Youth Children Volunteer Roles

Bring your strategic expertise to the Board of New College Swindon and help support them on the next exciting phase of their journey.

Applications close at9 a.m. Monday 28th April.

New College Swindon sits in the heart of Swindon, providing further and higher education to communities across the town and the wider region.

Our Governing Body has worked collaboratively with our Executive Team to establish a vision and – strategy; which will help guide the delivery of our purpose, ensuring that our local communities are able to enjoy better lives through learning.

With upcoming departures from our Board, due to terms of office ending, we have reflected on the future skills needs and expertise that we need within our governing body. We now welcome applications from individuals with professional expertise in the following areas to join our Board and other committees.

Who are we looking for?

• Chair of Audit Committee

We wish to appoint an individual who is an experienced, senior audit or finance professional to join our main Board and to lead our Audit Committee as its next Chair. Alongside this audit expertise, we also welcome candidates with experience of risk management and compliance procedures. An understanding of the Further Education (FE) sector would be welcomed but is not essential. Previous board experience will be useful as you take on the leadership of our committee.

• Member of Curriculum & Quality Committee

We wish to appoint an individual who is an experienced, senior education professional ideally working within an FE setting.

This experience could have been gained in several ways. Candidates may be current or former senior leaders with experience of developing and delivering curriculum in a FE college, including Sixth Form colleges and settings which support learners with special educational needs. Candidates acting as consultants within the sector or those working in appropriate national settings will also be welcomed.

• Member of Finance and Resources Committee

We wish to appoint an experienced senior finance professional. Candidates for this role will be financially qualified and preferably have previous governance expertise, although this is not essential.

Candidates will need an ability to offer challenging scrutiny and questioning that will allow us to think deeply about our financial strategy. You will have a robust financial approach and be able to understand the bigger strategic opportunities in relation to potential organisational risks. An understanding of the financial mechanisms of the FE sector is not essential but will be of great value to candidates who apply.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 28th April.

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Wakefield

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

We seek an experienced and passionate Chair of Trustees to lead our Board, ensuring strong governance and strategic direction. DS Achieve is a Hertfordshire-based charity dedicated to supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. We provide expert advice, training for professionals, and foster a positive, inclusive community.

Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to empowering children with Down Syndrome. Knowledge of charity governance is desirable. The Chair will act as an ambassador, supporting the Head of Operations and engaging with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring it operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to support the delivery of DS Achieve's strategic objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for DS Achieve, promoting its work and enhancing its public profile.

About You:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of chairing a board, partnership, or high-level committee, with the ability to run meetings effectively and in a collegiate fashion. 

• A passion for supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster relationships with a range of stakeholders.

• An understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of trustees.

What We Offer:

While the role is unremunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed and training will be provided. The role will help you enhance and develop your leadership skills in a small but professionally run organisation. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people with Down Syndrome in our community, working with a friendly and dedicated team of trustees and staff.

DS Achieve is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us in empowering families and fulfilling potential.

We are looking for volunteers interested in working with young asylum seekers and refugees to support our weekly youth club in Croydon, ‘Merhaba’. Merhaba Youth Club is a safe space where 18-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation can come to socialise with their peers, develop friendships, build a better understanding of their rights and entitlements, gain new skills and access 1:1 support.

The club runs on Tuesdays, 2.30-5.30pm, and we ask that you come to Merhaba at least three times each month and attend the whole session. The role involves supporting staff to set up and deliver activities – including 1:1 English and games – as well as administrative support.

Make every moment matter for babies, children, young people and their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire by becoming the new Chair of Acorns Hospices.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th May.

Who we are.

Since 1988, Acorns have been bringing lightness into the dark for babies, children, young people and their families through Three Children’s Hospices in Birmingham, Black Country & the Three Counties.

