Volunteer roles

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above-mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we find thousands of perfect matches between people and cats every year. Our cat match volunteers provide the support, information and guidance needed to match the right person to the right cat.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Being part of a team that identifies suitable homes for cats in care
• Providing potential adopters with basic cat care information
• Completing homing questionnaires with potential adopters ‘virtually’, as well as face to face, which may involve visiting the homes of potential adopters
• Carrying out follow up communications if required
• Using online map searches to match cats and kittens to new homes

Time expectation

Our cat match volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours a week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Job description:

Job Title: Learning & Development Specialist

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Department: People & Culture

Reports To: Manager: Learning & Development

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a trailblazing organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we empower individuals and teams to drive systemic change through equitable learning and growth opportunities.

Role Overview

As the Learning & Development Specialist, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and strategic goals. You’ll develop leadership curricula, create engaging instructional materials, oversee induction training, and continuously refine L&D initiatives based on feedback and data. This role is ideal for a creative, data-driven professional passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and equipping teams with the skills to advance social justice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Development & Training

• Design and implement leadership training curricula, workshops, and coaching programs that cultivate inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious leaders.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify skill gaps and align learning and development (L&D) strategies with organisational objectives.
• Facilitate dynamic workshops on topics like anti-bias leadership, conflict resolution, and change management.

Instructional Design & Content Development

• Create engaging, accessible learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, videos, and assessments, using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
• Embed D&I principles and social justice themes into all content, ensuring cultural relevance and representation.
• Develop microlearning resources and toolkits to support continuous, self-directed learning in a remote environment.

AI-Enhanced Instructional Design

• Using various platforms, create dynamic, AI-generated content (e.g., simulations, scenario-based learning), and adaptive e-learning modules.
• Build AI-driven assessments and feedback loops to measure knowledge retention and behavioural change.

Onboarding & Integration

• Lead the design and delivery of induction programs that immerse new hires in QuilomboUK’s mission, values, and D&I commitments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure onboarding content reflects role-specific and cultural integration needs.
• Monitor new hire feedback to refine onboarding experiences and reduce time-to-productivity.

Training Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Measure training effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, knowledge retention, and behavioural change.
• Analyse feedback surveys, LMS data, and performance metrics to identify gaps and iterate on content.
• Stay ahead of L&D trends (e.g., gamification, AI-driven learning) to innovate QuilomboUK’s programs.

D&I Integration

• Ensure all learning initiatives prioritise equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Partner with ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders to co-create programs that address systemic inequities.
• Advocate for accessible learning design, including accommodations for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years in L&D, instructional design, or leadership development, ideally within mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations, with hands-on experience using AI tools.
• Skills:
• Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Canva) and LMS platforms.
• Strong facilitation and storytelling skills for remote and hybrid audiences.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to measure program impact.
• Proficiency in prompt engineering for generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to create scalable content.
• Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of adult learning theories, inclusive pedagogy, and social justice frameworks.
• Familiarity with UK compliance standards related to workplace training.
• Understanding of ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant AI use in HR.
• Familiarity with AI and how it can amplify (or hinder) equitable learning outcomes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of L&D in driving equitable change.

Personal Attributes

• A visionary thinker who balances creativity with analytical rigour.
• Collaborative bridge-builder who engages stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptive and empathetic, with a knack for simplifying complex concepts.
• Committed to lifelong learning and amplifying underrepresented voices.

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll provide much-needed help looking after fundraising relationships, and with fundraising activities and events. You’ll help us look after the supporters who are fundraising for us — to make sure they’re happy and feel part of what we do. You’ll also support us with planning and running events, including preparation and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

In this role you’ll develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Please note, you must live in or around Kendal to carry out this role.

As an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

Please note this role will be carried out in the Kendal Area and you must live in the area.

As an Activities Organiser, you'll bring your skills, energy and enthusiasm to lead, develop and plan activities and events with your local group. You’ll get involved in creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events, making sure they’re run safely and effectively, to be accessible to our MS community. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day, inspiring your fellow volunteers to get involved.  

To carry out this role, you will need to live in Kendal or the surrounding area.

RCN Foundation
Trustees (Finance & Investment Expertise)

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of the RCN Foundation, an independent charity that supports and strengthens nursing and midwifery to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Since 2010, the Foundation has provided hardship, education, research and innovation funding to thousands of nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare support workers across the UK. As the Foundation continues to deliver its ambitious strategy, we are seeking to appoint two Trustees with senior-level expertise in finance, accounting and/or investment governance to join the Board from April 2027. One of the successful candidates will also serve as Chair of the Income Generation and Investment Committee.

You will join a committed Board, helping to shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and ensuring it continues to deliver meaningful impact for the nursing and midwifery professions.

Trustee and Chair - Income Generation and Investment Committee
You will bring significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management or strategic financial oversight, alongside experience of chairing boards, committees or similar governance groups.

As Chair of the Income Generation and Investment Committee, you will provide leadership and oversight across the Foundation’s investment portfolio, fundraising activity and wider income generation strategy. You will support the Board in ensuring the Foundation’s long-term financial sustainability and will also represent the Foundation on the RCN Group Audit Committee.

Trustee - Finance & Investment
You will bring senior financial leadership experience, with expertise in areas such as finance, accounting, investment management or financial governance.

You will provide support and constructive challenge on matters including financial sustainability, investment performance, reserves and longer-term planning, contributing to the work of both the Board and the Income Generation and Investment Committee.

In addition, all candidates will demonstrate:
• A commitment to the mission of the RCN Foundation and supporting the nursing and midwifery workforce
• Experience operating at Board, Committee or senior leadership level
• Strong strategic thinking, judgement and decision-making skills
• An understanding of charity governance and financial stewardship
• The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Integrity and a commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
• The capacity to commit approximately 15 days per year to the role

For more information on both roles including how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking on the button located on the role on the Prospectus website.

Applications are welcomed from individuals from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds.

Recruitment Timeline
Closing date for applications: Sunday 6th September 2026
Interviews with RCN Foundation: Monday 19th October 2026

At Prospectus, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment process and to fostering an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

The Teacher Liaison is a part-time, unpaid voluntary role responsible for supporting volunteer teachers and ensuring smooth coordination between teachers, students, and the wider Ramzuna Languages team.

Time commitment: 3-4 hours/week

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining regular communication with teachers
• Addressing questions or problems related to lessons and students.
• Helping match teachers with students

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build supportive relationships with volunteer teachers and learners.
• Strong writing skills.
• Organizational and coordination skills
• Cultural sensitivity and empathy.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
• Ability to work independently, and maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation is looking for reliable and pro-active individuals to volunteer at Mouth Cancer  Awareness Walk. If you are free between 0900 and 1600 on Saturday 5th  September 2026 and can get to Old Deer Park Twickenham Road, Richmond TW9 2SLthen we need you. There are a variety of roles available.  Duties include lead, middle and rear walking, route marshalling and helping out at the start and finish area setting up the event and signing in the participants.

All volunteers will be provided with lunch and vouchers which can be exchanged for hot and cold drinks.

Volunteer HR Recruitment Assistant

Location: Remote

Commitment: Approx. 12 hours per week (Flexible arrangement)

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a Kingston-based social justice and community enterprise dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices across diverse communities.

We partner with local organisations to deliver training, workshops, and research that challenge preconceptions around race, stereotyping, and unconscious bias. To learn more about our work, explore our website and YouTube channel.

About the Role

Join our team as a Volunteer HR & Recruitment Assistant and play a key role in supporting our non-profit mission. Sitting within our Human Resources function, you will assist with the end-to-end volunteer recruitment process—helping us attract passionate individuals to support our core projects.

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for HR students, career changers, or experienced professionals looking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful cause while building practical recruitment experience in the social impact sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing & Outreach: Assist hiring leads with identifying volunteer staffing needs and posting role descriptions across relevant platforms.

• Candidate Engagement: Conduct initial screening discussions to evaluate candidate interest, alignment with our core values, and overall fit.

• Pipeline Management: Help build and maintain candidate records, keeping applicants informed and supported throughout the recruitment journey.

• Onboarding & Administration: Support the HR team in scheduling interviews, maintaining up-to-date volunteer records, and ensuring recruitment processes remain inclusive and compliant with equal opportunity standards.

What We Are Looking For

• An interest in or prior exposure to HR, recruitment, or talent acquisition.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with a welcoming, professional manner.

• Basic familiarity with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to handle confidential information respectfully.

• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What We Offer

• Professional Development: Gain practical experience in recruitment and broader HR workflows, with access to structured learning pathways through our Professional Development Programme (ePDP).

• Skills Enhancement: The opportunity for CV and profile review support provided by our internal Learning & Development team.

• Inclusive Environment: A collaborative, flexible team culture that values diversity, innovation, and community impact.

Programme Details

This role is offered as an unpaid volunteer placement within the Quilombo UK Professional Development Programme. The is commitment 12 hours per week (flexible across Monday to Friday) over a 16-week period to get the most out of the experience.

Quilombo UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all. We strictly adhere to the Equality Act 2010 principles and maintain zero tolerance for discrimination.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity volunteers use their passion and expertise to generate publicity for local volunteer groups and teams. They directly help our cats by raising awareness of the fantastic ways Cats Protection helps cats in need. By raising our profile they help us raise the funds we need to continue our work, raise awareness of adopting a cat, help promote neutering and make sure as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

Touch Grass has come a long way over the past few years. What started as a community-led idea has grown into an organisation creating joyful opportunities for queer women, trans and non-binary people of colour to reconnect with nature, creativity and one another through nature, creativity and community.

As we continue to grow, we're looking to strengthen our governance and are recruiting a small number of volunteer Board Directors to help guide the next chapter of our journey.

As a founder-led organisation, we're looking for people who are excited to support and steward our long-term vision. The Board's role will be to provide strategic oversight, accountability and thoughtful challenge, while the day-to-day running of Touch Grass continues to be led by our Founder & CEO, alongside the core team.

Our Board will meet once every quarter (four meetings a year), with occasional input between meetings where appropriate.

We're looking for someone with experience in:

🌱 Finance & Accounting (Treasurer)

We're particularly interested in people who believe in equity, collective care and community-led change. We know that stronger governance comes from diverse perspectives, and we'd especially love to hear from people whose lived experiences reflect the communities we exist to serve.

This is a voluntary opportunity to help shape the long-term future of an organisation working to make the outdoors more welcoming, representative and accessible for queer women, trans and non-binary people of colour.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in—or you know someone who would be a brilliant fit—we'd love to hear from you.