Volunteer roles

Job Title: Finance Assistant                                                                           

Reports To: Finance  Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day financial operations of Quilombo UK. This is an ideal role for someone looking to apply or gain hands-on experience in finance within the Third Sector, while contributing to a meaningful, community-led cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The Finance Assistant will support the Finance Manager in tasks such as financial data entry, expense processing, reconciliation, and reporting. This role requires someone with good numerical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset. The opportunity offers valuable exposure to nonprofit financial processes, along with flexibility and training support.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Data Entry:

• Collect and accurately enter financial data into spreadsheets and databases.

• Assist in processing staff and volunteer expense claims, ensuring proper documentation and approval.

• Support with checking account balances and assisting in payment reconciliation tasks.

Budgeting & Analysis:

• Help perform calculations and draft basic financial reports.

• Review department budgets regularly and report discrepancies to the Finance Manager.

• Assist in auditing financial records and preparing financial statements.

Reconciliation & Compliance:

• Reconcile discrepancies in financial records and propose corrections.

• Adhere to the organisation’s financial policies and reporting procedures.

• Respond to internal finance queries and offer support where needed.

Continuous Improvement:

• Suggest improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or cost savings.

• Maintain accurate documentation and support reporting for audits or internal reviews.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation required; relevant coursework or volunteer experience preferred.

• Previous experience in finance, bookkeeping, or administrative support is advantageous.

• Understanding of basic accounting principles is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent organisation, time-management, and attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.

• Professional, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in finance and bookkeeping within a nonprofit setting.

• Learn financial processes used in the Third Sector.

• Receive mentoring and training to develop finance and administrative skills.

• Work remotely with a supportive and mission-driven team.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses if in-person attendance is required.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Recruitment Manager – Volunteer Role

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers ensure the charity runs smoothly across the UK, helping us “bring smiles to the faces of so many children.”

About The Role

The Recruitment Manager leads and oversees volunteer recruitment across all Make A Smile chapters. You will support Chapter Recruitment Officers, run central recruitment activities, and ensure volunteers can progress smoothly from first hearing about the charity to becoming fully qualified and ready to attend events.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a strategic and hands‑on role in growing the charity’s volunteer base. Responsibilities include:

● Overseeing the full volunteer journey - from first contact to becoming “Qualified” and event‑ready.

● Providing guidance, training, and ongoing support to Chapter Recruitment Officers.

● Ensuring Recruitment Officers run effective Introduction Training sessions, recruitment fairs, and outreach activities.

● Identifying barriers that prevent volunteers from getting involved and working to reduce them.

● Ensuring each chapter completes its Widening Access plan and implements inclusive recruitment practices.

● Working closely with the Safeguarding Officer to support DBS checks and ensure Recruitment Officers can run DBS clinics correctly.

● Maintaining and improving the Introduction Training slides and ensuring content remains high‑quality and up to date.

● Running a monthly online central Introduction Training session and advertising it across chapters and social media.

● Proactively seeking new recruitment opportunities, including volunteering platforms, fairs, and partnerships.

● Supporting and overseeing the Widening Participation (WP) Officer, who recruits 16–18‑year‑old volunteers.

● Collaborating with the PR Officer and Conference Officer to raise awareness and attend recruitment events.

● Reporting recruitment challenges, barriers, and chapter needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone energetic, organised, and passionate about helping people get involved. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong communication and people‑engagement skills.

● Confidence in motivating and supporting volunteers.

● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset.

● Creativity in finding new recruitment opportunities.

● The ability to manage multiple chapters and keep track of progress.

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).

Experience in recruitment is helpful but not essential - enthusiasm and commitment matter most.

Time Commitment

Recruitment Managers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting chapters, running central training, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair, Safeguarding Officer, and fellow Trustees.

● Access to recruitment guides, training materials, and templates.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience leading recruitment across a national charity.

