Community volunteers volunteer roles in basingstoke and deane, hampshire

Fundraising advisors wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a professional fundraiser and would like to help but are short on time, we would love to hear from you even if you are unable to get deeply involved. We would appreciate one-off or ongoing advice on the phone, online or in person. We would welcome feedback on our fundraising strategy and past applications, any advice about trust and grant fundraising, and any other advice you can give. 

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in funding strategy, writing grants for funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Coempowered is a small but rapidly developing non-profit working to empower indiviuals and help build community capacity among for young people, women, and marginalised communities in the UK and internationally through workshops, classes, semiar, projects and research. We are now building the foundations of our organisation and are looking for a dedicated, creative volunteer who is genuinely passionate about our educational and social mission and willing to grow with us as we expand our work and prepare for charity status.Having seen the impact of our work since 2021, we are now laying the foundations for long-term growth and preparing to register as a charity. We are seeking a committed and motivated volunteer who is genuinely passionate about educational and social change and eager to help build our organisation with us.

About the Opportunity
This role is central to Coempowered’s next stage of development. We are positioning ourselves to apply for our first grants, develop partnerships, and build sustainable funding streams. We are looking for someone who can take initiative, collaborate closely with the directors, and contribute strategically to our fundraising capacity. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wishes to make a tangible difference in a small organisation and to help shape its future.

Key Deliverables

• Research suitable grant opportunities and funding sources.

• Assist in preparing core organisational documents, including:

  • Activity reports

  • Business plans

  • Project proposals and bids

• Write compelling grant applications tailored to funders’ criteria.

• Prepare outreach materials, donor communications, and mailshots.

• Use direct mailing and other methods to engage potential and existing donors.

• Support the recruitment, coordination, and management of volunteers involved in fundraising activities.

• Ensure smooth execution of all tasks related to fundraising, documentation, and relationship-building.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or partnership development (professional or voluntary).

• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Self-motivation and reliability, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• A sincere interest in education, youth empowerment, philosophy, or social impact.

• Someone keen to contribute to the long-term development of a small but ambitious organisation.

Time Commitment
Flexible and remote, approximately 4–6 hours per week, depending on grant cycles.

If you are passionate about meaningful education and wish to play a key role in helping a young organisation grow and secure its future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Our challenge

Our community is at the centre of everything we do. We’re committed to working with people affected by a brain tumour, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do. We can create real, positive change together. From diagnosis to support to treatment, we’re pushing toward one big vision: for everyone diagnosed with a brain tumour to live longer, better lives.

Our Young Ambassadors programme, for 18 – 25 year olds, is built on diversity. We welcome people living with low and high grade tumours, carers supporting loved ones, and those who have cared for someone who has sadly passed away. Partners and siblings are also welcome. Every voice counts, and every experience helps us create meaningful change.

How can you help?

As a Young Ambassador, you’ll play a big role in representing The Charity and standing up for young people affected by brain tumours. This two-year programme is open to 18-25 year olds, and gives you the chance to influence real decisions, be a critical friend, and make sure the voices of our community are heard loud and clear.

You’ll help shape the future of brain tumour care and research — all while meeting new friends, growing your confidence, and gaining skills that look great on a CV and feel good in your heart.

Across your time as a Young Ambassador, you’ll get stuck into exciting projects both inside the Charity and across the wider brain tumour community. You might work with researchers, healthcare teams, partner organisations, and other passionate young people, sometimes in person, sometimes online, all united by one mission: keeping those affected at the centre of every decision we make.

Ready to create change, learn loads, and be part of something meaningful? This is your chance.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking passionate, collaborative young adults who want to create change and improve outcomes for everyone affected by a brain tumour.

You’ll get to choose the projects you’re most passionate about and take part in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re someone who likes speaking up in groups, prefers sharing ideas one to one, or enjoys contributing behind the scenes.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from anyone affected by a brain tumour (carers and patients), but it’s important this feels like the right time for you. By sharing your insight, you’ll help strengthen and amplify the voice of our community. 

We’re looking for young adults who are:

• Aged 18- 25 years old and based in the UK

• Open to meeting new people, learning new skills, and being part of something meaningful.

• Care about making things better for everyone affected by brain tumours

• Open to sharing your story (only if and when you feel comfortable) and you respect that everyone’s experience is different.

• Kind, collaborative, and supportive, and you enjoy being part of a team.

As a Young Ambassador, you will:

• Use your lived experience to represent others in the brain tumour community and help shape the work we do — both inside the Charity and out in the wider world.

• Be open to making friends, learning new skills, and making a real difference alongside other young people who care as much as you do.

