Communications volunteer volunteer roles in ilford, greater london

We're seeking a volunteer who can take up the challenge of being our first ever Graphic Designer at URBAN YOUTH. A brand new youth work organisation in London.

Who Are We?

We're setting up a new youth project in London called Urban Youth, that aims to create a positive community for young people that will offer a number of activities and programmes that forge connections by getting young people together and away from their phones and social media to active take part in fun and engaginging interactive activities that create memories, boost confidence and resilence and teach key skills for life that young people can take with them into adulthood, helping to build their future.

Why We Are Doing This?

In a city grappling with the cost of living crisis, rising crime rates, and pervasive worry, it's easy to feel helpless. London is a city of dreams, but for many young people, it can also present unique challenges. Access to positive spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to develop crucial life skills can be limited. We saw a need for a fresh, vibrant approach to youth work – a place where young voices are heard, and potential is unleashed.

Can You Help Us Achieve This?

We need a volunteer with a creative spark to join us as a Graphic Designer who is passionate about visual storytelling and eager to make a tangible difference, who can design us a modern, vibrant, uplifting youthful logo and with it a brand guidelines that will help us ensure our brand is consistent.

We know you're busy. We know you have choices. So, why dedicate your precious creative time to Urban Youth in this crucial role? Because this isn't just volunteering; it's an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Define a Movement: You'll be the visionary behind our logo and core brand identity, creating the visual language that will represent Urban Youth to young people, communities, and funders across London. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark from day one!

• Build a Portfolio Piece with Purpose: Create a high-impact, real-world design project for a meaningful cause that you can proudly showcase. We can also write you a brief refernce or testimony for your portfolio too.

• Fuel Our Impact: A strong, inspiring brand identity is crucial for attracting young people to our programmes, engaging volunteers, and securing vital funding. Your design will directly enable our mission.

• Collaborate & Innovate: Work closely with our passionate team, bringing your creative ideas to life in a dynamic startup environment.

• Experience Unrivalled Satisfaction: Feel the profound satisfaction of knowing your design will be seen by thousands and directly contribute to the laughter, breakthroughs, and blossoming confidence of young people across London.

• Join a Passionate and Dedicated Community: Become part of a passionate, supportive, and fun-loving team of like-minded individuals. Forge new friendships and find your own sense of belonging.

We Need You!

If you have a keen eye for aesthetics, an understanding of youth culture, and the ability to translate a vibrant mission into compelling visuals with lots of enthusiasm, a willingness to get hands-on, and a desire to help a new charity get set up with a powerful visual presence and with your own design software and tools, then we would really love to have you join us in this exciting adventure.

Ready to Ignite Young People's Future with Your Design?

This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary. To turn worry into hope, isolation into connection, and potential into reality, by giving Urban Youth a visual identity that truly shines.

Don't just watch Young People's future unfold. Help design it!

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures 

JOB BRIEF

We are seeking a strategic and persuasive Campaigner to join our advocacy team at The IWI: International Women’s Initiative. In this critical position, you will leverage your extensive political acumen and strategic insight to influence legislation and policy on behalf of The IWI. The Campaigner will play a critical part in shaping public policy and advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. They will serve as a key liaison between our organisation and governmental entities, ensuring that our interests are effectively represented and advanced. Ideal candidates for this role possess a keen understanding of advocacy, the legislative process, excellent communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the human rights of women. We encourage applicants who may not meet every requirement to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a valuable addition to our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, coalitions, advocacy groups  and other stakeholders to promote The IWI's objectives;

o Monitor and report on legislative developments and emerging issues that may impact The IWI;

o Collaborate with internal teams to align lobbying efforts with broader organisational goals and messaging;

o Draft and advocate policy proposals, position papers, policy briefs, reports, and testimony to articulate our stance on key issues, while representing The IWI in public forums;

o Prepare reports and recommendations for senior staff;

o Draft and disseminate press releases, position papers, and other communication materials to promote The IWI advocacy initiatives;

o Utilise social media platforms to enhance public engagement and support for The IWI lobbying efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

o 5+ years of experience in change behaviour, lobbying, public policy and government relations, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and campaigns efforts.

o Deep understanding of the legislative process and the political landscape (in the USA, Europe specifically), particularly as it relates to CEDAW;

o Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively;

o Experience in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry groups, and grassroots organisations;

o Strong network of contacts within the legislative and regulatory community; media and related NGOs.

o Able to work independently with minimal supervision;

o Ability to manage people and multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred:

o Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field;

o Experience in women’s human rights relevant to The IWI's mission;

o Proven ability to navigate complex political environments and build consensus among diverse groups;

o Membership in relevant professional organisations or certifications in lobbying or advocacy is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES

o Proficiency in using advocacy management software and tools for tracking legislation and stakeholder engagement;

o Strong analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation on organisational objectives;

o Familiarity with social media and digital advocacy platforms to enhance outreach efforts.

SOFT SKILLS AND CULTURAL FIT

o Advanced interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively with diverse teams;

o Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for advocacy;

o Integrity and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to ethical lobbying practices;

o       A passion for public service and a deep understanding of the issues affecting women’s human rights globally.

Join a small charity with a big heart and help shape our future.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots UK-based charity funding respite breaks for families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma. We're growing from the ground up and we’re looking for passionate, creative Volunteer Fundraising Champions to grow with us.

This is more than a stepping stone role. It’s a real opportunity to be part of something long term that's meaningful, mission-driven, and deeply rewarding. You'll play a key role in shaping a small charity with huge potential and your efforts will directly impact the lives of families who truly need support.

Why Join Us?

Grassroots charity work is full of heart but it’s not without its challenges. We don’t have huge budgets, so we need fundraisers who can think outside the box, raise funds rather than spend funds and inspire others to get behind the cause.

But the rewards? They’re immense:

• You’ll see the direct results of your work as we grow together.

• You’ll gain invaluable experience for your CV and future roles in the third sector.

• You’ll be part of a close-knit team where your ideas and efforts are truly valued and supported.

Your Role

As a Volunteer Fundraising Champion, you’ll help us raise the funds we need to provide life-changing breaks for families. You’ll be the creative spark and the friendly face behind fundraising efforts that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organise and deliver creative fundraising activities (raffles, online quizzes, challenge events, etc.)

• Engage and support individual fundraisers (e.g. sponsored runners, event hosts)

• Act as a key contact for fundraising volunteers providing encouragement, advice, and practical support

• Develop and maintain a central fundraising tracker (Excel or similar)

• Log all fundraising activity, targets, and deadlines

• Collaborate with our social media volunteer to promote campaigns

• Support recruitment and onboarding of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear, friendly written and verbal communication

• Creativity and confidence in engaging with people online and offline

• Strong organisation and time management skills

• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently

• A genuine passion for our mission and grassroots charity work

• Experience in fundraising or event planning is helpful but not essential, heart and drive matter more

Time Commitment

• Flexible and remote

• Around 2 to 5 hours per week

• We’ll work around your availability this role can fit around your life, studies, job, or family

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in fundraising, event planning and project coordination

• Something impressive and meaningful for your CV or portfolio

• Real-world charity sector experience

• Friendly support and mentoring from a passionate team

• A strong sense of purpose, knowing your efforts directly support families in need

• References available on request

How to Apply

Please send a recent CV along with a short note about yourself, including any relevant fundraising or event planning experience (formal or informal!).

We can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully welcome you to the Barefoot and Free family.

The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association is looking for a volunteer Graphic & Visual Designer to help us pro-bono for up to one day per week.

Why are we recruiting for a pro bono contractor?

As a global non-profit whose funding is primarily for our impactful in-country programmes, we have very little budget for our marketing and communications needs, and there are very few sources of funding for charities to get help with this. We need to create capacity within our staff team to free up time to focus on activities like fundraising in the hope that we can one day invest more in our human and technical communications resources.

This role could suit:

• An early career professional graphic designer looking for a unique professional opportunity for their portfolio that showcases their skill and impact at a global level.

• An experienced, professional graphic designer looking to give back to a worthy cause by using their professional skill set.

• A capable “amateur” graphic designer looking for a solid, stable opportunity to develop their professional portfolio and secure a robust client reference from a respected organisation.

• A professional graphic designer looking for an opportunity to contribute their core skills whilst accessing mentoringship from a professional who can provide advice and insight on furthering their current career, working in the charity sector, or broadening skills to include PR, media relations, strategic communications, copywriting, copyediting and more.

Role definition and Purpose

To support the CPA’s global Communications Team by producing impactful, original and eye-catching designs for both print and digital usage that support our programmes to improve healthcare outcomes for patients in more than 60 countries. The pro bono contractor will work with the Communications Team to create or format content in line with the CPA’s evolving Brandbook, having a chance to make their mark on the identity of this global organisation.

About CPA’s design philosophy

In our approach to visual design, we seek to create content in line with an aesthetic theory that can arguably be described as a form of digital neoclassicism in its aesthetic values. By this, we mean our designs embrace the best of the modern digital aesthetic popular in the Global North, making use of the colour blocking and some simplicity of the “vector minimialism” that became the foundation of the Corporate Memphis identity. We favour designs that lend themselves to accessibility, elegance and ease of visual navigation.

However, we also seek to recall the best of the Frutiger Aero aesthetic that dominated digital media from the mid-2000s to early 2010s in the Global North, and which in many ways lives on in the contemporary aesthetic choices popular in South Africa, India and South-East Asia. CPA’s aesthetic eschews both flat design and the dispersonal visualisations of Corporate Memphis for the three-dimensionality and emotional authenticity of Frutiger Aero. We add a maximalist flourish, playing with perspective, colour and boundaries in a way that helps bring our designs to life and make them relevant to our audience whilst still feeling fresh, clean and contemporary.

We cherish being pixel perfect for accessibility and comfort, but embrace the freedom to make considered choices to break the rules for visibility and impact.

Available benefits to the volunteer / pro bono contractor

• Mentoring and professional development. You will have the opportunity to work with an award winning strategic communications expert with 15 years of experience, including campaign management with M&C Saatchi for His Majesty The King’s Coronation, running campaigns for major political parties, and who is currently serving as Deputy Chair for the Commonwealth’s global communications forum. Formal mentorship is a possibility.
   

• Strengthen your portfolio with a unique pro bono opportunity. You will be able to evidence working on global healthcare campaigns and projects that reach people in dozens of countries around the world, and will have a chance to help shape the visual identity of a global NGO.
   

• Work on unique and impactful projects that change the lives of hundreds of thousands. Our charity works to improve the lives of patients in more than 30 countries with our highly impactful in-country partnership programmes. Your graphic design work will help make the world a healthier, happier and safer place for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Communications Team to produce visually appealing graphical assets in line with CPA’s new Brandbook.

• Create visual content to support social media campaigns and enhance educational content on our CPD Platform, working to a brief provided by colleagues.

• Offer expert advice and support in the formulation of visual content, particularly for social media and web.

• Professionally brand and format documents to the specifications of the Communications Lead and the Brandbook.

• In the future, the pro bono contractor may be asked to help contribute to an update to the visual identity of the charity.

Person Specification 

• Experience, competency using and independent access to advanced graphic design tools, which should include at least one tool on the list below, or an equivalent:

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe InDesign

  • Affinity Publisher

  • Affinity Designer

  • Affinity Photo

  • CorelDraw

• Experience using Canva or Adobe Express is also desirable, but we are ideally looking for someone with skill in a more advanced tool.

• Comfortable working with design asks for web and print.

• Understanding of the principles of good design, in particular balance, proportion, hierarchy, movement, variety, rhythm and use of white / negative space.

• Passion for visual identity and good graphic design, exciting by the prospect of working with a brand that celebrates the best of modern digital design but embraces the best elements of previous eras.

• Strong people skills, able to work well with a diverse team of people drawn from cultures and countries around the world.

• Attend a fortnightly team meeting online, which will be held during UK working hours (9am – 5pm UTC).

How to apply

Please include in your application:

• A short statement explaining who you are, your interest in the role and what you would like to bring to the table as a pro bono consultant.

• An attachment or link to a portfolio of your graphic design work to date. This portfolio can include example work, work you have done as part of a job, voluntary work or commissioned work – as long as it’s yours!

• A statement explaining what design tools you have access to and make use of in your graphic design work.

Whilst we welcome candidates who use AI as a supplementary tool in their work for speed and convenience, for example to aid with background removal or noise reduction, we are not interested in working with designers who use generative AI as a “design” tool in and of itself or create AI “artwork”.

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

· Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins

· Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised

· Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

· Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

· Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with:

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Willingness to be part of a team

· Good organisational skills

· Flexible approach

· Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Shannon Trust Volunteer HR Assistant

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As our Volunteer HR Assistant your role will help us to make this a reality by providing support with a variety of HR administrative tasks. This will include assisting with recruitment, staff onboarding, creating letters/emails from templates and other HR related admin tasks as needed.

This is a home-based role and we are looking for a volunteer who can commit to 6 – 10 hours per week on a consistent and reliable basis - flexible over Monday to Friday but ideally covering Friday. The individual will ideally have previous HR or business administration experience or is keen to gain experience in an HR environment. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. In addition, you will be methodical, have great attention to detail and demonstrate exemplary levels of confidentiality.

Volunteer benefits include: induction training and ongoing training, support and development in the role, flexible working, recognition for your contribution and reimbursement of expenses where applicable. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome volunteer applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Closing date: 15th August 2025

Interview dates: w/c 1st September 2025

Volunteer Mentor – Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life

What if one hour a week could change a young person’s life - and yours too?

About Us

MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning early-intervention project that supports vulnerable children and young people in the London Borough of Sutton. Our dedicated volunteers provide a safe, supportive space for young people facing challenges such as low self-esteem, difficult family relationships, abuse, bereavement, or self-harm. Through mentoring, we empower mentees to unpack their experiences, build confidence, and find their voice.

About the Role

We’re looking for Volunteer Mentors to join our MAPS Mentoring team. As a mentor, you’ll meet with a young person in Sutton for 1-2 hours weekly over the course of a year. Meetings are flexible and can take place in the evenings, weekends, or during the week for our older mentees, or for in-school mentoring.

No prior experience is needed - just a genuine desire to make a difference in a young person’s life.

With a budget provided for food, drinks, activities, and travel, you and your mentee can choose what to do together. Whether it’s casual coffee chats, dog walks, or saving up for more adventurous outings like GoKarting, Thorpe Park trips, or even indoor skydiving, the choice is yours!

What We’re Looking For

Excellent communication and listening skills
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust
Sensitivity and understanding of the challenges young people face
A positive attitude and reliability
Commitment to meeting with a mentee weekly for up to a year
Willingness to undergo a DBS check and attend a full day of training
Prior experience working with young people is welcome but not essential

Why Volunteer with MAPS?

Make a lasting impact on a young person’s life
Gain valuable skills in mentoring and communication
Be part of an award-winning, supportive team
All expenses (food, drinks, activities, and travel) are covered

Ready to Get Started?

Are you passionate about being a global citizen? Are you looking for a role that really makes a difference? Well, how about joining a global organisation helping to empower women and men to end their own hunger and poverty? If this sounds exciting, we might have the perfect role just for you!

Role: Social Media Volunteer

Reports to: Marketing and Relationships Manager

Contract type: 3-6 months

Hours: 5 hours per week

Location: Remote

About The Hunger Project:

We are a global charity committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. Our mission is to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world.

In 2024, we reached nearly 13 million people in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. We believe people living in hunger are themselves the key to ending hunger. In partnership, we work with community members to realise their vision, commitment and leadership so they can feed themselves and their families, and end hunger for good in their communities.

We work to solve the root causes of hunger by supporting the communities experiencing them. As we adapt to meet local challenges and opportunities wherever we work, our programmes have a wide range of objectives, such as, ending child marriage, empowering women leaders, increasing girls in education, engaging local governments, entrepreneurism and employability, climate resilient farming and maternal health.

Our team is a mighty force of changemakers living around the world, including in our partner countries USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and across Europe. Here in the UK, we are a small but awesome team, with big ambitions. Together we have an entrepreneurial attitude and a hunger to grow and scale our impact significantly over the next five years.

About You:

The successful candidate will be joining a small UK-based team with big ambitions, so you’ll need to be comfortable with change and working within a fast-paced, agile organisation. You will work collaboratively with our UK team and global colleagues, to radically scale up our UK activities. As such, you will be pro-active, result driven and have a can-do attitude. This is a multi-faceted role that has huge potential for growth and development. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to the sustainable end of hunger. If this sounds like you, then read on!

The role:

You’ll be engaging with our audience on various social media platforms to promote the work of The Hunger Project.

You will be:

• Creating exciting content for our Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.
• Connecting with followers, answering questions, and tailoring content to the audience.
• Reviewing engagement figures and growing our online platforms.

Required skills and attributes:

• Experience with social platforms – personal or for business.
• Ability to understand and follow The Hunger Project’s brand and social media guidelines.
• Experience in working to a deadline.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Top-notch spoken and written communication skills; you have a keen eye for detail and detest spelling mistakes.
• Previous experience using Canva and scheduling posts in a platform like Later

This role can offer you:

• Great addition to your CV, portfolio, and LinkedIn.
• A chance to use your own creative skills and ideas while gaining social media experience.
• Broader insight into how a global charity operates and communicates with its audience.
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world change and make a difference.

If this sounds like the role you’ve been looking for, get in touch and let’s talk.

Apply with a cover letter and CV by 15th August 2025.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Area administrators are an invaluable part of our team. They provide administrative support to our area coordinators and teams, organising and taking notes in area meetings. They're also an important link in how we evidence the impact of Shannon Trust, prompting and following-up data and monthly reports from our prison volunteers.

We are looking for a volunteer who is organised and good IT and admin skills. You will provide support to your area coordinator in supporting both prisons and volunteers. You will be providing communication links between everyone through organising meetings and sending email updates. Your role will help us to access the vital information which shows our impact on our learners.

Much of the role can take place on any day of the week and in the evenings but you will need to be able to attend a daytime area meeting 4 times a year, attend our induction workshops and national area administrators meetings.

For full role description and to apply please visit our website 

We are recruiting for a volunteer who would like to play a role in helping others to express themselves through writing. Would you like to support others to use their imagination to portray a message?

Creative writing is a great way to express yourself using your own creativity and imagination through story telling or poetry. It is an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and put it down on paper. Creative writing has been shown to improve emotional and mental well-being. Through creative writing, we can gain insight into our emotions, develop self-expression and communication skills, cultivate empathy and understanding of others, boost our imagination and creativity.

What you will be doing

• Lead and facilitate a weekly Creative Writing Group, encouraging participants to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing exercises, prompts, and storytelling.
• Guide a subsequent Feelings Forum where participants can share and discuss emotions sparked by the writing session or current experiences in a respectful and supportive atmosphere
• Foster an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where all voices are heard and valued
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding and mental health protocols
• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants

The skills you need

• Prepare session materials and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse participants
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to mental health challenges
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and manage diverse emotional responses constructively
• Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Training or experience in mental health, counselling, social work, or a related field is advantageous but not essential

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Introduction

The Hunger Project is a global not-for-profit, founded in 1977. We believe passionately that ending hunger is possible, and that our generation has the power to end it once and for all.  Our vision is a world without hunger. Our mission is to facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist.

We do this by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. We comprise of 13 Programme countries across rural Africa, South Asia and Latin America and 9 Partner countries, which are the fundraising arms - one of which is The Hunger Project UK (THP-UK).

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced volunteer Company Secretary to play a crucial role in the effective governance and compliance of our charity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your expertise to a cause you care about, working closely with our CEO, Chairpersons, and Board of Trustees to ensure we meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company Secretary should also be available to provide a central source of guidance and advice within THP-UK on matters of charity ethics, company law and good governance. 

Key Responsibilities

Board Meetings & Support

• Collaborate with the Chair and CEO to prepare agendas and forward plans for Board meetings.
• Circulate papers and documentation in advance of meetings.
• Attend all Board meetings (typically quarterly), ensuring meetings are properly constituted (e.g. quorum present, aligned with Articles of Association).
• Accurately minute proceedings, record decisions and actions, and circulate minutes promptly.
• Maintain records of attendance and track follow-up on agreed actions. 

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns with Companies House and the Charity Commission, including:
  • Annual confirmation statements and annual returns.
  • Updates to trustees, registered address, and governing documents.
  • Submission of trustees' report and audited accounts (in collaboration with auditors).
• Keep an organised archive of governance documents, policies, minutes, and resolutions.
• Act as point of contact for formal correspondence from Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Corporate & Charity Governance

• Advise the Board on legal and regulatory requirements, charity ethics, and corporate governance best practices.
• Keep up to date with statutory requirements and best practice for good corporate and charity governance and inform the Board as appropriate.
• Maintain all statutory registers.
• Conduct reviews of policies for clarity, compliance, and role-specific responsibilities.
• Assist in reviewing and submitting governance-related policies for Board approval (e.g., safeguarding, conflict of interest).
• Maintain a policy review schedule and ensure timely updates.

Trustee Support & Onboarding

• Support the Chair in maintaining an up-to-date Board Handbook and policies.
• Assist with onboarding of new trustees by providing induction packs and key governance documents.
• Signpost training opportunities and updates to ensure trustees are well-informed of their responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in company secretarial, governance, legal, or high-level administrative roles.
• In-depth knowledge of UK charity and company law, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise minutes and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox and virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently, flexibly, and to deadlines.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of The Hunger Project.
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Desirable

• Experience volunteering in the non-profit or charity sector.
• Familiarity with charitable companies limited by guarantee.

Time Commitment & Location

As a volunteer for THP-UK, you would play a vital part in our work. You will be home-based with attendance at in-person Board meetings every quarter in West London or Central London. We expect the work will entail approx. 8–10 hours per month, varying around quarterly Board meetings.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a lasting contribution to ending hunger.
• Use your professional skills for high-impact global work.
• Work alongside a passionate team of trustees and volunteers.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Induction and ongoing support from the Chair and Board.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter by 15th August 2025. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch with shortlisted candidates.

We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Trustee Recruitment 

Volunteer role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire. 

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies. 

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service.  We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.

Areas of special interest to us include experience of: 

Health/NHS Sector

Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided.  In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided