Children activity leader volunteer roles

We are looking for Activity Leaders and Activity Assistants to help deliver activity session for various groups of young people and children visiting Cameron's Cottage.

Cameron's Cottage is a outdoor nature education centre for children and young people, based at RSPB Franchises Lodge on the edge of the New Forest. The Cottage has capacity to sleep up to 19, and welcomes both day visiting groups and those coming for a residential stay. RSPB staff lead the groups in a range of different activities, including nature walks, team building games, wildlife surveys known as 'bioblitz', conservation tasks, mindfulness walks and so much more! We are looking for volunteers who would be able to assist RSPB with delivering these activities, and there is the possibility for you to build up confidence and ability to lead these activities, if you are interested.

Please visit our volunteering page to find out more info and fill out our online form to help us connect young people back to nature!

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Vice Chair of Trustees - 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 Vice Chair of Trustees 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 Vice Chair 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 Vice Chair Trustee, You Will: 

• Collaborate with the Chair to steer the direction of the organisation and chair meetings in the Chair’s absence. 

• 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!

The Caldecott Foundation provides specialist residential care, fostering families and education for disadvantaged, vulnerable and traumatised young people in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of Trustees and staff helping some of the most vulnerable children in our society to build a future and reach their potential. We are keen to hear from anyone who shares our values and feels that their HR experience and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

What will you be doing?

The Caldecott Foundation have a committed Board of Trustees with a wide range of experience and personal skills.

The HR Trustee will help to ensure the highest standards of governance relating to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff training and development. You will act as a critical friend to the CEO and Executives responsible for Human Resources whilst providing expert advice to Trustee colleagues in respect of HR best practice, regulatory compliance and employment law.

4 Board meetings per year would be the minimum commitment with most Trustees attending 8 meetings per year including committees.

What are we looking for?

· Up-to-date HR and Employment Law knowledge and experience, and ability to communicate this with Trustee colleagues

· Experience of operating at a senior level of business, preferably within an organisation which links to children and young people or someone who has worked with children and vulnerable adults in the past.

· Ability to provide strategic oversight on HR related policies.

· A good team player who can work with a small, committed Board of Trustees and Executive team.

· Existing Trustee experience is desirable but not essential.

· Having an interest in our cause is crucial for all Trustees.

What difference will you make?

Your experience and expertise will add immense value to the existing Board. The Trustee role is a critical one within the functioning of the organisation and as part of a group of volunteer Trustees you will be an important member of the leadership team. Through your involvement you will contribute to an organisation achieving outstanding long term outcomes for some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.

Are you ready to make a difference and be part of an unforgettable experience? Every year, hundreds of incredible fundraisers take on challenge events to support Candlelighters—and we need enthusiastic volunteers like you to help make these events a success! Lace up your trainers and join our volunteer team at exciting events across Leeds! 

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – Sunday 11 May (Otley) 

Total Warrior – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June (Bramham Park) 

Why Volunteer? 

• Gain valuable experience in event management and teamwork while having fun. 

• Spread positivity and motivation, creating an incredible atmosphere for runners. 

• Be in the heart of the action, cheering and guiding participants along the course. 

• Meet like-minded volunteers and be part of a supportive, inspiring community. 

• Play a key role in making these events a success, helping fundraisers achieve their goals for Candlelighters. 

What Does a Marshal Do? 

• Help guide and direct runners along the course, ensuring they stay on track and keep moving towards the finish line. 

• Bring the energy and excitement—your cheers and encouragement will keep runners motivated every step of the way! 

• Ensure the safety of both runners and spectators by assisting with crowd management and traffic control. 

Due to the nature of the role Marshals must be aged 18 years old and over. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. 

How Much Time Do You Need to Commit? 

Your commitment to volunteering will only be one day – the Event Day. Start and Finish timings and the length of your shift will vary depending on the role you are doing. On average shifts are around a maximum of 7-8 hours. 

Please note we will not know the exact shift timings until nearer the event date and so more accurate information will be briefed to you by the event volunteer team in the run up to the event. 

What Support Will You Be Given? 

A member of the Candlelighters team will be in touch before the event to send you a briefing about your role. You will also be allocated a team leader, who will brief, guide, support and work closely with you on the day at the event. 

About Candlelighters 

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why our charity was formed over 40 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer. 

If you're ready to make a difference, have fun, and be part of an incredible event, sign up today—we can't wait to have you on the team! 

Trustee

The Education and Skills Development Group (ESDEG) was established by local refugee leaders and social care professionals who identified critical gaps in services for people from refugee and marginalised communities. Through extensive community consultations across local estates, community centres, and schools, we have been able to provide responsive and preventative services for children, young people, families, older people, and others from socially excluded communities. We engage in and [lead] various policy networks. We have proven track record in working with schools, children and families at local level. We have been trusted by many funders to deliver projects that benefit local marginalised communities. We provide educational and community projects including supplementary schools, mentoring, ESOL classes, short breaks for children who special educational and disability (SEND), project to help local elders escape isolation and engage into physical and social activities, youth work, information and advice and support for families who have children with Send.

ESDEG is currently seeking individuals who are eager to make a meaningful contribution by volunteering their skills, experience, ideas, and passion to the organisation’s development and future direction.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

· Skills in finance, governance, fundraising, communication and networking is desirable.

· Our current board lacks young members so we would like young trustees to apply and join us.

Our board meets quarterly unless there are specific issues that warrants the board to be called into a meeting, the minimum requirement is 4 meetings a year which usually takes place in the evening. If trustees can offer more time and support particular projects will be appreciated.

Thanks

Mohamed Ahmed

CEO

About the role

As the UK 4–10 Programme Team Leader, you’ll shape and lead the strategic direction for our youngest sections—Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs—ensuring they experience a high-quality, exciting programme that equips them with skills for life. You’ll work closely with dedicated volunteers across the UK, supporting and inspiring them to deliver engaging content that meets our national priorities. This role involves setting priorities, overseeing key projects, and leading a motivated team focused on Programme and Community Impact.

You’ll also represent and promote our work at events and workshops, acting as a passionate advocate for what we do. We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills, experience working with volunteers, and a deep understanding of what young children need to thrive. If you're committed to The Scouts’ values, enjoy collaboration, and want to make a real impact on thousands of young lives, this is your opportunity.

Key tasks

• Strategy - creating and leading the strategy for the sections
• Prioritising - agreeing focusses of the team and balancing different demands
• Projects - sponsoring projects or being part of project teams
• Team - leading and managing the 4-10 Section and Community Impact teams
• Promotion - acting as an advocate for Programme at events, presentations and workshops

Find out more on our webpage...

Become a Creative Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

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

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

What You’ll Need:

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

What You’ll Gain:

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

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

Become a STEM Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation and showcasing new and innovative STEM learning? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:

As a STEM Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is coding, digital tools, engineering, Computer Aided Design or another skill within the world of STEM, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

1. A skill or practical activity that can be shared with young people.

2. Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring curiosity.

3. A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

1. The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.

2. DBS and training provided at no cost.

3. Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.

4. The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:

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

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and, if you would like to, a cover letter outlining what your workshop may involve. Following this, we will be in touch to inform you of any next steps.

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Youth Helpers assist in the delivery of our exciting youth programmes once a week on Wednesday evenings during school term time. Every term you will also get together with other youth helpers and leaders to plan activities for the following term. In addition, you will have the opportunity to get involved with taking our Cadets and/or Badgers on day trips at weekends. Full training will be provided and if you would like to progress further then once you have some experience there will also be an opportunity to take on more responsibility to help with the running of the youth unit.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 30/06/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: Friday 16th May 2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

As Unit Manager you will be responsible for the overall management of your St John Ambulance Youth unit. You will do this by leading weekly meetings, organising other youth development activities and actively participating in the recruitment, training and retention of the young people and volunteers in your unit. You will ensure that they have a positive and rewarding experience in St John Ambulance, by equipping them with the necessary skills to fulfil our vision; ‘Everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them. No one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.’

This role is ideal for someone who has some management experience and wants to enhance their skills while doing invaluable work. This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

Our Felixstowe Cadet Unit will meet for 2 hours on a weekday evening, every week during term times. Usually between the hours of 6-9 pm, being a new unit, the team will be able to discuss the day/time when in place. Please outline your availability in your application form.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 18/07/2025.
• Training for role -To progress to a Youth Leader, a candidate would be expected to undergo Safeguarding Level 2, Youth FUNdamentals, Youth Principles and First Aid for Youth Leaders. They may also wish to undergo Day Warrant training, but this isn't a requirement for the role.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 18/07/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Background to the Role

We are currently creating a brand new three-year strategy, setting out an exciting vision to support, promote and defend the mental health, rights and social position of young people. This follows a period of organisational growth, where expanding services into the North Somerset region, and working in partnership with the local statutory mental health provider, has increased our staffing to over 100 employees.

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member who is skilled in effectively managing meetings for productive discussions. We are looking for someone with energy and drive and who will ensure robust governance, aligning strategy and operations. A number of our Trustees have been with us for less than a year and we also have a new CEO and a fairly new SLT, we are therefore looking for an experienced hand who is a skilled relationship manager and a decisive leader, capable of listening to all sides and finding compromise to make difficult decisions.

Main Responsibilities

• To be responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of OTR.
• To chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• To plan the annual cycle of Board meetings.
• To set agendas for Board meetings and review minutes.
• To ensure the Scheme of Delegation to the CEO is reviewed and updated.
• To be knowledgeable about, and abide by, the Articles of Association and Charitable Purpose.
• To represent OTR at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate.

Person Specification

• Strong leadership skills and a collaborative team member.
• Strategic vision.
• Able to display impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship from the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Excellent people management skills, and an ability to build trusting relationships with Trustees, senior staff, external partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to make measured and fair judgements and decisions.
• A regard for Nolan's 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Diversity and inclusion 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all. We do not claim to be experts in this, but we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end, is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism, and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary in order to improve access and ensure an equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR. 

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Off the Record (Bristol) in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format. Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why is OTR’s work important to you and how can you contribute as our Chair?
• Your experience of working at a strategic level and of effective governance.
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level

Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application. 

The closing date for applications is Friday, 16th May. Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at OTR during the week beginning 2nd June.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.