Volunteer Roles in South West

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

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

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.

A bit about this role

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer groups and teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by raising the profile of Cats Protection through social media. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A passion for social media and experience of using social media channels regularly
• Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of using social media
• Good IT skills
• Excellent writing skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our social media volunteers can expect to spend between two to five hours per week in this role. This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

We are looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees with up to three new Trustee appointments, including Chair of Trustees. We are seeking volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds to join Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) as a Trustee to help make a difference to Bristol’s most vulnerable animals.

As a Trustee, you will have the chance to influence our strategy and directly support our teams of experts in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming or release of animals that come into our care.
You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside your fellow Trustees, in providing the governance that supports the CEO and senior management team in the successful running of the organisation.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience in the following areas: Animal Welfare, Fundraising & Communications and Governance.

Role of the Trustee

The ultimate responsibility of our Board Members is to ensure that Bristol A.R.C. works towards its mission, values and objectives in an effective, fair and legal manner. Duties will include:

• Regular attendance at Board meetings, taking place either online or at our Bristol centre, at least 6 times a year and additional trustee meetings and participation in subcommittees. The subcommittees are typically run within usual working hours.
• Ensure that Bristol A.R.C. complies with charity law and Charity Commission requirements and its governing documents.
• Oversight of the strategic, financial and governance position of the charity.

What we can offer you as a Trustee

• A platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on the welfare of local animals and people, as well as the wider community.
• Satisfaction of helping us make a difference and give something back to animals and people of Bristol.
• A way to expand both your professional and personal network through meeting and working with like-minded people who share your passion for promoting animal welfare.
• Induction, support and training from us.

We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply. We are also happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our values and ambitions and show a willingness and time to learn in the role.

About our existing Board

There are currently eight volunteer Trustees with varied experience and skills including corporate accounting, people and wellbeing, business management, and risk management. We are a friendly Board, passionate about our cause and we enjoy welcoming new people and talents to support our work on behalf of animals.

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. 

Shannon Trust Volunteer Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Volunteer

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning.  As our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Volunteer your role will help us to make this a reality by providing support with a variety of EDIB administrative tasks. This will include supporting with organising EDIB meetings, training and events, taking minutes for EDIB meetings and focus groups, explore EDIB data and information, and other EDIB related admin tasks as needed. We are seeking a proactive, committed, and enthusiastic individual to join our team and help us continue our journey.

This is a home-based role and we are looking for a volunteer who can commit to 7 hours per week on a consistent and reliable basis - the role has been listed as permanent however this is a voluntary role only. The individual will ideally have previous experience of working with a Diversity and Inclusion role or is keen to gain experience.  The ideal candidate will have an awarenss of religous and cultural events, able to operate relevant IT applications including Microsoft Office, have experience of working under pressure and to deadlines and have access to a personal laptop and homeworking space. 

Volunteer benefits include; induction training and ongoing training, support and development in the role, flexible working, recognition for your contribution and reimbursement of expenses where applicable. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome volunteer applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Closing date: Midnight Monday 3 March - Please note interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and we may close this vacancy early. 

Wekume

Wekume is a comprehensive mobile app designed to provide university students in Uganda with seamless access to reproductive health services, including counseling, testing, products, and health education, while also offering personal development resources like business incubation and career-building opportunities.

Social Media Manager

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Develop and schedule posts for Wekume’s social media platforms.

Manage social media platforms for Wekume including new and existing platforms.

Engage with followers and respond to queries promptly.

Create campaigns to raise awareness about reproductive health and Wekume’s services.

Monitor social media analytics and optimize strategies for growth.

Think of content to post relevant to sexual and reproductive health

Weekly Time Commitment

7-9 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

We are seeking to complement the existing skills and knowledge and grow our Board by appointing a new trustee with knowledge and experience in financial management to become the designated Finance Trustee for BNOS.

You will support BNOS’s Board of Trustees and Treasurer by assisting with budgeting and other near- and long-term financial planning and provide oversight of financial reporting. You will work closely with the other trustees to oversee our financial governance and compliance with our legal and regulatory obligations. You will provide the Board with the confidence and knowledge to better make strategic decisions.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We believe that having a Board of Trustees with a range of skills and backgrounds can help us to develop as an organisation.

As a trustee you will play a vital role in our work as we navigate an exciting phase of development as a relatively newly registered charity. You may have previous trustee experience or be considering such a role for the first time.

Create Change through Arts Therapies , Lead with Purpose

We are looking for trustees to oversee the direction of the charity. We have delivered rapid growth over the last two years and now need to expand our Board of Trustees. By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a Lasting Impact: you can help transform lives through creative therapeutic support for individuals taking action to deal with their mental health.
• Shape the Future: you will be part of shaping the future of our charity as we expand services and reach more people in need.
• Use Your Expertise for Good: bring your professional skills to the board, whether in finance, education, governance, fundraising, or therapeutic services, and help guide the strategic direction of our charity.

We are seeking to fill our board with the following expertise: 

Experience in the following areas would be valuable:

• Finance and Accounting: To oversee the financial health of the charity, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Fundraising and Income Generation: To support us in developing sustainable income streams, including grant applications, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.
• Therapeutic Services and Arts Therapy: Professionals who understand the sector and can help shape our programmes in alignment with best practices in mental health care.
• Marketing and Communications: To help us raise the profile of Arts Therapies UK through digital strategies, media relations, and public engagement.
• Legal and Governance: Individuals with experience in charity law or governance to ensure we remain compliant with regulatory requirements.

Trustee Roles and Responsibilities:

As a trustee, you will:

• Ensure that the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s projects and services, ensuring they align with the overall mission.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure the charity is operating within its means.
• Act as an advocate and ambassador for Arts Therapies UK, raising awareness of the charity’s work.
• Attend 6 weekly (approximetley) trustee meetings held online, an annual strategy day (in person), and contribute to subcommittees and requests for support where necessary.
• Uphold the charity’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Arts Therapies UK:

• Purpose-Driven Work: Support our mission that provides interventions to individuals facing mental health challenges across the whole country.
• Impact: Directly influence the charity’s ability to reach more people in need, through strategic decision-making and governance.
• Development: Build on your leadership and governance skills while making a meaningful difference in your community.
• Collaborative Board: Join a diverse and experienced group of trustees who are passionate about mental health and the arts.

If you are interested please read the attached role descriptions carefully and then submit a CV and brief covering letter. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a Video Editor for the International Humanity Foundation (IHF)! We are looking for talented and creative individuals to help us produce visually compelling content that highlights our mission to provide education to underprivileged children.

Role Requirements

As a Video Editor, you will:

Edit raw footage into polished and engaging videos.

Add graphics, animations, and subtitles to enhance video quality.

Collaborate with the podcast and media teams to create promotional materials.

Work on highlight reels and trailers to showcase IHF’s work and podcast content.

Ensure all videos align with IHF’s branding and storytelling goals.

Skills We Value

Proficiency in video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve).

Creative storytelling through visual media.

Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Experience in graphic design or animation is a plus.

A collaborative and flexible attitude.

Benefits of Volunteering with IHF

By joining our team, you will:

Gain valuable experience in video editing and storytelling for a global nonprofit.

Build your portfolio with impactful content.

Collaborate with a diverse, creative, and passionate team.

Contribute to a cause that empowers underprivileged children through education.

Receive a certificate of recognition and appreciation for your contributions.

About IHF

The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on providing education to children in underserved communities. We believe in creating stories that inspire change and empower lives.

Collect for our Great Daffodil Appeal

Thank you for your interest in collecting for us – prepare to have bucketloads of fun!

Collect for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal this March 2025 and help us make sure that we can be there for more people at the end of their lives, in their homes and in our hospices.

Locate your nearest collection point via our link provided.

• Collect Donations: Act as a representative for Marie Curie, collecting funds with buckets or tins.
• Promote: Spread awareness and share information about what we do at Marie Curie in your community.

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Polite and organised.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Passionate about raising funds for Marie Curie

A typical 2-hour collection shift can raise up to £85. That's enough to fund almost 4 hours of expert nursing care or 5 calls to our Support Line. Every shift can make a real difference

With your support, we can help bring end of life care and support to everyone who needs it.

If you want to go the extra mile, why not become a Collections Organiser? You'll help raise even more vital funds for Marie Curie.

Voluntary Discipleship Ambassadors (part time)

ETS is a small but growing UK based Christian charity, which is looking to expand its discipleship and evangelism training throughout the UK and the English-speaking nations.

We are looking for a people of faith who can identify with our aims; a mature Christian who is comfortable in networking with Church leaders.  Although this is a voluntary position, we anticipate that this role may be salaried at some point in the future.

In our present phase, we require Ambassadors in all regions of the UK. As an ETS Ambassador, you will be our first contact to many pastors and leaders in both the UK and to other English-speaking nations. Therefore, your main role is to open doors and to reflect our passion and ability to make disciples of all nations, through our unique one-day training and manuals.  Once the door of opportunity has been opened, we can take over and explain in more detail. 

As our ETS Ambassador, your role will involve reaching out to churches to promote our discipleship and evangelism training. This will be by targeted emails, letters, and phone calls, which will be backed up and supported by our Admin and Fundraising Officers.

ETS is based in Peterborough, and we expect any applicant to work from home/remote (hybrid) along with attending meetings over zoom. We will only interview applicants who are UK based. There may be occasional team meetings at Allia Business Centre, Peterborough, but traveling costs will be reimbursed, along with phone calls and other approved expenses.

Salary: This is a voluntary role and you are expected to pay your own taxes (if applicable)

Hours of work: This is a part-time role and we will negotiate the hours per month, but these can be carried out at different times during the week.

We would require a commitment of three months, with the possibility of extension.

Safeguarding: Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.