Acorns support children who are life-limited or life-threatened and they support their families. They have through seven crucial services. While these are set out individually, it is of course common for a child and family to access many or all of these supports:

• End-of-life and after-death care
• Rehabilitative respite stays
• Symptom management
• Specialist family support
• Outreach
• Therapeutic services
• Commissioned beds

Between 700 and 800 children are supported at any one time at Acorns, and 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Making them the biggest children’s hospice in Europe.

Acorns services are holistic, designed and delivered in response to individual needs with care tailored for each child and family. They include medical, emotional, cultural, religious and spiritual support. Services are provided in the hospices and in the wider community, including a family’s home.

The Chair role. 

Mark Hopton has been a remarkable Chair for Acorns and now that he has come to the end of a successful full-term, we are looking for his replacement. The new Chair needs to be highly motivated by Acorn’s purpose and bring excellent governance and skill as a Chair, helping to ensure Acorns meets the growing needs of babies, children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families across Birmingham, Black Country and the Three Counties.

Acorns is held in exceptionally high regard, and the new Chair will recognise the value of this and build upon it to ensure the organisation can continue to grow and be there for children and families in the decades to come.

They will understand how to motivate fellow board members and the CEO and team. They will be active and empowering of others, bringing the ability to be objective, strategic and focused on what matters most and where they can add value as Chair and Ambassador.

Given the scale of Acorns’ impact on children and families and the limited statutory support available, financial management and fundraising will always be a crucial area for the Chair and Board to be supportive of and alert to. An understanding and track-record of significant financial oversight will be essential.

As Chair, you will make a long-term commitment to serving at least two of the three-year terms, subject to board approval at the end of the first three-year term.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th May.

Become a Creative Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about sharing your creative talents and inspiring the next generation? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:
As a Creative Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is henna design, cake or cookie decorating, crochet, glitter art, or another creative discipline, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

• A skill or craft that can be shared with young people.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring creativity.
• A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
• DBS and training provided at no cost.
• Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.
• The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:
At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where creativity thrives and connections are made.

Are you interested in supporting local families with young children that are struggling? We are here to show you how!

Home-Start Guildford offers free, confidential support and practical help to parents of children under five, living in the Guildford Borough.

We are looking for volunteers with parenting or child caring experience to support families for 2-3 hours per week, in the families home, for a minimum of a year upon completing the preparation course.

Home Visiting volunteers are an essential part of the Home-Start Guildford service. We provide a free preparation course for all volunteers before they start to visit families, which covers all the essential training and information you will require and continued support as you commence your journey with us; as well as further training and social opportunities.

As a volunteer, you will be carefully matched with a family, then introduced by one of our experienced staff team.  A unique support package will be devised based on the needs of the family and a day and time for each weekly visit will be agreed to suit both you and the family.

You will build a trusting professional friendship with the family, offering emotional support, guidance and practical help during your visits, sharing your own experiences, with the ultimate goal to empower families with the confidence and skills to cope alone once support ends, creating a legacy of a long term difference.

Interested but would like to know more, visit our website for more information or to register your interest.

How to apply

All prospective volunteers must complete and return an application form, please email our office or call to request a volunteer application pack. 

We consider all completed application forms and once received you will be invited to attend an initial interview to discuss the volunteering role further.

You will need to complete our training course before you can start supporting a family, our next course start on the 19th March 2025. We run two courses a year (Spring and Autumn) so please still get in touch if you can't make the spring date. 

You must be able to provide 2 referees and complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Declaration (no costs incurred for volunteers).

We’re looking for enthusiastic and committed Service Instructors to join our team and help shape the future of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets.

About us

At 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, we’re proud to be part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation that empowers young people aged 12 to 20 to develop leadership skills, resilience, and confidence through exciting opportunities like flying, adventure training, sports, and community service.

We meet twice a week and we’re always looking for volunteers who are willing to try their hand at anything. You could find yourself teaching skills, running activities, or providing encouragement and moral support. If you have specialist skills, we can use them. If you want to learn new skills like rock climbing or gliding, we can train you.