● Skills in volunteer engagement, training delivery, and inclusive recruitment.

● Leadership experience supporting multiple chapter teams.

● The chance to shape the volunteer experience and strengthen the charity’s impact.

● The joy of helping new volunteers join a community that brings magic to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Recruitment Managers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in recruitment, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

Are you looking to build experience in communications while supporting children’s education in Malawi?

The Mlambe Project is a small but impactful charity building sustainably constructed school blocks in rural Malawi. We’re looking for a volunteer Communications & Social Media Intern to help us share our story and grow our online presence — all in just around one hour per week.

What you’ll do:

• Create and schedule engaging social media posts and update website
• Help tell the story of our school building projects and the people we work with
• Share updates, photos and impact stories
• Suggest ideas to grow awareness and engagement
• Support the team in Malawi to take engaging content

Who this would suit:

• Students or recent graduates
• Anyone wanting experience in the charity or international development sector
• Creative self-starters who enjoy writing and storytelling

Why volunteer with us?

• Gain real, hands-on experience
• Build your CV and portfolio
• Work flexibly around your schedule
• Contribute directly to improving education access for children in Malawi

This is a small time commitment with meaningful impact.

If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with a short introduction about yourself and why you’re interested.

About Us
Career Compass is a UK-registered social mobility charity supporting state-educated sixth form students from underrepresented backgrounds to access competitive career pathways, including law, finance and professional services.

The Opportunity
We are seeking a volunteer speaker to deliver a virtual session on UCAS applications and personal statements, specifically tailored to students applying for Law degrees.

The session will support high-potential Year 12 students by providing insight into:

• Structuring a strong Law personal statement

• Demonstrating motivation and academic interest

• Showcasing super-curricular engagement

• Avoiding common application mistakes

• Preparing for competitive university applications

Career Compass will manage all logistics, student coordination and promotion. The speaker’s role is delivery and Q&A.

Who We’re Looking For

• Current Law undergraduate or recent Law graduate

• Experience tutoring, mentoring or supporting students with university applications

• Strong understanding of the UCAS process and competitive Law admissions

• Committed to widening participation and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds

Why Volunteer?

• Make a direct impact on students’ futures

• Gain speaking and leadership experience

• Contribute to social mobility in the UK

• Receive formal recognition of your volunteering

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Training Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation

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.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Training Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation

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.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Volunteering Services Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Volunteering Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03.2026

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Volunteering Services Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Volunteering Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03/2026

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Volunteering Services Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Volunteering Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03/2026

About ReMind UK

ReMind UK is an independent charity and an internationally renowned centre for research, diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims to improve life for people with dementia and their families and carers, and to find drug and non-drug treatments for people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases predominantly affecting older people. Our contracted NHS Memory Clinic service, paid for memory assessments, and allied activities also provide direct support to patients, families and carers. We are currently in an ambitious phase of development to increase significantly our clinical and academic research programme. We work closely with the Universities of Bath, Bristol and other research institutions, both nationally and internationally, and with the Royal United Hospital.

Role Title

Trustee (Board Member), ReMind UK

Time Commitment

We hold four full Board meetings per year, and an annual away day.

We currently have one subcommittee which is the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FAC) that meets four times a year should be a part of it.

Board and Committee meetings are generally of 1-2 hours duration. Once a year there is a remuneration meeting, which is a short meeting held directly after the Board meeting.  

We engage between meetings via email on issues of relevance to either individual Board members or collectively where appropriate

Trustees are volunteers and may claim eligible expenses.

Role Purpose

Trustees are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring good governance, and overseeing the charity’s management and administration.  The day-to-day running of the organisation is undertaken by the charity CEO and the senior leadership team.

Trustees must act in the charity’s best interests, ensure it is well‑run, and that resources are used effectively to achieve its charitable purposes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

· Ensure the charity has clear priorities, future, and strategic direction.

· Oversee delivery of the charity’s mission to improve diagnosis, care, and research into age‑related disorders.

· Make well‑informed decisions that align with ReMind UK’s charitable objects and the interests of beneficiaries.

· Maintain high standards of governance and accountability.

2. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· Act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence in all decision‑making and oversight.

· Manage and declare any conflicts of interest.

3. Financial Oversight

· Ensure the charity is financially sustainable, with adequate controls, appropriate budgeting, responsible use of funds and sound financial planning.

· Support and work with the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee where appropriate and engage in wider discussions around income and expenditure where necessary.

• Safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure funds are spent effectively.

4. Advocacy & Ambassadorship

· Act as an ambassador for ReMind UK’s work in dementia research, memory assessment, and post diagnosis support.

· Promote the importance of early assessment, treatment possibilities, and community‑based support.

· Support relationship‑building with stakeholders, partners, funders, and the wider community.

5. Organisational Support & Risk Management

· The Board have delegated the oversight of the Risk Register to the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FAC), however it is also the responsibility of all trustees to identify and manage organisational risks and hold the FAC to account.

· Ensure effective planning and promote resilience across the charity.

· Support and constructively challenge the CEO and senior leadership team.

Person Specification

Essential:

· Commitment to the vision, mission and values of ReMind UK.

· Understanding of or willingness to learn about trustee responsibilities and charity governance.

· Strategic thinking and strong communication skills.

· Integrity, sound judgement, and independence of thought.

Desirable:

· Experience in health, dementia research, social care, charity finance, legal compliance, fundraising, or lived carer experience.

· Previous charity governance or leadership experience.

Eligibility Requirements

Certain individuals are legally disqualified from becoming charity trustees. Applicants must be 18+.

As part of our safeguarding commitment, trustees will be asked to complete an appropriate level of DBS check (Basic or Enhanced, subject to eligibility). We will support you through this process.

How to Apply and closing date

Interested individuals should submit a CV and a short statement outlining their motivation and relevant experience.

This is a volunteer opportunity for would be film & TV makers to make film & video for public benefit. No prior skills are required. Our spring 26 train and shoot volunteer package is designed to help you make factual programmes with us.  A dynamic blend of online and face-to-face sessions, all volunteers receive immersive camera training using WORLDwrite’s top-end film equipment and invaluable hands-on experience behind the lens. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless of your level of experience, whether you’re a seasoned Hollywood director or have never touched a camera. During the package we will be filming play readings of C.L.R James Black Jacobins and inspiring talks at Hackney Film Festival. One evening a week via Zoom and 8 weekend days face to face is all it takes! All volunteers are credited for their input, references are provided along with travel expenses to shoots and lunches on training & shoot days.

Want to learn more about what councils are doing to combat the climate and ecological crises? Want to help communities to get their council to take Climate Action seriously? Interested in gaining experience of local policy, initiatives and best practice?

Climate Emergency UK’s free, online, 4-week Local Climate Training Programme is the place to start!

Councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Therefore, they are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. Following the success of the second Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. Now, we’re looking for volunteers to help us create the 2027 Action Scorecards, tracking the progress that has been made, and scoring all UK councils on their climate action.

Our workshops, alongside the practical experience of assessing local climate action, are designed to help you develop your knowledge, skills and experience around local climate policy and action.

Your assessments will help create the 2027 Council Climate Action Scorecards - helping your community and other people around the UK understand how well councils are tackling the climate crisis, the progress that has been made, who’s doing well and what is possible. During the programme you will be part of a cohort of people (maximum 50) who share your passion for environmental justice and local action.

The Training Programme will help you understand:

• The powers local authorities have to tackle the climate crisis.
• The actions local authorities are taking to tackle the climate crisis.
• What good council climate action looks like.

We will also have workshops from educational, policy and campaigning experts to give you a strong foundation in local climate action. Last year this included speakers from the Climate Change Committee, Lancaster City Council and Friends of the Earth. Those on the training programme will be able to manage their time but must be able to make the mandatory dates, listed below. Both cohorts will be 4 weeks and have the exact same programme of events. While these will be part of the training it will be up to you to make the session, although some of these sessions will be recorded. A full schedule will be sent out 1 week before the training starts.

The Programme Dates:

We are running two cohorts of the training programme:

The First Cohort will run from: 7th April until 12th May 2026.

You will need to be free for the following mandatory dates:

• Scorecards Volunteer Inductions:
  You will need to attend one induction session on either Tuesday 7th April 2026 or Thursday 9th April 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
• Scorecards Scoring Training:
  You will only need to attend only one of the training sessions but please keep both of the evenings free until you are allocated a Scorecards section, which will determine which session you need to attend: either Tuesday 14th April 2026 or Thursday 16th April 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm.
• Policy Programme Course sessions will run on:
  Tuesday 28th April from 4.30-6pm - Introduction to councils
  Thursday 30th April from 4.30-6pm - Guest Speaker
  Tuesday 5th May from 4.30-6pm - Climate Powers and Policies part 1
  Thursday 7th May from 4.30-6pm - Climate Powers and Policies part 2
• Final Policy Programme Session & Certificate Ceremony
  12th May 2026 from 4.30-6pm - Securing change at the local level

Who is this Programme for?

In order to apply you must be:

• Aged over 18
• Able to commit to approx. 15-20 hours a week for four weeks
• Based anywhere in the UK
• Have reliable internet access and access to a computer
• You do not need to have previous environmental related experience or a relevant degree.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers. Parish/Town councillors or staff are welcome to apply.

Other than that, anyone can apply to be on this programme. We are particularly looking for people who:

• Are passionate about tackling climate change and sustainability
• Have an interest in supporting climate action in their local communities
• Are interested in a career in environmental policy or advocacy (or just enjoy this as a hobby!)
• Able to use Google Docs and SLACK, although you will receive training in both.

Each cohort will be limited to 50 places and we expect to fill the programme. Your acceptance onto the programme will be confirmed once you have attended the Induction

If you are not able to commit to the training programme but would still like to be involved in scoring local authority climate action then please visit our page on becoming a Volunteer Assessor.

How to apply

We are running two volunteer cohorts. The Local Climate Policy Programme is available to both cohorts. If you are a new volunteer we recommend joining Cohort 1.

Following the success of the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. Analysing council climate action only becomes valuable if you track the progress that has been made. We need your help to create the 2027 Action Scorecards and score councils on their actual climate action.

Why are we doing this?

We’re in a climate crisis, and local councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Councils are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. The Scorecards are a campaigning tool that residents can use to hold their council to account on their climate action, and lobby for specific, targeted change. We have also found that over 34% of UK councils are using the Scorecards to improve (using the Scorecards in council meetings or on their website and in climate action plans). Finally, this UK wide assessment will demonstrate where the UK and devolved governments need to provide more support to local authorities in order for them to take even further action.

How can you help?

We need at least 200 volunteers to pull this project off! You can help by volunteering to score councils on each of the 7 sections of our Action Scorecards. This year volunteers will be marking specific sections for councils (e.g. marking only all the Transport questions for the councils you are marking). You will score councils in your particular section by researching publicly available information on councils’ websites and relevant strategies. Training and guides will be made available to you to help in the process.

Scoring one council on one section will take approx. 2 hrs (though the more you do, the quicker you will become). It’s best if you are able to work from a laptop or a computer with good internet, as you will need to be able to access council websites and our online scoring system.

We’d like you to mark at least 10 councils on one of the seven sections over a period of 4 weeks. This equates to a total of 20 hours of volunteering over 4 weeks, roughly 5 hours a week, but this can be done at your own pace.

What experience do I need?

We will provide training so you don’t need any experience. If you have previous experience of working in or campaigning at a local council level that is a bonus, but not necessary.

What will I gain?

This is a great opportunity to understand how local councils work, as well as understanding local government policy on Climate Action. This is a good chance to improve your research and analytical skills too. By helping with this project you will be making a real contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

What we need from you:

You will need to attend a total of 2 sessions:

• Scorecards Volunteer Inductions:
  You will need to attend one induction session on either Tuesday 7th April 2026 or Thursday 9th April 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
• Scorecards Scoring Training:
  You will only need to attend only one of the training sessions but please keep both of the evenings free until you are allocated a Scorecards policy section, which will determine which session you need to attend: either Tuesday 14th April 2026 or Thursday 16th April 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm.
• The overall time commitment is 20 hours of volunteering over a 4-week period spanning from 7th April until 12th May 2026.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers (Parish/Town councillors or staff are free to apply).

How it works

• You will receive training on how the scoring system works.
• You will be assigned 10 or more councils to score depending on your availability.
• You will be supported through online communication with CEUK staff and other volunteers across the country. At any point you will be able to ask questions using Slack.
• You will score those councils via our online scoring system. What you mark will be audited to ensure the system is fair and accurate.

Want to do more?

Be part of our Local Climate Policy Programme, a 4 week in-depth introduction into local climate policy and action alongside the practical experience of assessing council climate action. 

How to apply

We are running two volunteer cohorts. The Local Climate Policy Programme is available to both cohorts. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Programme is only available in Cohort 2. If you are a new volunteer we recommend joining Cohort 1.

Contact: If you’d like to get involved, learn more or need any help at all during the process please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Our Cat Fosterers play a vital role by providing a temporary, loving home for cats that are in the care of the RSPCA.

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteer fosterers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work by caring for cats and enabling them to be rehomed. 

You could be fostering an animal for just a few weeks, or it could be a longer term placement for several months and in a few cases it can be longer. 

What you will be doing 

Providing care and suitable housing in a safe environment for cats while they are in foster care in accordance with Society policies and guidelines.

Feeding, watering, providing enrichment, socialising and grooming cats (as appropriate).

Liaising with your Cat Co-ordinator regularly. For cats ready for rehoming: sharing photos and videos to the cat coordinator to enable them to raise awareness and rehoming. 

If the animal has specific needs you will be supported by your local team of fosterers to enable you to provide the care needed.

Offering a separate room to keep the cat/s in and separate from your own animals.

Some cats may have had surgery and will need a period of cage rest. This will be provided.

Your family/household must be fully supportive (and checked/confirmed that there are no cat allergies within the household).

All members of the household should discuss with their GP whether a tetanus vaccination is required, and make a decision based on this.

Transporting your foster cat safely for vet appointments.

Allowing a potential adopter to enter your home to view a cat up for adoption after they have been assessed by the cat co-ordinator, a volunteer can support you in this. 

Completing the local branch paperwork relating to the cats in your care.

The skills you need 

Volunteers must be aged 18 or over. 

Previous experience of fostering would be beneficial, and experience caring for cats is essential. 

If you have existing cats, they must be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. 

If in rented accommodation, permission from the landlord must be obtained. 

You must live in South Buckinghamshire or close to Chesham.

Volunteers must complete an online induction, you will need to have basic IT skills and access to a PC or laptop, or have someone who can help you carry out the induction. 

What's in it for you 

Meet like-minded people and get to know more about the work of the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.

Add an important animal welfare role to your CV.

A great induction and training relevant to your role. 

Support from our local and national teams.

You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals. 

What we provide you

We provide all the food, litter, medication and equipment needed to foster cats in our branch. Any other expenses must be agreed in advance with the Finance Manager.

A community of local fosterers to draw support and information.

Regular contact with your cat coordinator to support you.

Disclaimer 

Our fosterers are subject to an informal interview, home assessment visit, two satisfactory references and completion of online induction training including Health and Safety.