelling with the driver to pick up donated items (furniture, white goods, bric-a-brac, clothing, or a mix of all 4)

· Completing deliveries with the driver to customers’ homes

· Processing items at Ransom Wood storage unit when there is no room to deposit them straight into the shop.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks both at the shop and at the Ransom Wood storage unit.

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Do you enjoy driving? Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?  

We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!  

You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.  
 
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles or your own vehicle.

  
Activities will include:  

• Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.  

• Driving around the Castle Cary area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys  

• Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.  

• Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.  

• Driving vehicles owned by the people we support or your own vehicle 
    

Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.   

We are looking for drivers who:  

• Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience  

• Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)  

• Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys  

• Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff  

• Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)  

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.   

What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:  

Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)  

• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff  

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

Want to apply for this role? 
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch! 

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

What is the purpose of this role?

Supporting staff to manage the stockroom at the shop in Sutton in Ashfield.

 What impact does this role have?

This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Supporting staff to manage the stock room within the Sutton shop.

· Keeping racking clean and tidy.

· Organising space to maintain good health and safety systems.

· Accepting donations from supporters that visit the shop and encouraging those who are taxpayers to sign up to Gift Aid to increase the value of the donation when sold by 25%.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks.

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks.

· An ability to get on well with others and to volunteer as part of a team 

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Do you enjoy driving?Would you like to make a difference to the people we support in your community?  

 We are looking for friendly drivers to join us!    

You will meet some amazing people, whilst making a positive impact to their lives by helping them get to the activities they enjoy and appointments that are important.  
 
We are looking for drivers who will be happy to drive our house vehicles or your own vehicle. 

Want to apply for this role? 
If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch! 
Activities will include:  

• Driving the people we support between their homes and services in a safe manner, in accordance with UK law.  

• Driving around the Cheddar area, which will be the start and end point of the majority of journeys  

• Assisting people we support in and out of vehicles and locations – with assistance from trained Discovery staff.  

• Driving in a manner that is sensitive of physical and emotional requirements of the people we support.  

• Driving vehicles owned by the people we support or your own vehicle  

 
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.   

We are looking for drivers who:  

• Are aged 21 or over, with at least 2 years driving experience  

• Hold a full, clean and current UK Driving License (or equivalent)  

• Have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions in relation to journeys  

• Are friendly with the people we support and our support staff  

• Are willing to commit to volunteer regularly (times and days can be discussed)  

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role.   

What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:  
 
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)  

• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff  

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

Do you like knitting and spending time with people? 

We are looking for a friendly volunteer, who would like to spend time with a lady we support and knit together  
 
“Hi! I live in Frome and I am supported by Discovery. I really enjoy knitting and I like to make blankets for the cats and dogs homes. I also like gardening, animals and spending time with my friends. I would love a buddy to knit with!”  
 
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you! 

Activities will include: 

• Knitting with and getting to know your buddy 

• Arranging regular sessions to get together, knit and chat 

• Offering support, enthusiasm and interest in knitting projects 

• Providing friendship and fun 
      

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Comfortable with knitting with the skills to join in and share this interest

• Friendly, enthusiastic and a good listener 

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism.  

• Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly 

A DBS check and two character references will be required for this role. 
 

What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:  

 
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)  

• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff  

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

Want to apply for this role? 

If you’d like to be a Discovery volunteer, please get in touch! ​

Do you enjoy cooking and sharing your skills?   

We are a looking for friendly volunteers with a passion for cooking to join us in the kitchen! The people we support in Taunton would love your help to develop their skills, follow recipes and have fun while sharing the enjoyment of cooking.   
 
If you would like to make a difference and make friends along the way, we would love to hear from you!      

Activities will include: 

• Helping the people we support to cook, follow recipes, make healthy meals, chose ingredients and feel confident in the kitchen

• Giving guidance on various kitchen skills, including safety and hygiene 

• Supporting with meal planning and learning about healthy meals and snacks. 

• Being there for company, friendship and fun 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Friendly and enthusiastic 

• Confident in the kitchen and happy to share skills and advice 

• Comfortable chatting with people with learning disabilities and autism. 

• Reliable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be agreed) 

A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.      

What you’ll gain from being a Discovery volunteer:  

 
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities and autism, helping them to live more independently at home and in the community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with: 

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses) 

• Comprehensive support from professional, friendly and trained Dimensions staff 

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed as agreed   

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector  

Are you a good listener? 