Benefits of being a volunteer

Being a volunteer is rewarding and has a lot of different benefits.

• learn skills in a range of areas
• develop leadership qualities
• personal development
• gain qualifications in areas like mountain leadership, first aid and NVQs

Whatever you decide to focus on, all volunteers gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential.

To be a volunteer you need to

• Be a member of the Armed Forces
• commit to a certain number of hours
• understand young people and their needs
• be patient, responsible and kind
• have a good level of fitness, but by no means be an athlete

We know our volunteers may have families, jobs and hobbies, so we can be flexible and work around other areas of your lives. All we expect in return is clear communication, good organisation and commitment to your squadron.

You do not need

• experience of working with young people
• relevant skills like flying or gliding

Typical joining process

• Submit an expression of interest
• Visit the squadron
• You’ll have an informal interview (usually when you make the first visit)
• Invited to complete an online application
• Get access to the RAF Air Cadets online system to complete the final forms

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited to play a key role in supporting the next generation and helping our squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the volunteer coordinator and Rainbow Club manager when required.

Dreams Come True – Chair of Board of Trustees

Terms: This is a voluntary role and is therefore unremunerated

Length of tenure: The Chair’s tenure is for an initial period of three years.

Dreams Come True, a national charity which creates life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions and who live in social deprivation, is seeking a new Chair for their board of trustees.

For over 30 years, Dreams Come True has been transforming lives through their unique mission and dream programme, bringing joy and lasting impact to thousands of children every year from the UK’s most socially deprived areas who have serious illnesses, life-limiting conditions or disabilities.

The charity helps to transform individual and community dreams into reality, and is committed to scaling up their work by forging new partnerships, innovating their fundraising approaches and enhancing the dream programmes to ensure that every dream granted has a lasting and transformative impact. They are now seeking a new Chair to help lead them into the next chapter of this journey to broaden reach and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and visionary individual with proven leadership skills and the ability to guide the board and executive team in achieving strategic objectives.  The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a charity board, either as a Chair or as a trustee, with a personal empathy to the mission of Dreams Come True. They will also bring strategic oversight and governance expertise, and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and well-established networks would be highly desirable. A solid understanding of finances, particularly within the charity sector, to support sustainability and growth will be essential, alongside strong diplomacy, interpersonal and negotiation skills. They will also need to understand the challenges and opportunities of a growing charity.

The new Chair will work closely with the CEO and a talented and committed board of trustees to ensure the charity continues to deliver life-changing dreams, builds on their successes and looks to the future with ambition and optimism.

Please click through to access and download our Candidate Pack for more information [PDF] including application details.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31st March, 9am GMT.
 

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

With a goal to help transform lives, change attitudes, and create a society that works for autistic people, the UK's leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society is now looking for three new Trustees to join the board to help navigate their future challenges.

Applications close Monday 24th March.

Who we are.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and one of the country’s major charities, with a turnover of around £95 million. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We are active across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and have a network of volunteer-run branches across the UK. As well as adult services and schools, we run a range of programmes, have dedicated diagnostic services and run specialist helplines. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities, and the government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. And we improve public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face.

We’re continuing to advocate on longstanding issues such as social care funding and campaign for what autistic people need to see in the forthcoming autism strategy in England and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We’re also growing our branch network – including national online branches – and we are working on a new mental health programme combining research, digital guidance and policy influencing.

This is a truly transformational and vital time to be part of our charity. We are in the latter stages this year of our Vision to Reality Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out the role of NAS in creating a society that works for autistic people.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – but there’s always more to be done. As the economic, social, and political landscape changes, our strategy must evolve to reflect changes. We need to ensure we continue to increase our fundraising and commercial activities to deliver the scale of impact required.

We’re looking for three new trustees to join our board to help us navigate future challenges.

Who we are looking for.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join the board; in particular, we are looking for someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience in HR, organisational development, people and culture who has operated in complex environments and will Chair our newly formed People Committee.