• Listen to and respect different perspectives, knowing that everyone’s journey is unique and people may face challenges that look different from your own.

• Make sure real experiences, especially youth voice, guide research, campaigns, policy, and services, so the things we create truly reflect what young people need.

Some of the ways you can get involved include:

• Explore and develop fundraising ideas – Get creative and help us dream up fresh, exciting ways to raise the vital funds that keep our work moving forward.

• Create social media content – Use your creativity to help us tell powerful stories, spread awareness, and reach more young people online. Whether it’s Insta posts, videos, or LinkedIn your ideas can make a real impact.

• Contribute to campaigns and events – Use your story and your voice to support reports, raise awareness, and even help us engage MPs and decision-makers.

• Feed into research projects and focus groups - Help make sure research is easy to understand, accessible, and benefits the community it aims to support

• Speak up on bigger platforms – From press interviews to conferences, media pieces, or blog posts, you’ll have opportunities to share your experiences publicly and help shine a light on brain tumours and the work of the Charity. 

• Shape services that work for young people – Be part of developing and improving the support we offer, including our Young Adult service, making sure our services are practical, inclusive, and focused on real needs. 

In addition to all of this, we are very open to hearing your ideas about how you would like to contribute and get involved.

Practical considerations

This is a voluntary role with a term of up to two years, though we understand circumstances may change and you may need to step away earlier. 

• Induction: You’ll start with a 2-day induction on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April  at our office in Fleet, Hampshire

• In-person meetings: Two further in person events will take place during the two-year programme. These have previously included training days and residential.  

• Online meetings: We’ll meet monthly on Microsoft Teams during a weekday evening 

• Other opportunities: You can choose activities that fit your interests, availability, and preferences. These will be shared via Volunteero, our volunteer app, which all Involvement Champions use. Opportunities may take place on both weekdays and weekends.

Please note, for in-person meetings, all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are covered by The Charity.  Find out more in our Volunteer Expenses Policy. We suggest a time commitment of around 1–2 hours per week, but this is flexible. You’ll receive training, regular updates, and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Wellbeing and connection   

Many past Young Ambassadors say one of the absolute best parts of the programme is the friendships they build and the sense of connection they feel.

Because this role involves hearing and talking about a wide range of lived experiences, it’s worth taking a moment to think about whether this feels like the right time for you. The work is incredibly rewarding but it can also be emotional. 

Application process

Complete our application below! The application form will ask for information about your personal connection to brain tumours and any skills/qualities you would bring to the role.

Additionally, you will be asked to record a 2-minute video or provide a written statement (200-300 words) answering the following questions:

Motivation:

“Why do you want to be a Young Ambassador, and what does this opportunity mean to you personally?”

Representation and voice:

“In what ways do you hope to use your voice, whether online, in discussions, or in person — to help shape the future of brain tumour support and research?”

Key Dates

Applications close: Monday 9 February at 9am

Online Informal interviews*: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 March

Feedback and offers: Week commencing Monday 23 March

Induction date (in person event): Wednesday 29 April and Thursday 30 April

*Depending on the volume of applications we receive, we may shortlist applicants for these interviews. 

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Get on board, join our Trustees.

The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) is a unique non-profit organisation that works with affected communities to pursue innovative legal actions across borders, challenging states and other powerful actors involved with systemic injustice. Our vision is justice across borders. We have a Board of seven passionate and knowledgable Trustees. We are looking to expand this with up to three new appointments. 

ABOUT THE ROLE As a trustee, you will: Contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the charity. Ensure we remain true to our mission and comply with legal and financial responsibilities. Bring your skills, experience, and perspective to strengthen our board KEY REQUIREMENTS We are particularly keen to hear from: Those with lived experience of the kinds of harms GLAN aims to tackle, to ensure we are amplifying voices of those too often excluded, and to support our work addressing systemic injustices in a meaningful way. Black and Brown candidates who bring knowledge of, or have strong connections to, the Global South/Global Majority. Experience in movement building and strengthening civil society alliances. Candidates who bring expertise in the areas of Impact measurement, Fundraising or Marketing Candidates that will support GLAN to meet an increasingly challenging operating environment in terms of external risks and fundraising. Candidates who share GLAN’s values and can evidence a commitment to decolonial practice and anti-racism Candidates who are fully supportive of GLAN’s ambition to create an environment where employees have a strong, collective voice in matters affecting their work and wellbeing

Join MINDSET Charity – Be Part of a Brotherhood of Change

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We exist to support men on their personal journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement. Through accessible workshops, tailored programmes, and creative activities — from role play and storytelling to arts, crafts, and woodwork — we provide spaces where men can open up, connect, and grow without fear of judgment.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. And we need visionary Trustees to help guide us.

