Community volunteers volunteer roles in barnet, essex

This is an opportunity for someone with a knowledge of financial processes and systems to work on a voluntary basis to support the work of the BEARR Trust in the role of Honorary Treasurer.

The BEARR Trust is seeking to recruit a new Treasurer, responsible for overseeing the Charity’s income and expenditure, preparing regular financial reports to the Board of Trustees and preparing the annual accounts. The Treasurer will also be a Trustee of The BEARR Trust. This role is voluntary.

Background

The BEARR Trust was established in 1992 to support community-based organisations helping vulnerable people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We provide grants to grassroots community groups alongside information and knowledge exchange to build partnerships and strengthen support for vulnerable people through local activity. Currently, we work in ten countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Role description

Specific duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for:

· Maintaining oversight of The BEARR Trust’s finances

· Providing regular reports (every two months) to Trustees on income, expenditure and financial risks

· Working with the Chairman to prepare an annual budget, and keeping track of performance against the budget throughout the year

· Ensuring that partners and suppliers are paid efficiently. This includes making international payments, most of which are done via Convera

· Preparing the Annual Accounts for independent examination, and liaising with the independent examiner to ensure that queries are addressed.

General Trustee duties

As with all charities, the Trustees collectively are responsible for The BEARR Trust’s aims and direction, for its property, finances and the employment of staff and volunteers. All Trustees must:

· Ensure that the Trust complies with charity law and the requirements of the Charity Commission, the Trust’s own charitable purposes and objects, other relevant legislation and the requirement for trustees to act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets

· Ensure that the Trust is and will remain solvent, use charitable funds and assets wisely, and only to further the Trust’s purposes and interests, while avoiding undertaking activities that might place the Trust’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk

· Exercise reasonable care and skill, using personal knowledge and experience to ensure that the Trust is well-run and efficient, and consider getting external professional advice in all matters where there may be material risk to the Trust.

Beyond these formal duties, Trustees undertake a variety of roles. These include contributing to our newsletter, managing and contributing to events, raising funds and considering applications to the Small Grants Scheme and Ukraine Appeal. There are therefore opportunities to become involved in the wide range of BEARR’s activities.

Person specification

The Treasurer should have:

· A commitment to The BEARR Trust’s goals and charitable objects and an interest in, and some knowledge of, the context for BEARR’s work in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

· Experience of financial management and administration, budgeting and reporting. This does not need to include formal accountancy qualifications – experience may come from general management roles in paid or voluntary work.

Experience in preparing charity accounts using the Charities Statement of Required Practice (SORP) would be advantageous. Experience in fundraising (e.g., preparing funding applications and budgets) would also be welcome.

Time requirement

The time required varies from week to week, although payments need to be made and the accounts updated on at least a weekly basis. Indicatively, this equates to a time requirement of around 3 hours per week, in addition to attendance at Trustee meetings every two months (Trustee meetings are held in London, although remote attendance is also possible). However, time availability and support needed can be discussed with potential volunteers for the role.

Expenses

Trustee roles are unpaid. However, they may claim reasonable travel expenses.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Asian MS Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are seeking a volunteer with experience in WordPress, Divi Builder and WooCommerce. This to help support the information and format of our website, and as well as creating content for Paintings in Hosptials.

Please apply for the role if you match the following criteria: 

• Proficient in WordPress, Divi Builder, WooCommerce and Social Media creation 
• Comfortable working with backend of websites and content creation
• Attention to detail 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

About Paintings in Hospitals:

Paintings in Hospitals supports the health and wellbeing of people who need it the most, through the life-enriching power of art. Every day we witness the significant physical, mental, and emotional impact of our work on the lives of people in need around the UK. 

Established in 1959, our charity is now the UK’s leading arts in health organisation. Six decades of experience and expertise have enabled us to develop a unique art collection of over 3,000 original works, alongside art projects and engagement activities that transform the experiences of patients, service users, and staff.

We know that art reduces length of hospital stays, whilst also improving people’s mental health and physical symptoms. We continually evaluate our work across a range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, care homes, GP surgeries, and community spaces. 

Paintings in Hospitals is recognised by the Department of Health, NHS England, and Arts Council England as a leading provider of arts in health services. We have previously worked with national museums and galleries, such as the V&A, The National Gallery, and The Wallace Collection. 

About CARAS: 

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

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

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

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

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

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

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

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

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

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

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

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

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

The Nasio Trust

The Nasio Trust is a non-profit organisation that is empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty through the provision of education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

The Nasio Trust works in western Kenya - an impoverished yet fertile zone in the country. Located close to Lake Victoria on the Trans African Highway, the area has been ravaged by HIV, whose rates continue to be high. Endemic poverty due to small land holdings, unpredictable agricultural yields and lack of industry has exacerbated other social issues such as teenage pregnancy and child safeguarding.

The Nasio Trust has a holistic and self sustaining model of operation that provides the child with an environment in which they can flourish and grow. Our Early Childhood Education Centres have an intake from age 4 and up. The families of supported children have access to free healthcare through our medical centre and they are empowered to become economically independent through training in enterprises such as soap making and poultry.

Fundraising Strategist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Create a 5-year fundraising strategy for a UK and Kenya based charity that can appropriately tackle prevailing issues in the global development landscape such as funding cuts.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-4 weeks

Maker Mindz

Maker Mindz is a nonprofit organization. At our core, our mission is simple yet powerful: to ignite children's natural curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world around them. By building this foundation, we help cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

Challenges: 92% of boys and 97% of girls lose interest in STEM if not engaged by the 5th grade.

Only 33% of eight graders are interested in STEM majors.

Only 6% of high school seniors will get a bachelor's degree in a STEM field.

Our approach is centered on hands-on, interactive learning experiences. We design immersive environments and develop engaging educational materials that encourage exploration, experimentation, and critical thinking. We aim to empower children to ask questions, seek answers, and discover the joy of learning on their own terms. Through a combination of innovative learning kits, online & in-person workshops, we strive to create an environment where curiosity thrives, and a lifelong love for learning is born.

We believe in the power of the community to ignite change. As Seth Godin says, "A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate."

We are building a tribe of passionate individuals who share one powerful mission—making STEM education accessible to all. Whether you're an educator, an engineer, a creator, a designer, a parent, a student, or simply someone who believes in the future of science, technology, engineering, and math, you belong here.

Let's communicate, collaborate, and create a brighter future through STEM!

Google Ads Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We’re seeking a Google Ads Volunteer to help manage, optimize, and track our Google Ads campaigns (Google Ad Grants). This volunteer will help increase awareness of our programs, drive traffic to our website, and support our fundraising and engagement goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Set up and manage Google Ads campaigns.
2. Monitor ad performance and optimize for click-through and conversion rates.
3. Conduct keyword research and write compelling ad copy.
4. Ensure campaigns comply with Google Ad Grants policies.

Qualifications:

1. Experience with Google Ads and Google Ad Grants.
2. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret campaign performance data.
3. Understanding of nonprofit marketing strategies is a plus.
4. Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
5. Passionate about STEM education and making a positive impact.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

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

Our newsletter editor volunteers tap into the nation’s love for cats, which helps raise our profile across the UK. They source and share photos, images and stories relevant to the varied and exciting things we do at Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise funds, promote adopting a cat, help promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about great cat welfare.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

• Need to be confident with formatting the newsletter. 

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Sourcing articles and pictures and acquiring permission for use if required
• Ensuring that deadlines are met
• Organising the printing and distribution of newsletters
• Editing newsletters alongside others
• Ensuring that content meets with internal and external policies and guidelines

Time expectation

Our newsletter editors usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Ethiqana

We are a fair trade social enterprise focused on preserving earth friendly handicraft by providing sustainable livelihoods to our artisan heroes.

Ethiqana is a platform for artisanal revival. The business was established in March 2017 and started trading in August of the same year. We strive to solve two problems:

• Help reduce plastic pollution - Our aim is to rediscover sustainable materials and art forms that are on the verge of extinction These earth-friendly crafts can help in reversing the effects of climate change and ease the plastic pollution - perhaps even make a huge dent in it too.
• Help provide a better life to artisans - Ethiqana works with small scale artisan producers to help preserve their crafts through sustainable livelihoods. This can help bring about social parity and equity in the artisan community that has no way of competing with mass industrialisation. Talented and skilled artisans have to abandon their art and go and work in some big nameless factory to make ends meet. Their wonderful earth-friendly craft is lost to future generations. Establishing it as a social enterprise gives Ethiqana a clear social and environmental mission. We do not just want to sell and make a profit. We want to bring about positive social and environmental change. We invest and re-invest in our artisans - economically and socially.

We work with small artisan producers carefully selected based on eco-friendliness of their methods & the need for creative and economic empowerment. Since our inception our artisan base has grown from 35 to over 150 this year. We work with the artisans very closely in developing products that not only highlight their skills but also relevant for the modern world. Our work with small scale artisan producers and the impact it has had on their socio-economic conditions has been recognised by the British Association of Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers (BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK), Good Market Global and Social Enterprise World Forum through a strong vetting process. This also helps cement our position as a unique artisan platform.

At Ethiqana, we've been passionate about ethical and sustainable products since our inception. We're a social enterprise, which means our mission goes beyond profit. We work to empower artisans, promote eco-friendly living, and create positive change in the world, one beautiful product at a time.

Your time and talents are invaluable to us. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation, and with your help, we can continue to connect talented artisans with a global audience who appreciates their work.

Thank you for considering Ethiqana. We look forward to working with you to make a difference!

Digital Marketing Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

About Us: Ethiqana is a purpose-driven social enterprise that connects conscious UK shoppers with artisan partners from the Global South. We're dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship through fair trade and sustainable practices.

Role Overview: We're seeking a passionate Digital Marketing volunteer to help drive our online presence through paid advertising and email marketing campaigns. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a meaningful social cause.

Key Responsibilities: -Managing and optimising Meta (Facebook/Instagram) advertising campaigns -Creating and managing email marketing campaigns -Analysing campaign performance and providing insights -Contributing to our digital marketing strategy

Required Skills & Qualities: -Passion for digital marketing and social enterprise -Basic understanding of Meta Ads Manager -Familiarity with email marketing platforms (MailPoet or similar) -Self-starter mentality and ability to work independently -Strong communication skills -Interest in fair trade and sustainable business practices

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Becoming a Trustee is really rewarding, enabling you to give back to the community, as well as a great way to develop your strategic and leadership skills, put existing experience to use and a fantastic opportunity to learn new things from others. As a member of our Trustee Board, you will share responsibility for deciding how Citizens Advice K&C is run. Our Trustee roles are performed on a voluntary basis.

Strategy: you will work together with our other trustees to set our strategic direction and, with our management team, to deliver the business plan to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients, the targets set out by our funders and our charitable objectives.

Oversight: you will develop and maintain an awareness of how Citizens Advice Kensington & Chelsea operates and set performance targets to monitor the service we deliver to our clients and our financial position

Governance: you will become a trustee and director of Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea and attend and actively participate in our quarterly board meetings

Risk & Compliance: you’ll work with our other Trustees and team to ensure that we meet our legal and regulatory requirements

Advocacy: you’ll act as an advocate for our clients and support our core missions of advice and advocacy

Salary: This is a voluntary role