We are looking for a Trustee who brings a committed and contemporary mindset and will offer strategic insights, philanthropic ideas, valuable introductions, and opportunities. You will have an enlightened approach that fits with the values of the National Autistic Society. Through the contribution and support of this Trustee, we will continue to develop our income and high-value fundraising with new individuals and organisations. Aligned with the values of the National Autistic Society, you will act as an ambassador while leveraging your commercial acumen and governance expertise to support our mission.

We are looking to appoint a Trustee who is autistic who can bring valuable insights to our Board alongside their skills and experiences. We value the unique perspectives and experiences you can bring and want to enhance our governance and strategic thinking with a fresh perspective. We believe that diverse voices make our board and organisation stronger, and we want to ensure our governance and decision-making reflect a wide range of lived experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all Trustees can contribute meaningfully.

We’re keen to ensure our board is diverse in every way, and we’re committed to ensuring our Trustees reflect our society, our charity and the people we represent and support. We welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers. To achieve greater diversity, we’re actively encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and regions. We can work with you to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you contribute fully to being a member of our board. Our Pioneer project is focused on ensuring our organisation is an exemplary employer of autistic people. This also extends to our board.

We’re looking for people who can provide strategic direction, appropriate oversight, scrutiny, challenge, leadership and passion to support our development.

Time Commitment

The National Autistic Society Board meets four times with one overnight strategy away day every year. Our meetings are a blend of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Our trustees join one sub-committee which meets 4 times a year usually online. We expect the time commitment overall to be approximately one day a month, including reading board papers, ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive and the opportunity throughout the year to visit our services and schools, and represent NAS at events.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 24th March.

Mondo is a UK based charity that works to provide high quality education for children in Indian, Nepali, Tanzanian and Ugandan communities; to enable livelihood opportunities within these communities; and to motivate the children to progress as far as possible with their education and contribute back to their communities.

Volunteer Role description

• Create an interactive and child friendly learning environment
• Foster a constructive working environment with local teachers and teaching staff
• Observe and guide on alternative teaching techniques respectful of local cultural needs
• Sharing of best practices, techniques, and methods
• Introduction of extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, crafts
• Deliver an impactful teaching experience that endures beyond the posting

What you bring to the role

• Effective communication skills
• Enthusiasm
• Ability to create an interactive learning environment for varying ages from primary to secondary
• Enjoyment from working with children

Preferred skills

• Teaching experience in a range of subjects
• Lesson planning
• Teacher training

Daily responsibilities include giving classes across a range of subjects, collaborating with teachers and teaching staff on lesson plans and improvement projects that support and reinforce Mondo’s Quality Education approach. Your specialist subjects, skills and needs will be considered to match you with a school and community, making this posting a rewarding and inspiring experience for everyone.

This position is a non-paid voluntary posting in the rural municipality of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Northeast India. Free time can be spent immersing yourself in the local culture and enjoying the stunning countryside in the foothills of the Himalayas. The timing and duration of the posting are flexible, from 1 week for specific tasks to 2-6 weeks or longer for teaching placements. We ask for a donation of £500 to support the project and you will cover your own travel and living expenses, including basic accommodation arranged with a local family.

Please get in touch for more information.

Children from lower-income families are less likely to achieve academically than their better-off peers. Action Tutoring is a charity that works to level the playing field.

We are looking for volunteers to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds in maths or English. As a volunteer, you’ll:

• Work with 1-3 pupils to improve their English and maths, either in-person or online
• Commit to a 10-20 week programme, for just one hour a week
• Support either primary or secondary school-aged pupils
• Use our tutor workbooks to shape your weekly sessions

Good grades improve future prospects, opening the door to a wider range of opportunities. If you enjoy working with children and are passionate about social equality, you can make a tangible difference by volunteering for an hour a week.

What support will I get?

• Training (a two-hour induction session)
• In-session support from your Programme Coordinator
• Tutor workbooks with session plans
• Travel expenses up to £5 per session
• A free DBS check