Charity support volunteer roles

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Portsmouth and District Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

St Leonards Youth & Community Centre are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice. It is also the responsibility of the Treasurer to work in partnership with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the board fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the Charity has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Charity by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored and progress is evaluated
• to provide financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of St Leonards Youth & Community Centre
• a willingness to engage with the local community, including our beneficiaries and volunteers
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping all financial records up to date
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the charity’s operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or coming into contact with St Leonards Youth & Community Centre.

Summary of the role of Trustee

Trustees are individually, and as part of the Board, the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Board Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.

But this specific role requires the Trustee to Chair the crucial Board’s Income Generation Committee (IGC).

Like other hospices, in the context of Government decisions about tax and minimum wages and in the generally challenging environment for most donors, we are not able to purely fund our work from current donations, meaning we have been drawing from our reserves.

This has to change if we are to survive and satisfy the ever -increasing demands for palliative care.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Chair the Income Generation Committee, which has the following key priorities:

• Review and constructively challenge the annual fundraising (FR) plans and budget

• Maintain an overview of current fundraising initiatives and their return on investments, working in partnership with the FR team

• Evaluate the risks to achieving projected income streams and advise the FR team and Board accordingly

• In conjunction with the FR team, creatively develop new and potentially high return initiatives that are intended to deliver significant additional income, in excess of current FR budgets

• As part of the Board of Trustees:

• set and maintain vision, mission and values

• ensure plans are in place to deliver income/cost levels that can at least fund current expenditure

• Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation ofthe charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

• Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

• Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

• Assure employment procedures and policy and proceduresfor volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

• Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

• To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

• Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

• To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

• Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

• Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Lyde Green Stroke Support Group weekly. 

Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and so much more.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:
 

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Are you looking to volunteer your time and knowledge to support Age UK Oxfordshire who are seeking Trustees with specific skills to work closely as part of their Board.

Age UK Oxfordshire are an independent local charity supporting older people to maintain their independence and live life to the full, focusing most resource on reaching those older people who face a struggle, whether through low income, poor health or loneliness.  They are striving for a world where every older person and unpaid carer is seen, heard, included, and valued.

Trustees play a vital role as Board members, ensuring the organisation has solid plans in place to achieve their aims and that funding is being used positively to do this.  They are looking for enthusiastic individuals who will work in partnership with fellow Trustees, CEO and the Leadership team to ensure that Age UK Oxfordshire delivers on their vision, mission, and values.

Specific areas of focus for the board:

Given the needs of the charity and the skills of the current board members, they are looking for experience in HR, Governance, Adult Social Care and Lived experience is always welcomed.

They value and are actively seeking to increase diversity on their board in order to bring broader perspectives, achieve stronger community representation, inform sound decision-making, and help them serve more effectively and inclusively.

Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following skills and competencies:

• Commitment to the organisation. 
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An understanding and knowledge of good governance.
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team.

What's in it for you

• Volunteering experience
• Interaction with leadership teams and board activity
• Working with different sets of people
• Annual strategic away day with Trustees and Leadership Team

Currently trustee meetings are held quarterly and alternate holding meetings virtually and in person in Abingdon. The meetings last about 2.5 hours. In addition, there are up to two away days a year and an AGM. Papers typically require about two hours reading per meeting.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

These unremunerated roles are open to all.  To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application, please get in touch via the Charisma website.

Closing date for applications: 10th August 2025

Interview date: TBC 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Portsmouth and District Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Web developers and designers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in continuing to improve its website and digital infrastructure.

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. 

We are looking for web developers and designers to contribute to our community-led working group who are working on coordinating content and infrastructure for the East London Waterworks Park website. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across web development and UX and web design, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be experienced in HTML, PHP, CSS, Javascript and SQL, and or UX and web design. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your skills in web design and development will be crucial in creating a visually engaging and user-friendly online presence that effectively communicates the park's biodiversity and mission. By designing engaging websites and interactive platforms, you'll help us connect with our community, inspire action, and secure the necessary support for the park's future.

We are appealing for a Volunteer to help at our Avonmouth Stroke Support Group weekly. 
Every year 950 people in Bristol and South Glos will experience a stroke: people of all ages…and from all backgrounds. Bristol After Stroke is the local charity that helps those people get their lives back on track – though our groups, activities, mentoring, counselling and much more.

We recently moved our Portway Stroke Support Group to a new location at the Avonmouth Community Centre and are appealing for Volunteers.

Our volunteers do a variety of things each week from helping with the room set up, serving hot drinks and supporting the activities that are planned eg music, poetry or seated exercise sessions like Yoga or Zumba. The most important part of the role of the volunteer though is to talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

Why we need your help:

- Our S Volunteers provide help and support to our Group Leaders and group members at our weekly stroke support groups.

- Our groups provide an opportunity for anyone who has been affected by stroke to meet others affected by stroke and make new friends, take part in stimulating and enjoyable activities which will support rehabilitation.

Role Summary:

• Provide support for group activities, exercises, and games.

• Support the Group Leader with the planning of Group Activities.

• Provide general support to Group Leader and Group Members when needed.

• Make and serve refreshments.

• Give added enthusiasm and encouragement to our members in taking part in any physical activities or exercises that may be offered during the session.

• Talk to group members, encourage them to get involved and generally help to promote a supportive, happy atmosphere that contributes to a sense of wellbeing.

• Help at the group for its full duration each week including setting up and clearing away of the room.

Skills and Experience:

• Be patient, understanding and have a responsible attitude.

• Know about or be willing to learn about undertaking risk assessments.

• Be comfortable working as part of a team.

• Know about or be willing to learn about stroke and its impact on people.

• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and show this in practice

• Be emotionally resilient

What we can offer you:

• An induction and support and supervision in the role.

• You will be supported in your role by the Group Leader and other appropriate members of staff as needed.

• Bristol After Stroke Newsletters; keeping you up to date on charity news and other volunteer opportunities.

• You will have the opportunity to meet with other Bristol After Stroke volunteers. 

What we ask of you:

• To obtain 2 references from people who are not related to you.

• To keep to all the charity’s policies, values and guidelines.

• To complete an induction and any necessary training for the role.

Finance Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Finance Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Finance Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.

As a Finance Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Wandworth Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need.

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.