More than 130,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. Every one of them shares the uncertainty of life with MS. People are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties, forties and fifties; news that can be worrying and heart breaking. MS can get steadily worse, or symptoms can come and go unpredictably throughout someone’s life.

Could you spare three hours a week to provide emotional support and information to those affected by MS? If so, the MS Helpline team would like to hear from you. 

We’re the UK charity for people with MS. We’re fighting for better treatment and care to help people with MS take control of their lives, and we’re funding research that we believe will stop MS for good. We’ve already made important breakthroughs, and big advances in MS treatments are possible within our lifetimes. With your support, we will stop MS. 

Time and Commitment

The MS Helpline is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm. All of our MS Helpline volunteers carry out their volunteering from home and give emotional support and information to people affected by MS by telephone. 

We are looking for volunteers that can commit to a 3 hour telephone shift a week.

 You will be attending comprehensive helpline volunteer training programme throughout May/June 2025. All training sessions will be remote via Teams during weekdays between 10am-4pm. There will be pre-reading and exercise tasks to complete in between training sessions.

About you

We do not ask for previous experience although we are looking for people with good listening skills and a clear, warm telephone voice. You should have good IT skills as the role will require use of Microsoft Office such as Outlook and Teams, internal databases and call handling system.

We also ask that you have access to a confidential and comfortable working space, computer and broadband suitable for MS Helpline Volunteer role. If you are shortlisted for the role interview, we will ask you about your home and equipment set up, as unfortunately not everyone may have the appropriate set up and equipment for MS Helpline Volunteer role. 

What will you get from volunteering with us?

• A chance to learn new skills
• Meet new people
• Be part of a supportive, caring team
• Ongoing support for your development as a volunteer
• A rewarding role supporting the MS community

Before applying please ensure you will be able to meet the following considerations: 

If you are shortlisted, there will be a 45 minute volunteer interview including a role play w\c 12th May 2025 on Teams.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 11th May 2025.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and engaging tutors to provide educational support to primary aged pupils in Maths and English and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with long-term illnesses.

What will you be doing? 

• Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

• Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to KS1 and KS2 Maths and English. 

• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

What are we looking for? 

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of Primary Maths and English Curriculum. 

• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

• Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

• You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

What difference will you make? 

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

What will you gain?

• The opportunity to fight education inequities and make a difference in a young person's life

• Enhanced DBS Certificate

• Safeguarding level one training

• Skill development opportunities and practical experience 

Lay Trustee

Voluntary

20-25 hours per year

3-year term of office (maximum of 2 terms)

Would you like play an important role in supporting our Executive to continuously improve our organisation, to navigate the current financial climate and challenges in higher education, and to maintain excellent services to students (our members)? 

Worcester Students’ Union (WSU) is a registered charity (number 1145192) and a membership organisation, with its primary object being the advancement of education of students at the University of Worcester. The Union aims to achieve this through:

• representing students’ interests and welfare
• being the recognised representative channel between students, the University, and external stakeholders, and by
• providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities for students. 

WSU is an unincorporated company with a Board of Trustees comprising of three Officer Trustees (the Full-time, elected Officers), up to four Student Trustees, and up to four Lay Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Union’s governance, strategy, and financial sustainability. The post of Lay Trustee has a 3-year term and post holders may serve a maximum of two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. 

We pride ourselves on providing a range of excellent services to students, having a strong reputation nationally, and going above and beyond for students to make a difference. As a team, we are determined to constantly evolve with the help of our dynamic and committed staff, who are working to our new Strategic Framework for 2023-28, which you can find on the WSU's website under the About Us section.

This is a very important time for WSU as we manage the challenges posed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the well-documented difficulties being experienced by higher education providers. We must support the needs of a diverse and ever-changing student body across multiple campuses, with less resource and pressure to diversify income streams.  

Students’ Unions are unique organisations where change is the norm and where students are at the heart of strategy and decision-making. They deliver a wide range of services in a passionate, cost-effective, and professional way and are necessarily responsible, vibrant, and fast-paced. Becoming a Trustee of a Union is an excellent way of providing support and guidance whilst gaining personal knowledge and satisfaction. We have an excellent Board and currently have a vacancy for a Trustee with experience of charity/organisational senior management (Director/CEO etc.) and/or business development.

There are 5 full Board meetings per year and, also, 5 meetings of the two Sub Committees of the Board. We estimate that time to attend meetings (we ask that Lay Trustees sit on one Sub Committee), as well as time to prepare and read papers and liaise with the Chief Executive, totals between 20 to 25 hours per year. Meetings are on-line and so we welcome applications from further afield.