The Role of Trustee

As a Trustee, you will:

• Shape the strategic direction of MINDSET Charity.

• Safeguard our values of brotherhood, empowerment, integrity, and growth.

• Ensure our programmes remain impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.

• Champion our mission to foster resilience and community across England.

This is a volunteer role, but the impact is priceless: you will be part of a founding team creating a legacy of hope and transformation.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. You don’t need prior Trustee experience — what matters most is your commitment, integrity, and belief in our mission.

Skills in governance, finance, fundraising, communications, or programme delivery are especially valuable, but above all we seek individuals who want to build something meaningful together.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Help create safe, creative spaces for men to express themselves and grow.

• Contribute to a national movement of resilience and brotherhood.

• Work alongside passionate volunteers united by purpose and vision.

How to Apply

If you are ready to stand with us and help shape MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than a Trustee role. It’s a chance to help men across England rediscover strength, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $7.9 trillion into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint through technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, and we have shifted over $50m towards banks that are financing a greener future.

Through transparency, engagement and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Fundraising Director (volunteer), you will play a pivotal role in securing the resources that drive our mission forward. Success in this position means identifying and pursuing the right funding opportunities and coordinating our fundraising team to achieve clear goals. Through this role, you will gain significant experience of the entire fundraising process for both nonprofits and mission-driven entities, as well as learn about sustainable finance and how technology can positively contribute to it.

Commitment

• This role is currently volunteer-based.
• We are seeking a commitment of 5–8 hours per week.
• We are looking for someone to join us long term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new funding opportunities for suitability using our CRM and training resources.
• Lead our fundraising strategy, setting goals for the team and adjusting course where needed.
• Manage our fundraising volunteers working across multiple workstreams and approaches.
• Meet individually with fundraising volunteers to discuss opportunities and unblock issues.
• Support the team with grant writing and the grant application process.

Desired Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a remote team.
• Proactive and organised, able to move work forward with limited supervision.
• Passion for climate and social impact.
• Experience in fundraising, or willingness to learn about grant applications, crowdfunding strategies and donor communications.
• Comfortable coordinating and motivating a small team.

Volunteer Benefits

As a volunteer-driven organisation, we are focused on making roles as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we offer:

• Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and developments in climate advocacy through continuous learning.
• The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, strengthening your professional connections.
• Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your CV and skill set.
• Recognition for positive performance, including supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
• A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.

Join Our Mission. Bring Your Joy. Transform Lives.

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., we are building a global movement rooted in truth-telling, healing, family, and the transformation of generations. Our mission is to confront childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, and systemic injustices — and help people return to their true selves through community, knowledge, and love.

We work like a family: connected, supportive, purpose-driven… and full of laughter.

We are now expanding our team and looking for a Corporate Entertainer & Culture Animator — a warm, creative spirit who will bring joy, connection, and positive energy to our remote community.

This is a unique role and may be the first of its kind in the UK charity/CIC space.
If you are an entertainer with a heart for people, culture, and community — this could be the perfect home for your gifts.

 Role: Corporate Entertainer & Culture Animator

Location: Remote (UK Time Zone Preferred)
Commitment: (flexible)
Pay: Volunteer role (paid opportunities to apply as the CIC scales)
Start Date: Immediately (after interview)

About The Role

We are looking for someone who naturally lights up a room — even a virtual one.

Your purpose is to help keep our volunteers, creatives, future ambassadors, and leadership team motivated, connected, and full of joy while we build something historic together.
Laughter is medicine — and you will be one of the healers.

You will bring creativity, humour, and fun to our organisation through:

• Games & icebreakers at meetings
• WhatsApp riddles, jokes, challenges & positive energy
• Weekly/monthly fun activities
• Virtual team bonding sessions
• Celebrations, awards & cultural themes
• Future in-person events, trips & gatherings

This role is about building joyful company culture for a mission that deals with serious topics — and reminding all of us that healing also includes play, community, and connection.

Who We’re Looking For

Someone who is:

• Naturally funny, joyful, charismatic, or expressive
• Loves entertaining people
• Creative with games, riddles, challenges, themes, and fun ideas
• Empathetic and sensitive to emotional topics
• Confident online and comfortable speaking in groups
• Culturally aware, especially within the Black and diaspora community
• Passionate about uplifting others
• Excited to help build a future global organisation

Ideal backgrounds include (but are not limited to):

• Comedians
• Actors
• Hosts/MCs
• Spoken word artists
• Content creators
• Team-building facilitators
• Corporate entertainers
• Youth workers with creative flair
• Performers
• Creative arts professionals

If you can bring joy, creativity, and community spirit, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Add light, energy, culture, and laughter to our team environment
• Create fun moments during Zoom meetings
• Run occasional virtual game nights or mini-events
• Share riddles, humour, and engagement in our WhatsApp groups
• Help team members bond and feel valued
• Celebrate wins, birthdays, and achievements
• Bring creative ideas to improve morale and connection
• Work alongside leadership to shape a positive, family-focused culture
• Support future in-person events such as team days, retreats, and awards nights

Why Join Us?

You will:

• Become part of a beautiful, movement-driven family
• Play a central role in shaping a loving, joyful global collective organisation
• Use your gifts to uplift volunteers, survivors and fundraisers
• Help restore emotional wellness through creativity and laughter
• Create a legacy of culture, joy, and belonging
• Grow with us as we scale towards reaching 1 billion people worldwide throughout the lifetime of the movement

We are building something bigger than all of us — and we want someone who brings light to join this journey.

How to Apply

Please send ONE of the following:

• A short email
• A WhatsApp voice note
• A short video (optional)

Tell us:

1. Who you are
2. What makes you a great fit for this role
3. What creative talents you can bring
4. A sample — joke, riddle, poem, short skit, or anything showcasing your energy

Join the Mindful Strides volunteering team! 

Are you passionate about being part of a community where people connect through movement, nature, and wellness? At Mindful Strides host walks, hikes, and events where people can move their bodies, meet others, and feel at ease just as they are!

Mindful Strides is growing, and we’d love to welcome volunteers who care about connection, wellbeing, and community. Whether you’ve got plenty of time or just a little to offer, there’s a space for you here. You can get involved in a way that feels right for you, based on your interests, and what you’re able to give.

A bit about us:
Mindful Strides is here to make movement feel joyful, community feel safe, and the outdoors feel open to everyone. We host regular walks, mindful movement events, and inclusive gatherings where people can connect, exhale, and be themselves.

About the role:
This role is all about capturing the essence of Mindful Strides and sharing it with the world. You’ll create social media posts, share event updates, highlight community moments, and help us connect with people who might want to join.

You'll enjoy this role if you:

• Love telling stories through photos, videos, or words

• Enjoy using platforms like Instagram or Canva

• Are creative and care about visual storytelling

• Want to grow a heartfelt, engaged online community

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) - Interview Management Team!

�� Help Shape Our Humanitarian Team! Join the IHF Interview Management Team ��

Are you organized, empathetic, and passionate about connecting people with meaningful roles? Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) as a member of our remote *Interview Management Team*. Play a critical role in recruiting volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the world.

What You’ll Do:

- Coordinate Interviews: Oversee and conduct interviews with potential volunteers, guiding them through our application process and creating a welcoming experience.

- Promote IHF’s Mission: Clearly communicate IHF’s values and mission, ensuring that volunteers understand the importance of their role.

- Match Talents with Needs: Work closely with other teams to ensure that volunteers are placed in roles that align with their skills and interests.

Why Join IHF?

- Impactful Recruitment: You’ll be helping us find passionate individuals who will carry out important humanitarian work.

- Skill Development: Gain experience in human resources, recruitment, and cross-cultural communication.

- Work Remotely: Enjoy the flexibility to make an impact from wherever you are.

Requirements:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Experience in recruitment, interview management, or HR is beneficial.

- A positive attitude and a commitment to IHF’s mission to help communities worldwide.

Be a Part of Our Mission– Join IHF’s Interview Management Team and help us build a community of dedicated volunteers committed to making a difference.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

As we grow in 2025 and beyond, we are looking for a volunteer to help us expand our reach and impact. This role will focus on supporting partnerships with organisations, developing corporate relationships, and helping us explore new opportunities for fundraising and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Is enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion.
• Enjoys development and may have experience in business development.
• Has experience working with corporate sponsors (helpful, but not essential).
• Is passionate about fundraising or has relevant experience.
• Is a strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.).
• Thinks creatively and is willing to bring fresh ideas to the team.
• Can work remotely.

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our training programme at a convenient time.
• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.
• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).
• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.
• Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.
• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community.
• Develop skills in business development, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.
• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.
• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.

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

We have a huge breadth of volunteer roles at Cats Protection, including caring for cats, fundraising, in our shops and many more! We also need volunteers to help us be more efficient, effective and to ensure we comply with charity law and governance.  

