Community volunteer roles in thirsk, north yorkshire

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Volunteer Role

Stock Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop: Oxfam Shop Ripon

Why we want you.

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged,

18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full.

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be.

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep,

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst,

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the

team.

Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.

Researching valuable and vintage stock.

Photographing and listing items for the online shop.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety,

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

required

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please

speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role

Stock Volunteer

Volunteer Manager

Shop Manager

Where you will be based

Shop: Oxfam Shop Helmsley

Why we want you.

Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged,

18 and over.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a

difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full.

training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a

passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be.

looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep,

active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces

you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst,

learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:

Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.

Chatting to customers who drop off donations and other members of the

team.

Preparing stock to be put out on the shop floor, ready for sale.

Researching valuable and vintage stock.

Photographing and listing items for the online shop.

This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe

working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety,

training to all volunteers.

The skills you need.

We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.

Full training and support are given for this role - no prior experience is

required

Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.

What's in it for you.

Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to

understand what is covered)

Access to training and development

Grow your confidence and meet new people.

Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle

Free confidential support by the Retail Trust

Possible references for future employers

Disclaimer

Additional information:

We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an

inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,

please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.

We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon

application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please

speak to a manager for assistance.

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Department: Health and Wellbeing

Role Location: Supporting people remotely, in their own homes across the city and county.

Role Support: You will be supported by the Companion Service Team

What is the purpose of this role?

To provide personalised digital/IT support to older people

What impact does this role have?

Supports older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This inclusivity results in reduced loneliness and isolation and helps older people lead more healthy and independent lives.

What activities might you be involved in?

The purpose of this role is to provide personalised digital/IT support to older people to gain or improve technical skills and to become digitally included. This may include but is not limited to supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

What are we looking for?

· Individuals with an interest in the wellbeing of older people and who are committed to volunteering

· IT literate with good digital skills and who are confident using different Apple and Android devices (including smart phones and tablets, laptops, and smart speakers).

· Individuals who can work with learners with different levels of knowledge and skill and to be able to demonstrate empathy when needed.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.

· Ability to travel to visits either by car or public transport.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

Volunteering will be on an ad hoc basis to meet the needs of the older person that you are supporting in line with your availability.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough departmental induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to an older person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of travel expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss. You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more. What you’ll be doing • Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events. • Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events. In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss. We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month) What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

• Particularly looking for Volunteers in Downpatrick area - Last Wednesday of Every month

Volunteer Role Retail Volunteer
Volunteer Manager Shop Manager
Where you will be based Oxfam Boroughbridge Shop
Why we want you
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged
18 and over.
We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a
difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full
training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a
passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be
looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep
active.
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces
you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst
learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing
Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
Researching valuable and vintage stock.
Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe
working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety
training to all volunteers.
The skills you need
We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is
required
Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
What's in it for you
Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to
understand what is covered)
Access to training and development
Grow your confidence and meet new people
Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
Possible references for future employers
Disclaimer
Additional information:
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an
inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,
please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon
application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please
speak to a manager for assistance.

Volunteer Role Retail Volunteer
Volunteer Manager Shop Manager
Where you will be based Helmsley Oxfam Shop
Why we want you
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged
18 and over.
We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a
difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full
training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a
passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be
looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep
active.
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces
you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst
learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing
Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
Researching valuable and vintage stock.
Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe
working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety
training to all volunteers.
The skills you need
We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is
required
Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
What's in it for you
Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to
understand what is covered)
Access to training and development
Grow your confidence and meet new people
Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
Possible references for future employers
Disclaimer
Additional information:
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an
inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs,
please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon
application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please
speak to a manager for assistance.

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results

Role purpose

We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our social media team to help raise awareness of chronic pain and the work of Pain Concern to reach more people in need of the support we offer.

What you would be doing

• Help develop social media campaigns and day-to-day activities;

• Manage presence in social networking across all platforms;

• Prepare graphics for sharing across channels

• Monitor the impact of social media campaigns; Analyse, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize the charity’s reach.

• Scheduling and posting social media content 

• Capture and report on monthly data from across all social media platforms

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.

• Excellent communication skills

• Good knowledge and understanding of social media platforms

• Knowledge of marketing

• Strong IT skills and knowledge of MS Office

• Attention to detail

• Knowledge of / interest in pain and long-term conditions 

Availability and location

• Minimum 2-4 hours per week

• Volunteer from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS or from your own location

Benefits to you

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team

• Meet new people

• Build on your employability skills

• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you

• A job reference after 3 months of volunteering.

• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community

• On-site car parking

• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy

How do I apply?

For more information, please visit our website

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

WHO WE ARE
We are a Kingston-based social enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion. Encouraging different cultures to unite enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with cultural, social and sports organisation's, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. Our findings are supported by educational opportunities designed to broaden perspectives.

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Discover our mission, values and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Your journey with purpose begins here

Join us in creating positive change!

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Join our dynamic team as a Volunteer HR Recruiter and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our non-profit Organisation. As a key member of our Human Resources team, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring the acquisition of talented individuals passionate about our mission. Your expertise will contribute to building a dedicated and skilled workforce, enabling us to impact the community positively. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilise your HR recruitment skills for a meaningful cause while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.

Collaborate with hiring managers to identify hiring needs and implement effective sourcing strategies,
Interview and Selection
Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.
Conduct initial screening interviews to effectively evaluate the candidates’ skill set and cultural fit while providing an engaging experience.
Foster positive relationships with candidates, keeping them informed about the status of their applications.
Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date candidate records and recruitment metrics.

 REQUIRED SKILLS:

Proven experience as an HR Recruiter or in a similar role
Familiarity with job boards and professional social platforms
Strong understanding of recruitment processes and employment laws
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Office based skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Strong marketing and negotiation skills
Outstanding teamwork skills and ability to create relationships at all levels, showing respect to different types of people.
Professionalism and Confidentiality

WHAT WE OFFER:

Opportunity for professional growth and development in Recruitment and other HR departments depending on your knowledge and learning aptitude.
A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.
Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday to Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Contract length: 16 weeks

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime

Work Location: Remote

We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our trustee committee and help shape and deliver animal welfare in the East and South East London areas.
 

The RSPCA East London and Havering Branch aims to align its core objectives with those of the National RSPCA — specifically: to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and protect animals.

The RSPCA East London and Havering Branch CIO (the "Branch") is seeking to appoint new Trustees to join the Branch Trustee Committee. This is an exciting time for the Branch as we aim to grow and enhance our services across East and South East London.

What does the Branch do?

Our Branch covers postcodes within East and South East London (those beginning with E or RM). We operate boarding facilities where we care for, rehabilitate, and rehome cats rescued by RSPCA Inspectors.

We are an independent charity, working in partnership with the National RSPCA, a separate charity. Together, we deliver the RSPCA's mission — focused on frontline animal welfare and community engagement.

As an independent branch, we fundraise and manage our resources independently to deliver animal welfare services. We receive some financial support and guidance on best practices from the National RSPCA to ensure we comply with Charity Commission regulations.

Future Plans

In the coming years, our plans include:

· Developing and executing plans for sustainable income growth 

· Building out our volunteer and supporter network

These plans are continuously reviewed and developed by the Branch Trustees to ensure we focus our efforts on helping as many animals as possible.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds with experience or skills in any of the following areas:

· Accounting

· Marketing and Communications (including social media, PR, websites)

· Fundraising (including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications)

· Local community and supporter engagement

· Charity growth and development

· Veterinary or animal welfare

· Volunteer management

Alongside relevant experience, we’re looking for people who are committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and share our passion for animal welfare. You should be a creative, innovative team player, bring a fresh perspective, and be able to turn ideas into action.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who live or work in the areas we cover (E or RM postcodes), or who can travel to London for Branch meetings and fundraising activities.

What can we offer in return?

We offer all Trustees:

· Support from both the RSPCA team

· A platform to utilise your skills and experience to shape the charity and directly impact local animal welfare

· An opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones while making a real difference

· A chance to expand your professional and personal network by working with like-minded people

Practical Considerations

Please note:

· You must be based in London or can have regular access to London to join our fundraising activities

· You must be aged 18 or over and a UK tax resident to join the Trustee Committee

· You must be a member of our Branch before you are eligible to be co-opted or elected as a Trustee

· Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year

· Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed

· Trustees must sign a Declaration of Willingness to Act and confirm they are not disqualified from being a Trustee (more information is available on the Charity Commission website)

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will:

· Help shape the strategy and direction of the Branch

· Contribute your unique skills and experience to decision-making

· Work as part of a collaborative and motivated team

· Develop your own skills or pass them on to others

Together, we can make a significant impact on animal welfare in our community.

Please include also a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and detailing your relevant skills, knowledge, experience, and motivation.

CWV is seeking a Volunteer Bid Writer to help secure funding through grant applications and partnerships. Ideal for those with strong writing and research skills, it offers valuable experience and a chance to make a meaningful impact. 

What will you be doing?

Position Overview:

Children With Voices, a dynamic and community-driven charity committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Bid Writer. This role is instrumental in securing funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to ensure the continuous growth and success of the charity's initiatives.

Responsibilities:

1. Research and Identify Funding Opportunities:

- Conduct thorough research to identify potential funding sources, grants, and partnership opportunities aligned with  Children With Voices' mission and projects.

2. Proposal Development:

- Collaborate with the charity's leadership team to gather information on projects and programs requiring funding.

- Develop compelling and well-articulated grant proposals, ensuring alignment with donor guidelines and requirements.

- Craft persuasive narratives that effectively communicate the impact of Children With Voices' activities.

3. Grant Application Submission:

- Prepare and submit grant applications within specified deadlines, adhering to all application guidelines and requirements.

- Maintain accurate records of submitted proposals, deadlines, and communication with funding bodies.

4. Relationship Building:

- Establish and maintain positive relationships with potential donors, grant-making organisations, and other stakeholders.

- Engage in effective communication to convey the charity's mission and project goals.

5. Collaboration and Coordination:

- Work closely with the fundraising team and project managers to gather necessary information for proposals.

- Collaborate with other team members to ensure the integration of programmatic and financial data in grant applications.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications:

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Previous experience in grant writing, proposal development, or related fields is desirable.

- Strong research skills to identify relevant funding opportunities.

- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and project management skills.

- Passion for the mission and values of Children With Voices.

Benefits:

- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact.

- Gain valuable experience in grant writing and fundraising within a charitable organisation.

- Develop and enhance your skills in communication, research, and project coordination.

- Travel expenses are paid and you will have a healthy meal!

What difference will you make?

As a Volunteer Bid Writer, you will play a crucial role in securing funding that directly supports vulnerable individuals and families, enabling Children With Voices to expand its vital community programs and make a lasting impact.

Before you apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter expressing your interest and relevant experience. Children With Voices values diversity and encourages candidates of all backgrounds and ages to apply.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Outreach Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in community engagement and networking.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to craft compelling emails and messages tailored to different audiences.

• Organizational skills to track outreach efforts and meet targets.

• Comfortable using email outreach tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Google Sheets, etc.) or willingness to learn.

• Experience with or interest in nonprofit work is a plus.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple outreach tasks.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and building connections that support charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Email Outreach:

  • Meet a monthly email outreach quota, targeting potential partners and other key stakeholders.

  • Craft personalized and engaging outreach emails to build and maintain relationships with various groups.

  • Follow up with contacts to nurture relationships and drive engagement with the charity's initiatives.

• Community Engagement:

  • Assist in developing and implementing outreach strategies to expand the charity’s network and reach.

  • Help coordinate outreach efforts for specific campaigns, events, or initiatives.

  • Track responses and report on outreach success rates, identifying areas for improvement.

• Research & Networking:

  • Conduct research to identify new potential partners, supporters, or collaborators for the charity.

  • Assist with compiling contact lists and gathering relevant information for outreach purposes.

• Campaign Support:

  • Support the development of email campaigns, including drafting email copy and ensuring timely distribution.

  • Help maintain and update the charity's contact database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy standards.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure Access Academia's message is shared correctly and consistently.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Outreach & Marketing team and directions from the Director of Outreach & Marketing.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in outreach, community engagement, and relationship management.

• Opportunities to develop communication skills, including email marketing and networking strategies.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.