WSU recognises the value of difference and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religious belief, age, marital status or disability, or any other individual characteristic or intersectionality of different characteristics.

We want to support a diverse and inclusive environment as we believe it makes a team more effective and are actively looking for people who share our values. You can see our work as an organisation and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by visiting the About Us section of the WSU's website.

To maintain our independence from the University of Worcester, and to ensure a balance to the student membership of the Board, we cannot consider applications for the role of external trustee from current registered students of the University of Worcester. Alumni are not eligible to be Trustees until at least five years after graduation. 

To avoid potential conflicts of interest, applications also cannot be considered from individuals who are employees of either the University of Worcester or Worcester Students’ Union.

Testimonial from one of our current Lay Trustees:

"As a Trustee I have been able to share my knowledge of the voluntary sector to support WSU, but it has also been an opportunity for me to develop professionally, through broadening my understanding and learning from others. When I first became a Trustee, I was in a Business Development role, but through the experience I have gained, it has helped me to progress my career, now as a Managing Director of a local VCSE organisation."

How to apply:

• To apply for this position, please follow the link to our website to read through the information pack and obtain the application form for this role.
• The Appointments Panel aim to hold interviews on-line during June 2025, with the aim of the successful candidate being inducted ready to commence their role in September 2025.
• If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact the Chief Executive, Sophie Williams, via the email provided in the vacancy listing on our website.

Thank you for your time and we very much look forward to hearing from you.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Will take place between 29/06/2025 -19/07/2025 with further details to be confirmed with successful applicants. 
 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 17/05/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a VS Community Engagement Volunteer, you will help us reach more victims of crime.

Why volunteer with us?  

· Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.

· Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.

· Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

· Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Norfolk

As a Volunteer in Norfolk your role will include:

· Helping or delivering presentations and talks to local groups and individuals to promote our services and the different ways that people can support our cause and receive support.

· Attending local group meetings and events.

· Actively networking through personal connections or local opportunities.

· Talking to potential volunteers about how they can get involved.

· Support our fundraising activities

What we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:

· Be 18 years of age or over.

· Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month, for at least 3 months.

· Complete a 3-day workbook.

· Undertake a DBS check where required

· Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

· Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

· All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

· VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

· VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

· We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a VS Community Engagement Volunteer, you will help us reach more victims of crime.

Why volunteer with us?  

· Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.

· Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.

· Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.

· Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

 Volunteering with Victim Support in Suffolk

As a Volunteer in Suffolk your role will include:

· Helping or delivering presentations and talks to local groups and individuals to promote our services and the different ways that people can support our cause and receive support.

· Attending local group meetings and events.

· Actively networking through personal connections or local opportunities.

· Talking to potential volunteers about how they can get involved.

· Support our fundraising activities

What we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:

· Be 18 years of age or over.

· Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month, for at least 3 months.

· Complete a 3-day workbook.

· Undertake a DBS check where required

· Be able to provide two satisfactory references.

· Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

· All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

· VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

· VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

· We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

About The Role

We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. In this role you will be assisting the Living Collections team in all aspects of caring for the birds in our living collection, which includes rare and endangered species of wildfowl from around the world. You will be directly involved in the care, breeding and welfare of WWTs collection birds, which includes working with waders, waterfowl and flamingos.

You will be working amongst a supportive and experienced team, who will allow you to gain practical experience in animal care and conservation. 

Someone with a background in animal care will find this a varied and interesting role within a supportive and experienced team. The role is also an ideal placement for someone looking to gain practical experience in animal care / biology / ecology or conservation science.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

In order to get the most from this role, we ask that you are be able to commit 2 or 3 days per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. This can drop to one day per week once you have completed training.

Please note, you must be Over 18 to volunteer in this role.

In order to carry out this role, you will need:

• Interest in gaining experience in bird keeping and practical habitat management.
• Ability to be a team player with the ability to work under your own initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Good communication skills.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need.  This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need.

Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing.

If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website.

We regret that we are not in a position to reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the site. Any pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of the role will be reimbursed.

We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form so that we can talk it through further with you.

Please vist our webpage for more information and to apply. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?

Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.

• You can be based anywhere in the UK
• You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
• It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

About Us

Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.

We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.

While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.

That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
• Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
• Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
• Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
• Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:

• Charity governance
• Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
• Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
• Marketing & communications

Above all, we want individuals who are:

• Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
• Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
• Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council

We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.

If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
 

What’s Involved

• Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
• Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
• All reasonable expenses are covered
• Appropriate training and support will be provided

Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world