The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its obligations in respect of financial and governance reporting, internal control and risk. Our Audit & Risk Committee volunteers contribute to a well-run organisation, and their time and expertise help our Committee work in the best, most effective way possible.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Committee to oversee the Cats Protection financial reporting process. This ensures the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information to:

• ensure that there is a framework for accountability
• examine systems and methods of control, with particular emphasis on risk management and the effective use of risk-based outsourced internal audit receive reports from external auditors and consider rotation of audit partners
• ensure that Cats Protection is complying with statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice
• ensure implementation of recommendations from internal and external auditors
• ensure ongoing objectivity and independence

Your role will also include:

• attending Committee meetings
• reading papers
• preparing for meetings
• raising appropriate challenge or concerns undertaking any actions required in the agreed timescales
• supporting the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
• keeping informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues affecting the charity and the Audit & Risk Committee in particular

If you have strategic vision and an appreciation that there is much more to helping cats than meets the eye, then this is the role for you.

You can expect us to

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

What we need from you

• a commitment to Cats Protection and empathy with our vision, mission and values
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• strategic vision
• sound independent judgement
• relevant financial, assurance or risk management experience
• willingness to be part of a team
• the ability to express views clearly
• willingness to respectfully challenge and bring the best out in others
• an understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Audit & Risk Committee

Time expectation

Our Audit & Risk Committee meets three times a year (twice in person in London and once virtually) and our volunteers normally spend a total of three years in this role.

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

More information on the role is available through a candidate pack for applicants. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words and a CV. Please include your motivation for applying for the role and details of any relevant experience - whether paid or voluntary. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 December at 23:59.

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.

Volunteer: The PR Officer of Hidayah plays a vital role in raising the profile of the organisation. The PR Officer will take the lead in managing relationships with external media, agencies, and partners to help Hidayah achieve its strategic aims. The PR officer will work closely with the Chair and two digital trustees, and focus on increasing visibility, strengthening our public image, and supporting advocacy through effective communication.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Act as the main point of contact for external media outlets, journalists, and PR agencies on behalf of Hidayah.

• Work with the Chair to help implement their media strategy and PR aims.

• Draft, review and issue press releases, statements, and media content as needed.

• Identify media opportunities that can help platform Hidayah’s work, voices, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media partners, influencers, and relevant organisations.

• Provide PR advice and guidance to the Chair and help ensure consistent messaging.

• Contribute to the development of key messaging and ensure alignment with organisational policies and values.

• Help monitor media coverage and report back to the Chair on PR impact and reach.

What do we expect from the PR Officer of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge:

• Experience in PR, communications, journalism, or media relations, ideally in the voluntary, charity or advocacy sector.

• Understanding of media landscapes, both mainstream and community-based, with an awareness of LGBTQ+ and/or faith-sensitive contexts.

• Knowledge of reputation management and crisis communications.

Personality:

• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to represent Hidayah with professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to Hidayah’s mission and values.

• Creative thinker who can identify innovative ways to promote Hidayah’s work.

Personal Skills:

• Strong writing and editing skills for creating press releases and media content.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with external partners.

• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity in communications.

• Ability to respond to media challenges and opportunities with diplomacy and care.

Administration Skills:

• Organised and methodical in managing media contacts and communications records.

• Competence in using email, social media platforms, and shared systems such as Google Drive.

• Ability to draft reports on PR activity for Board meetings.

• Familiarity with digital tools to track media coverage and public engagement.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. One average the role will require 2-4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:

• To be available for media requests or to coordinate timely responses as needed.

• To support Hidayah events through PR activity and promotion. 

• To help with fundraising efforts by securing media coverage for campaigns and initiatives.

• To check and respond to PR-related emails promptly.

• To maintain clear records of media engagement and press materials in the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in or around Berkshire.

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Support U is launching Rainbow Line in January 2026 — a dedicated listening line for the LGBTQIA+ community — and we are seeking compassionate, committed volunteers to join us as Call Handlers. Rainbow Line has been created to offer LGBTQIA+ people a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, be heard, and feel supported.

The service is designed for individuals who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to listen. While Rainbow Line is not a professional counselling, psychotherapy or crisis service, volunteers play a vital role in offering empathetic listening and, where appropriate, signposting callers to specialist services and organisations for further support. By volunteering with Rainbow Line, you’ll be helping to reduce isolation and create a more connected, supportive community.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll ideally need to be based in or around Berkshire.

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer pre-booked calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly and be heard, with signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting topics that came up, and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 45 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in or around Berkshire (desirable, but not essential)

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice.