Community volunteer roles in wandsworth, greater london

We are currently looking for a personal assistant to the charity's chair person.

Responsibilities typically include: 

· Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and managing diaries 

· Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

· Miscellaneous tasks to support the Chair

· Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

· Organisation skills: The ability to prioritise tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

· Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

· Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

· Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering Digital Skills classes for learners 19+. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with smaller groups of learners who need additional help 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with English 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

About Nova 
Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   
  
Reaching 2,000+ people each year, we: 
• Develop knowledge, education and confidence  
• Connect diverse groups   
• Provide opportunities  
  
Our work, operates on 2 levels:  

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), adult education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  
• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action  ​

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Surrey are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

WANTED: Local Legends. No Cape Required.

Some kids climb trees.
Some build rockets from cardboard boxes.
Some are learning how to light a fire without burning their eyebrows off.
They’re curious, messy, hilarious – and they need YOU.

At 23rd Poplar Scouts, we’ve got a growing bunch of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers (ages 4 to 18) who are bursting with energy, questions, and potential.

And we’re looking for more grown-ups (yes, you!) to join our crew of volunteers.

Here's the deal - we don’t care if you can’t tie 12 knots or survive a week in the woods with just a spork or whether you're a parent, student, working professional, or retiree.
We do care if you:

• Enjoy seeing young people grow in confidence

• Like a laugh

• Are reliable

• Are up for trying something new (even if it involves glitter, tents, or biscuits)

You could help once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can. We’ll show you the ropes, give you some training, and promise not to make you wear shorts in winter.

This is about community, confidence, and connection – and giving young people a place to feel like they belong.

Sound good?

!!!Click on apply and share a few details about yourself.

Join us at 23rd Poplar Scouts and help shape the future, one adventure at a time.

Volunteer roles available in:

• Squirrels (4–6 yrs) – storytelling, play, and first friendships.

• Beavers (6–8 yrs) – crafts, games, and learning new things.

• Cubs (8–10½ yrs) – exploring, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

• Scouts (10½–14 yrs) – adventure, responsibility, and independence.

• Explorers (14–18 yrs) – leadership, community service, and big challenges.

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Our RSPCA charity shop in Ruislip Manor is looking for friendly volunteers to join the team.

About Our Shop

RSPCA, 64 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, HA4 0AH

The shop is part of the RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch. It plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as raising much needed funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It’s always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About the Role

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team of other volunteers helping to make the shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

Our volunteers assist us in many ways, such as accepting and sorting items donated by the public, preparing items ready for sale, processing sales through the till, assisting customers with queries, and helping to merchandise the shop floor.

Who are we looking for?

We’re currently looking for people aged 18 or over who are friendly, team players, are comfortable communicating with colleagues, customers and donors, and who can make a regular commitment of at least one 3-hour per shift per week for a minimum of six months. Retail experience is not essential.

In return, we can offer the chance to develop or learn new skills, a way to meet new people in your local area, and the satisfaction of making a huge difference to the lives of animals in your local community!

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Five annual meetings per year (Approximately one hour per month)

Alpha Academies Trust is seeking a finance-skilled Trustee to strengthen our board and help secure long-term sustainability, robust governance and excellent educational outcomes for the 4,000 children we serve across Stoke-on-Trent.

Who we are

We serve around 4,000 pupils and employ 500 staff, working in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Our commitment to excellence, evidence-informed practice and community engagement sits at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

We are seeking a finance-focused Trustee who will play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust’s strategy, sustainability and long-term planning.

As a Finance Trustee, you will:

• Support oversight of the Trust’s financial strategy, reserves, risk and long-term sustainability.
• Provide scrutiny and constructive challenge to ensure robust financial governance.
• Work closely with fellow Trustees to oversee growth, investment and capital planning.
• Help ensure resources are deployed effectively to maximise educational impact.
• Contribute to the Audit & Risk and/or Finance Committee, depending on experience.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader with strong financial expertise who can add immediate value to board discussions and oversight.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Senior financial leadership experience (e.g. CFO/FD, Audit Partner, or equivalent).
• Understanding of financial strategy, sustainability, risk and audit.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and advise non-finance colleagues.
• Experience of working within, or advising, regulated or multi-site organisations.
• Commitment to community impact and improving life chances for young people.
• Experience within education or the public sector is welcomed but not essential.

We are an inclusive Trust and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

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 close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th January 2026.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

We've recently reopened our Islington Shop with a gorgeous new look inspired by the neighbouring film studios. In amongst the retro cinema seats and beautiful backstage velvet curtains you'll find unique vintage treasures and lovingly curated donated stock, hand picked by our brilliant volunteer team.

Our Islington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

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 and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

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

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

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

Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.

We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:

• Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
• Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West

If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.

Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:

• Governance and Risk
• Nominations, People and EDI
• Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
• Finance
• Income Generation

We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:

• A thoughtful, practical approach
• Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
• The ability to work well with others
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
• A bit of time and energy to get involved

How to apply

• Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. We hold a prime position on the picturesque Church Street and from our little pink shop we raise lifesaving funds for Save The Children’s work both in the U.K. and abroad. As well as raising awareness on sustainable fashion and fashion climate activism, we’re a hub of excitement and passion!

Our Stoke Newington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

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 and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. We are seeking to appoint a Chair or a Vice Chair. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London or online. In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunitie

We are looking for a new Governor for our voluntary-aided boys’ school who has an interest in the creative arts and cares deeply about transforming the lives of young people through education in some of the most disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities in the UK.

What will you be doing?

About You

This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.

Applicants must have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students. Successful candidates will:

• be a member of the governing body
• join one additional sub-committee (Teaching & Learning; Pay & Personnel; Finance; or Pastoral, Premises, Health & Safety)
• act as link governors for the Creative Arts faculty (Link governors act as liaison between the governing body and a particular faculty)
• participate in a range of other ad hoc circumstances where governor involvement is necessary (e.g. periodic meetings with students, staff and parents that usually take place during the day).

Time Commitment

Governors usually spend ~20 hours per term on core governing duties. Successful candidates would be expected to attend up to 4 governing body/committee meetings a term, which usually take place on a Thursday (late afternoon/early evening). They would also need to allow time to read papers and prepare for meetings. The link governor role involves spending one morning or afternoon in school during the year, meeting with the faculty lead and visiting classrooms. 

In addition, we are particularly looking for the successful candidate to be able to spend a further 8 – 10 hours per term on ad hoc matters requiring more 'hands on' governor involvement, including meetings with students, staff and parents which usually take place during the school day. 

Skills and Background

With the recent launch of the Performing Arts Centre at the school, we are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts at this time.

We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Being a Foundation Governor

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include some appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Islington Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London. As an Educational Charity we support two schools in inner London, the Boys' School and also the Central Foundation Girls' School in Tower Hamlets. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the boys' school governing body.

Training on the of role of governor will be provided for the successful candidates.

What are we looking for?

Applicants need to have a keen interest in the school and are prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students.  

We are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.  We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

What difference will you make?

Your impact matters

As a Foundation Governor you will play a critical role in fulfilling the Central Foundation vision that through an exceptional Central Foundation education, every student learns, develops, and grows so they can reach their full potential. 

The Boys' School is a popular, over-subscribed, voluntary-aided, comprehensive school for boys aged 11-16, with a successful co-educational Sixth Form. A Central Foundation education involves providing students with a wide range of educational experiences not available to many state schools or students from the communities and backgrounds we serve.

As well as an outstanding academic offer, the support of the Central Foundation and its funding partners enables an extensive sporting, performing arts, careers, activities and wider programme to be offered. As a Foundation Governor, you will ensure that through this provision students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead successful lives and develop their own unique talents and confidence to forge their individual paths in life.

Underpinning a Central Foundation education is a rigour and a drive for excellence.  We are proud of our students’ examination results. In the last few years these results have consistently shown Central Foundation Boys' School to be one of the leading educators of boys in the country.   

Central Foundation Boys' School aim is that every single student can achieve outstanding outcomes in their education, both in terms of qualifications and the development of the skills, attributes, knowledge and understanding necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It is these outcomes that will transform their futures and your role as a Foundation Governor will oversee and ensure the character of the school is preserved and developed.

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. 

In your application we would really like to hear why you are interested in joining the Central Foundation Boys School Governing Body and what you think you would bring so please send your CV with a short covering statement.

Interviews will take place in January 2026, initially with the Chair of Governors, Simon Dodds. An appointment confirmation meeting with the Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the opportunity to visit the school. 

New governors will be invited to join the Governing Body at their spring term meeting in February/March 2026.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.