Advice volunteer roles in scotland

Dive into lasting impact: Fundraise for East London Waterworks Park to create and shape natural swimming ponds, ecological habitats and community gardens

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a good writer and seller of ideas, would you like to join our mini-team of funding bid writers? We would especially love to hear from you if you have experience of writing funding applications, and we are happy to share the skills we have developed with you if you would like to learn.

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Are you happy to listen to others talking about their experience of building or carpentry? We are looking for someone like you to facilitate our monthly special interest group for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in these topics and who would like to share their experience with others.

You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.
This group will run monthly either over the telephone or as a video call.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Location

Region

• North West, Scotland, Wales, East Midlands, North East, Northern Ireland, West Midlands, Greater London, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, South West, South East

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Empathy with blind and partially sighted people. Good listening skills. Experience of working in the building or carpentry trades, or a keen interest in these topics. Ability to work with wide range of people. Ability to use the telephone or video call system to talk to groups of people.

Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others.

This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline or mobile phone We ask you to commit to between 1 and 3 hours per week to facilitate Talk and Support befriending groups which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.

How often will I be needed?

• 1 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires 2 references

Location

Region

• North East, South East, Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the Humber, Greater London, East of England, South West, North West, Wales, West Midlands, East Midlands, Scotland

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Home Based: over the telephone (this role requires you to have a landline or mobile telephone) The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Effective listening skills;Good verbal communication skills;Work with wide range of people

Looking to make a real difference and support positive change? Join the GreenLift Hope CIC team and help advance social inclusion and sustainable urban farming! We tackle unemployment and social isolation through micro-agriculture and skills training programs.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to deliver hands-on training, manage production processes, and support vulnerable communities. GreenLift Hope offers a supportive environment for learning, growth, and making a meaningful impact together.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an experienced and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that supports families across Suffolk. As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO, Finance Sub Committee and wider Board to ensure strong financial oversight and governance.

You’ll help guide our financial strategy, support budget-setting and risk management, and ensure that financial information is clear and accessible to the Board. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in charity finance, ideally with a background in accountancy or financial management. You will bring a solid understanding of financial governance and charity reporting requirements and be confident in offering strategic insight as well as practical advice.

This Treasurer role is part of our wider trustee recruitment, and we welcome applicants who also bring any of the following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Could you spare four hours a week to support young cancer patients and their families?

When a child is diagnosed with cancer it threatens everything, for them and their family. At a time when they should be busy being children, enjoying their rollercoaster teenage years or finding their feet at university, life becomes full of fear. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, of overwhelming money worries, mental health stretched to breaking point, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

There are many small organisations that help families with a child that has a life threatening illness, by providing grants, holidays or wishes. We want our families to take advantage of this but applying for this extra support can often be overwhelming or another thing on the to do list at a stressful time in their lives. That’s where you come in. Could you give 4 hours a week to support our families to apply for grants, holidays and wishes?

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be working directly with our families who are known to the Young Lives vs Cancer Service at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to help them apply to organisations which can offer grants, treats, wishes or holidays to make the cancer journey more manageable. Your role will be both researching and identifying organisations offering additional practical support (such as additional grants) and practical opportunities for joy (wish granting and special offers), and then supporting families to apply to these organisations.

There is scope and opportunity in this role for development into liaising with other charities.

About you

• You’ll need to be super organised in managing information and communicating with different audiences
• You’ll need to be confident in approaching conversations with new people, that includes speaking directly with children and families about their needs, and approaching potential sources of support on their behalf
• You’ll have strong relationship management skills, the ability to make people you are talking to feel at ease and supported

Experience working with families with a child with a life threatening or limiting illness, or working with a family support organisation is desirable but not essential.

You’ll receive a full induction to the Young Lives vs Cancer BCH and QEHB social work team, learn about the service we provide and the impact of cancer on the children, young people and families we support.

4 hours a week during office hours (9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday)

From your own home but you do need to be based in the Birmingham area to attend occasional team meetings and supervision.

How to apply

Complete the application form on our website

The University Coordinator role exists to help bridge the gap between our central and regional teams. This mentorship-focused position involves working 1:1 with regional team leads, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support as they build their teams and deliver impactful fundraising and awareness raising campaigns on campus. Working collaboratively, you’ll help them pursue ambitious goals while ensuring their work reflects SolidariTee’s values and vision. This role requires reliable commitment to 2-3h of calls per week and willingness to provide additional support to team leads outside of weekly calls.

Key responsibilities: 

• Work closely with team leads from 4–6 regional teams through weekly calls and ongoing support.
• Provide practical support and advice in organising events and building each team. 
• Assist with recruitment by conducting interviews with prospective team leads. 
• Engage in training and development opportunities designed to support you in the role.

Desirable Criteria:

• Strong time management and organisational skills, ensuring reliability and follow-through on commitments. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others to problem-solve, alongside the initiative to seek out answers independently. 
• An understanding of the values and vision of SolidariTee. 
• Experience in project management or active involvement in a university society or similar initiative.

Please note, applications will be considered on a rolling basis - apply now!

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

· Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.

· Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.

· Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.

· Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  

· Arranging for the purchase of goods and services

· Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.

· Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.

· Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.

· Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.

· Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA

· Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

· Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.

· Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.

· Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.

· Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.

· Good communication skills both written and verbally.

· Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

· Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.

· Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.

· Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice

· Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.

· Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

Locations: A community-based venue (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), or online

Time Commitment: Various

Salary: Unpaid role, expenses paid

We have many exciting opportunities for people to get involved across the UK. We always support new volunteers to share their time, skills, and experiences and achieve what they want to during their time with us. 

It is thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment of volunteers that we are able to support millions of people living with arthritis every year. Volunteering is a great way to:

• Give something back to the community and to make a difference to the lives of people who need support.
• Do something amazing for yourself including develop new skills, meet others, and share existing experience and knowledge.
• Share your experience and use your knowledge to help shape our work if you have arthritis and other Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

If you:

• are passionate about supporting others and looking for a way to get involved in your local community? 
• love working as part of a team, and would like to give something back while enjoying meeting people and making new contacts? 
• are looking for an opportunity to use your creativity, energy and skills to really make an impact?
• would like to find a rewarding and fulfilling way for others to benefit from your knowledge and experience?
• have a caring, and supportive approach? 

Then apply today - your contribution will help us to push back against arthritis and ensure that everyone has access to the best information, advice and support they need, whenever they need it.

TRUSTEE – LOBBYING AND PARLIAMENTARY EXPERIENCE
EVERY FUTURE FOUNDATION (EFF)

About Every Future Foundation
Every Future Foundation (EFF) is an anti-racist education charity working to eradicate institutional racism within UK schools. Through programmes like Champions for Change, teacher training, and the Activism Academy, we empower students, educators, and leaders to challenge racism and build equitable school environments.

As we scale our impact and pursue systemic change through policy reform under our 3-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2027), we are seeking a Trustee with lobbying and parliamentary expertise to join our Board.

Role Purpose

The Trustee will play a key role in supporting EFF’s advocacy work to influence national education policies, build strategic relationships with policymakers, and ensure anti-racism becomes a priority within the UK education system.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Strategic Oversight

· Provide strategic guidance to EFF’s Board and Senior Leadership Team on policy, lobbying, and parliamentary engagement.

· Support the organisation’s Racial Equity in Education objectives, ensuring alignment with our 3-Year Strategic Plan and influencing priorities.

· Champion EFF’s mission to eliminate institutional racism, bringing experience of navigating political systems and parliamentary processes to achieve meaningful policy change.

2. Policy and Advocacy Support

· Advise on EFF’s lobbying strategy, helping the organisation engage effectively with policymakers, parliamentary committees, and government bodies.

· Guide EFF in building and maintaining relationships with:

o MPs, All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), and policy influencers.

o Local authorities, councils, and education committees.

· Support the organisation’s advocacy campaigns, such as its work with Citizens UK and the Racial Equity in Education Action Group, to influence systemic reforms.

· Assist in drafting and reviewing policy recommendations, briefing papers, and parliamentary submissions.

3. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

· Act as an ambassador for EFF, promoting our work and mission in parliamentary and policy spaces.

· Support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in meetings with government representatives and key stakeholders to articulate our case for systemic change.

· Represent EFF at relevant parliamentary events, public forums, and coalition-building opportunities.

4. Board Contribution

· Bring knowledge of parliamentary processes and political systems to Board discussions, ensuring decisions are informed by an understanding of policy landscapes.

· Offer challenge, support, and oversight on advocacy activities and progress towards policy goals.

Person Specification

Essential

· Parliamentary and Lobbying Expertise: Experience engaging with UK parliamentary processes, policymakers, government bodies, or advocacy campaigns.

· Strategic Influence: Ability to advise on lobbying strategies to achieve policy reform and systemic change.

· Networks and Relationships: Strong connections within political, parliamentary, and public-sector spaces, with an understanding of how to leverage relationships for advocacy.

· Commitment to Anti-Racism: Passion for racial justice and education equity, aligned with EFF’s mission and values.

· Strong Communication Skills: Ability to represent EFF effectively with political stakeholders, offering clear, persuasive, and strategic advocacy.

Desirable

· Experience working with organisations driving education reform, racial justice, or systemic change.

· Understanding of APPGs, parliamentary committees, and public affairs best practices.

· Policy-writing or public affairs expertise in areas such as education, equality, and inclusion.

Commitment

· Term: 3 years (renewable).

· Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attendance at 4 Trustee Board meetings per year (a mix of in-person and virtual).

· Occasional participation in parliamentary events, advocacy meetings, and policy-related activities.

Why Join Every Future Foundation?

This is an exciting opportunity to drive systemic, long-term change in the UK education system. As a Trustee, you will:

· Play a pivotal role in influencing policies that combat institutional racism in schools.

· Use your expertise to support a dynamic, growing charity with a clear mission for impact.

· Work alongside a dedicated and passionate team committed to racial equity in education.

· Enhance your governance experience while making a meaningful contribution to social justice.

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across the nation to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do

You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.

What you'll get

We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Enthusiastic and personable
• Strong organisational skills
• Able to think on your feet
• You work well within a team
• Great communication and social skills
   

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across the nation to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do:

You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.

What you'll get:

We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Enthusiastic and personable
• Strong organisational skills
• Able to think on your feet
• You work well within a team
• Great communication and social skills

We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.  

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Role title: Collection volunteer Braehead Shopping Centre, Renfrewshire 

Time commitment: 2 - 4 hours a day

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people to be an NSPCC Collection Volunteer in your local community. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our collection volunteers play a important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do

You'll be working together with the rest of the team to raise awareness and funds. you'll be collecting for the vital work the NSPCC does, engaging with the public- promoting a positive image for the NSPCC!

We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle.

• Distribute collection boxes to locations such as cafes, shops, bars, restaurants and small businesses in your local area
• Replace full boxes, counting and banking funds, liaising with your local community team and organising receipts and thank you cards for supporters
• Represent NSPCC in a professional manner
• Share news about our work in the local community and help promote fundraising events and initiatives

What you'll get

We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word about the NSPCC. You'll be given a designated point of contact and we'll cover reasonable mileage expenses. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children in your local area and across the UK. 

It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• passionate about helping young people and children
• enthusiastic and personable
• strong organisational skills
• you work well within a team
• great communication and social skills

We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood