Community engagement manager volunteer roles

DIY Skills Advisers (DIYSA) Volunteer 

If you’re looking for a varied, hands-on volunteering role that makes a difference in people’s lives while supporting clients to learn new skills, then look no further than this exciting role. 

Shelter’s DIY Skills Advisers (DIYSA) help people to gain fundamental DIY skills to build a positive future in their homes after a prolonged period of homelessness, turning a house into a home. They also help people to improve and maintain their homes, often preventing eviction. Referrals to the DIYSA service can be received from both Shelter colleagues and support staff from local partner organisations. 

The DIYSA team works with individuals, sharing their skills to enable them to participate in home improvements, teaching them how to paint, wallpaper, build flat-pack furniture and gardening. As well as support for individuals, the DIY Skills Advisers run workshops across the country to bring communities together and upskill those who attend, providing clients with energy saving advice, educating them around cutting costs and improving energy efficiency in the home. 

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to assist local people and households with a range of housing disrepairs and challenges as well as providing practical DIY guidance You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: The role is flexible, however due to the nature of the role, requires you to be available for the day, in accordance with the DIYSA’s diary. 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7LA, however this is a community-based role, visiting people in their own homes in and around Birmingham so travelling will be required.

Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator/DIYSA

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a DIYSA Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of DIYSA as they provide advice, guidance and skills to households in Birmingham.

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the advice we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Working alongside the DIYSA to provide DIY repairs, teach households DIY skills,

• Accompany the DIYSA, visiting people at their homes, and assessing the repair/skill need 

• Painting and decorating 

• Gardening work 

• Flat pack furniture assembly 

• Fitting curtain rails and blinds 

• Hanging pictures and shelves 

• Supporting the DIYSA with the delivery of community-based workshops in skills such as drills workshops, gardening, energy saving practices and help around the management of mould. 

Skills and experience required 

• Your main role is to support the DIYSA and help them complete jobs in a timely and effective manner 

• You don’t need to have a background in DIY for this role. We are looking for a willing learner who has excellent communication and listening skills

• An interest in supporting and motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills and interests

• A strong team player who can take on instructions to complete jobs to a high standard 

• Enjoys working with others and contribute to delivering an excellent service 

• Ability to connect with clients and contribute to the community 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Next steps 

Please complete an online application for this role by clicking the link to “fill in application” 

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

Please note, upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and undergo a basic DBS check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information. 

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment. 

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

HELP US CREATE COMMUNITIES

The Art Ministry are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees

What we do

We are a well established and respected creative charity who believes that anyone can enjoy good mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

We provide regular art and craft sessions for children and adults with a wide variety of needs.

We extend our reach by providing sessions for partners, including local schools, Southend in Sight, Sanctuary Housing and South Essex Homes.

We engage with the wider community by providing art and craft activities at local events, by offering volunteering and employment opportunities, and holding exhibitions.

Who we need

We need people with experience of finance, HR, fundraising, event management, digital engagement, PR, partnerships, and/or delivering creative services.

We need creative thinkers who can work collaboratively to provide the leadership that The Art Ministry needs to achieve its strategic objective of helping even more members of the local community improve their mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

You will need to commit to at least 4 hours a month, including at least 4 trustee meetings a year.

If you have the skills, experience and time that we need then please get in touch.

You do not need previous board or senior management experience. We don’t expect any one person to meet all our needs!

What we will give you

We will validate your suitability for the role through an interview, reference and security checks.

We will provide you with an induction to The Art Ministry and appropriate training, software and memberships, to help you fulfil your role. We will reimburse your pre-agreed expenses.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of The Art Ministry as well as ensure that it meets its day to day operational objectives and to network with others in the third sector.

The Art Ministry, Reg. Charity No.: 1108227, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2DQ

This volunteer role is designed to provide vital operational and logistical support to the CEO’s Personal Assistant, ensuring that both day-to-day and ad hoc matters requiring a physical presence or UK-based coordination are managed smoothly. As the CEO’s primary PA is remote, this role will act as an essential on-the-ground extension of the executive support function, helping to manage communications, logistics, administrative tasks, and in-person coordination.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build experience in executive support, charity operations, and stakeholder engagement in a forward-thinking and dynamic third sector organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support (In-Office & On-Site)

• Serve as the local point of contact for tasks requiring physical presence – such as receiving mail, managing office-based documents, collecting/delivering resources, and setting up meeting spaces.
• Assist in coordinating in-person meetings, events, and visits, ensuring smooth logistics and professional presentation.
• Support the maintenance of filing systems and physical records in alignment with digital processes.

Remote Administrative Support

 Assist the Personal Assistant with diary management, follow-ups, and meeting coordination.

• Draft correspondence, schedule appointments, and prepare briefings or summaries as needed.
• Maintain records, digital filing, and update cloud-based systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint).

Communication & Liaison

• Support communication between the CEO's office, staff, volunteers, trustees, and external stakeholders – particularly where in-person contact or faster turnaround is beneficial.
• Relay key information between the remote PA and UK-based teams or partners in a timely and professional manner.

General Tasks

 Assist with preparing for workshops, club events, and community engagements.

• Maintain confidentiality and represent the CEO’s office with professionalism and discretion at all times.
• Attend internal meetings or external events as delegated, capturing notes and key actions for follow-up.

Person Specification

 Essential

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Based in London with the ability to work both remotely and in person as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and general digital platforms.

Desirable

• Experience in administrative, PA, or coordination roles.
• Interest in the charity or youth/community sector.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Teams, SharePoint, Trello, or CRM tools.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience supporting executive functions in a respected charitable organisation.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentoring and training.
• Exposure to high-level operations, event delivery, and partnership engagement.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and agreed expenses (per Volunteer Policy).

Help protect the countryside of North and East Yorkshire for current and future generations. Join the board of CPRE North & East Yorkshire.

Applications close: Monday 8th September 2025.

Location: Hybrid/North and East Yorkshire (Thirsk)

Time commitment: c.1 – 2 days per month

About CPRE North and East Yorkshire

CPRE North and East Yorkshire campaigns to protect, enhance and promote the countryside for everyone’s benefit. We cover the largest CPRE region in England, spanning 6,900 square miles from the River Tees to Goole (south of the River Humber) and west from the Yorkshire Dales to the East Yorkshire coast.

Our vision is for a beautiful and thriving countryside that enriches all our lives. We work tirelessly to ensure the right development occurs in the right place. We actively support biodiversity improvement and champion countryside protection from climate change impacts, while contributing to climate solutions.

Our small but energetic team of volunteer trustees helps people to protect the countryside they love. We have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to shape proposed development in ways that enrich their rural communities and the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

About the roles

We are seeking two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees, each bringing specialist expertise while sharing general trustee responsibilities for developing our charity in line with our strategy and ensuring compliance with all legal and governance requirements.

Trustee with Supporter Engagement, Development and Fundraising Experience

This role combines general trustee duties with specialist leadership of our supporter development and fundraising activities. You will inform and guide the Board on supporter development matters, coordinate activities to meet our agreed aims, and lead the recruitment of a new Communications and Supporter Care Officer. Following our recent strategic review with external fundraising consultants, this role is crucial to implementing recommendations that will grow and strengthen our relationships with supporters and safeguard our charity’s future.

Trustee with Local Authority Experience

This position merges trustee responsibilities with expert guidance on local authority engagement and policy development. You will lead our proactive campaigning with local authorities for planning policies that protect the countryside, particularly in meeting climate change challenges. Your expertise will be vital as we work with the newly established North Yorkshire Council and other authorities across our region to influence policy development and implementation.

Who we are looking for

Vacancy 1

We are seeking an individual with management or senior-level experience in supporter development and fundraising. You will have experience in building relationships with supporters, developing fundraising strategies, and implementing successful campaigns.

Vacancy 2

We are also seeking someone with management or senior-level experience, either in policy development within local authorities or as a policy advisor to local authorities, or with experience working with local authorities in a not for profit capacity.

You should understand how local government works, have experience in policy and possess strong communication skills for engaging with elected officials and officers.

Our Trustees are passionate about countryside protection. You will bring strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and a commitment to our charitable aims. Previous trustee experience is not required as we provide comprehensive training and support.

Time commitment

Both roles require the equivalent of circa 1-2 days per month, including attendance at trustee meetings held every 2-3 months (currently in Thirsk), an annual AGM, and collaboration between meetings. Most meetings are held in person, although some are conducted online.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 8th September 2025

Want to Make a Real Impact? Become an Urban Youth Young Leader!

Tired of just talking about change? Ready to actually be the change?

We're Urban Youth, a brand-new project kicking off in London, and we're building a positive community for young people, designed by young people. We're all about creating awesome activities and programmes that get young people together, off their phones, and into fun, engaging experiences that build confidence, resilience, and life skills for the future.

Why Urban Youth? Why Now?

London's an amazing city, but let's be real – the cost of living, rising crime, and constant worries can make it tough. Many young people don't have enough positive spaces, mentors, or chances to develop crucial skills. We saw this gap, and we're stepping up with a fresh, vibrant approach. A place where your voice is heard, and your potential is unleashed.

Your Chance to Lead: Be a Young Leader/Advisor!

This isn't just volunteering; it's your chance to be at the heart of Urban Youth. We're looking for passionate young people to join us as Young Leaders/Advisors. You won't just be helping out; you'll have a key voice and a real say in how we set up and run everything.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Be a Decision-Maker: Seriously, you'll be part of the crew making important decisions about how Urban Youth is managed and run. Your ideas will directly shape our future.

• Empower Your Peers: Help us recruit and train other volunteers, creating a strong team ready to make a difference. Engage with other young people in and out of Urban Youth, including recruiting young people into our programmes.

• Bring Activities to Life: Get hands-on by assisting in running our exciting activities and programmes.

• Be Our Voice: Speak at events, attend public gatherings, or represent Urban Youth at local council and networking meetings. Share our story and show everyone what we're all about!

• Develop Next-Level Skills: Gain invaluable experience in leadership, project management, public speaking, community engagement, and so much more. These are skills that will supercharge your CV and your future.

• Build Your Network: Connect with inspiring individuals, fellow young leaders, and professionals who are passionate about youth empowerment.

• Feel Unbelievable Satisfaction: There's no feeling like knowing you're directly creating positive spaces and opportunities for young people across London.

We Need YOU!

If you're a young person with big ideas, tons of enthusiasm, a willingness to get stuck in, and a desire to make a tangible impact on your community and the lives of other young people, then we absolutely want you on our team.

We're looking for individuals who are ready to:

• Take Initiative: Spot opportunities and jump in.

• Share Your Perspective: Your unique experiences are invaluable.

• Collaborate: Work with a diverse and passionate team.

• Inspire: Be a role model for other young people.

Ready to Ignite Young People's Future and Lead the Way?

This is your moment to be part of something extraordinary. To turn worry into hope, isolation into connection, and potential into reality, all by making key decisions and driving the energy behind Urban Youth.

Don't just watch young people's future unfold. Help build it!

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI)

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) empowers rural communities to fight poverty, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and eco-friendly livelihoods. By equipping farmers, women, and youth with the skills and tools to regenerate ecosystems and boost local economies, RUWAI is creating a future where people and nature thrive together.

Grant Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Grant Writer/Fundraising Volunteer Role Description

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is seeking a passionate and skilled Grant Writer/Fundraising Volunteer to support our mission of restoring ecosystems, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience in Nigeria. The volunteer will play a vital role in identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and building relationships with donors and funding partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Funding Opportunities: Identify and monitor grant opportunities from foundations, international donors, corporations, and government agencies aligned with RUWAI’s mission.

Proposal Development: Draft, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, letters of inquiry, and donor communications.

Donor Engagement Support: Assist in developing pitch materials, case statements, and progress reports to engage current and prospective donors.

Collaboration with Team: Work closely with program leads to gather relevant data, impact stories, and budget details for funding proposals.

Grant Calendar Management: Help maintain a calendar of deadlines and reporting requirements, ensuring timely submissions.

Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to writing donor reports, impact summaries, and narrative updates to strengthen funder relationships.

Fundraising Strategy Input: Offer ideas to diversify and strengthen RUWAI’s fundraising efforts, including exploring crowdfunding, partnerships, or campaigns.

Ideal Candidate Should Have:

Excellent written communication and storytelling skills.

Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit communications (preferred but not required).

Strong research and organizational abilities.

Passion for sustainability, rural development, and environmental justice.

Self-motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Fundraising events helper

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

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can 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:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We’re looking for a volunteer fundraiser who is passionate about our cause and eager to help us develop creative strategies to engage the community and secure financial support for our projects. You'll take the lead on writing grant applications, membership campaigns, and donation drives.

Key information

Contract: Voluntary

Hours: Two to seven hours per week (part-time, flexible)

Location: Remote, with the option to work from our office: Two Queens, 2 Queen Street, Leicester LE1 1QW

Applications closing date: Thursday 29 May, 4pm

Any questions? If you have any questions please email info (at) leicester.news

We particularly encourage applications from women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

Role responsibilities

• Researching and submitting grant applications to secure funding for projects and salaries.
• Establishing and maintaining strong connections with current and potential funders to foster ongoing support and collaboration.
• Promoting and selling consultancy services to potential clients.
• Collaborating with the EMSM team to market and sell advertising space to local businesses and organisations.
• Managing daily operations of the online shop, including inventory management, customer service, and sales strategies.
• Working alongside the community lead to encourage new memberships and engage current members.
• Identifying and reaching out to high net worth individuals to secure significant donations.

About you

Essential

• Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns.
• Experience in writing compelling proposals and grant applications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with donors and stakeholders.
• Understanding of the nonprofit sector and its challenges.

Desirable

• Experience in sales techniques and strategies to drive fundraising efforts.
• Experience in major gift fundraising and cultivating relationships with high net worth individuals.
• Experience in a newsroom or journalistic environment.
• Experience in or enthusiasm for democratic and inclusive ways of working.

What we offer

Although you'll join us as a volunteer, there are many benefits to being part of our team:

• Remote working
• Office space
• Mentorship
• Training opportunities
• Free resources and tools
• Team socials
• Worker membership

… and more!

About the Leicester Gazette

The Leicester Gazette is a local, independent newspaper, free to access for all online and soon in print.

We are a member-funded, community-owned news outlet about Leicestershire. We're building on a movement of co-operative media pioneered by West Highlands Free Press, the Bristol Cable, Norwich Radical, Manchester Meteor, the Ferret, and Exeter Observer.

Our mission is to hold those in power accountable, push for change, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities while finding real solutions to the challenges we face.

We publish investigations, news features and human interest stories that go beyond the headlines. Our journalism is fact-based and rigorous, and we prize good writing over clickbait and sensationalism.

Local journalism has been devastated in recent years, with thousands of reporters laid off and newsrooms being stripped of their worth, leaving communities plagued by a jungle of ads and stories that have nothing to do with local issues. The Leicester Gazette is our revolution against a broken industry.

Anti-oppression and liberation

We are committed to creating a progressive, supportive workplace and community. We’d like the way we work to actively challenge the power structures that reproduce inequality and injustice, and consciously choose to work in ways that are liberatory, or anti-oppressive.

We embrace and value the lived experiences of women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

We’re looking for two new non-member trustees to join our board. A Board of Trustees is the group of individuals responsible for a charity’s governance and setting and overseeing the strategy. They ensure the organisation is administered effectively, and accounts for its activities and outcomes.

As the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, it is important to us that our trustee board includes people with different skills, knowledge and lived experiences, so that they have a broad range of opinions. There are members and non-members on our board, and we value everyone’s contribution.

At Girlguiding South West England, striving to be an inclusive and impactful organisation is at the heart of what we do. We recognise that being a great trustee isn’t just about the skills that you can bring to the table, but also the unique perspectives that come from your background and life experiences.
The key skills and attributes that we’re looking for in our trustees are:

• Confident to speak up and ensure your views are heard
• Capacity to be proactive in reviewing papers and considering views before meetings
• Excited to be part of shaping the future and responding to challenges
• Ability to think of the bigger picture for the benefit of members and potential members across South West England
• Approachable and open minded, and able to work with others
• Committed to our values.

In this round of trustee recruitment, we are looking for applications from people who are not currently members of Girlguiding who can offer skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Equity, diversity and inclusion, which may include lived experience
• Marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Commercial acumen
• Active in networks across South West England civic society or experience in influencing others
• Environmental sustainability
• Property management

We’re for all girls and we want Girlguiding South West England to be a safe and welcoming space for every person that wants to join us. Our trustee board should be as diverse as the girls that we support and inspire which is why we encourage trustee applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we would welcome trustee applications from people with disabilities and individuals from ethnic minority groups.

If you need support to help you apply or need this information in a printed or other format, please let us know in advance so that we can ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

If you would like to have an informal chat, please get in touch with Julie Brown, Executive Manager who can arrange for you to speak with Racheal Tattum, chief commissioner and chair of the trustee board.

Girlguiding South West England values inclusivity, and so we welcome requests for support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need any support to complete your application, then please get in touch with

Volunteer Opportunities – L’Arche Liverpool
Location: Liverpool
Role Type: Voluntary (flexible hours)
Commitment: 2–6 hours per day, once or twice a week (flexible options available)

About Us
L’Arche Liverpool is a vibrant community where people with and without learning disabilities live, work, and grow together. We are part of an international federation dedicated to inclusion, compassion, and shared humanity.

We are currently welcoming enthusiastic volunteers interested in making a real difference in people’s lives through hands-on community engagement.

What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you will support our inclusive activities and day-to-day community life. Opportunities include:

• Assisting in arts and crafts workshops

• Supporting community events and celebrations

• Helping with gardening and environmental projects

• Providing companionship and meaningful engagement to core members (people with learning disabilities)

• Participating in creative, therapeutic, or recreational sessions

What You’ll Gain
Volunteering with L’Arche is not just about giving your time — it’s also about personal and professional growth. We offer:

• Free accredited training in safeguarding, communication, and care skills

• Hands-on experience in social care, community support, and inclusive education

• Valuable CV-building opportunities and professional references

• Leadership and teamwork experience through real-world collaboration

• A chance to be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone belongs

• Flexible scheduling that works around your other commitments

Who We're Looking For
No prior experience is required — just an open mind, a kind heart, and a willingness to engage with others. This role is ideal for students, aspiring social workers, healthcare professionals, creatives, and anyone looking to make a positive impact.

Join us in building a world where everyone belongs — one connection at a time.

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

Join our dedicated retail team as a volunteer, where you'll provide excellent customer service on the shop floor and at the till or while supporting our back-of-house operations by sorting donations, pricing items, and creating appealing displays to ensure our shop remains well-stocked and welcoming for our valued customers.

Role Overview

Looking to boost your CV while making a real difference? Join the Sue Ryder charity shop team in one of our Walsall shop as a volunteer and get hands-on experience in retail management, merchandising, and operations!

Go behind the scenes as a Donation and Stockroom Assistant where you'll develop valuable skills in inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations. Every day brings something new – from assessing trending fashion pieces to pricing vintage finds and even managing our growing online marketplace. Your role could include: - Building your retail expertise - Getting creative with visual merchandising - Gaining practical business experience - Developing teamwork and leadership skills - Learning e-commerce through our online sales platform - Flexible hours that work around your studies - Improve your English Language Speaking Skills Perfect for students interested in business, retail management, fashion, or sustainability. Plus, it's a great addition to your CV that shows initiative and community engagement. Want to check it out? Drop by for a no-pressure taster session to meet the team and see if it's right for you or complete our quick apply form online today.

Commitment: Regular 2-4 hour shifts are preferred, but days and times flexible.

Skills

You need to be the type of person who: - is well organised and good at task based activities - is friendly and able to work as part of a team - can use your own initiative - is happy to get stuck in and support the shop where needed

Experience

Previous experience is not essential as we’ll give you all the training you need. Really, you just need to be a friendly person who is happy to get stuck in, reliable and good at using your initiative.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction and ongoing training provided. · Opportunity to improve your understanding of retail and Customer Service. · We can provide a reference to prospective employers. · This is a great opportunity to gain and develop your experience in the competitive retail sector, make new friends and help Sue Ryder provide palliative, neurological and bereavement support to people living with the challenges of life-limiting conditions. · Reasonable *Travel expenses reimbursed for a minimum of 2 hours, but must speak with the shop manager initially to confirm · *50% off donated items (excluding furniture) rules apply Find out more and have a taster session to see if you would like to voluntee

Looking to become a trustee with a local charity with an excellent track record? Live in or bordering Bedfordshire?

Carers in Bedfordshire is seeking new Trustees with digital, marketing or academic research expertise to shape and grow the Charity.

Digital and AI 

Are you passionate about the power of digital to drive positive change? Can you bring your expertise in digital strategy, innovation, and systems to our forward-thinking board?

Marketing and Comms

Help Amplify a Mission That Matters

Do you believe in the power of voice to spark change? We’re looking for a Marketing Trustee to help us strengthen our brand, sharpen our message, and reach the people who need to hear it most.

Academic and researchTrustee

Bring Evidence and Insight to the Heart of What We Do

We’re seeking a trustee with academic, policy, or research expertise to help us steer a thoughtful, evidence-informed path forward.

Even if you don’t have the specific skills and experience identified above, we are still interested in hearing from motivated individuals who have experience in an area of expertise relevant to the Charity. 

Of particular interest would be:-

• Service provision in health and social care setting
• Clinical expertise especially in a community setting
• Community Fundraising
• HR