Community volunteers volunteer volunteer roles in St albans, hertfordshire

Urban Youth Needs a Trailblazer

Lead the movement. Shape the future. Empower young people.

Urban Youth is a brand‑new youth work charity in inner London, and we’re here to spark change for young people aged 11–19. We’re building spaces full of energy, positivity, and opportunity—where young people can discover themselves, connect with others, and grow into their best selves.

Now we need someone bold, passionate, and visionary to run Urban Youth with us.

The role:

• Volunteer commitment: 5 hours per week minimum (with loads of flexibility).

• Lead from the front—drive our charity forward with energy and vision.

• Shape programmes that inspire, empower, and make a real difference.

• Be the heartbeat of a new movement in inner London.

What we’re looking for:

• Someone with passion, vision, and leadership.

• A person who thrives on empowering others and building community.

• A changemaker who wants to leave a legacy and help young people shine.

What you’ll get:

• The chance to lead something brand new and exciting.

• Flexibility to fit volunteering around your life.

• A supportive team that believes in your ideas and energy.

• The joy of knowing you’re making a real impact in young people’s lives.

Ready to step up?

If you’ve got the drive, the passion, and the vision to lead Urban Youth, we want to hear from you. This is your chance to be the spark that lights up a whole generation.

Get in touch today—let’s build something unforgettable together.

URBAN YOUTH

Job Title: IT Assistant
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Employment Type: 12 hours per week (6 Hours per Day)

About QuilomboUK

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

The IT support role is vital to the organisation, as they will have the responsibility for the maintenance of the technical appliances used in the organisation. The IT support will not be required to come in on a weekly basis, but upon request as for when it is needed. The main tasks for the IT support will be reassuring all technical appliances are updates, responding to potential breakdowns and assuring electrical safety. Technical skills are required, in addition to flexibility, as they would need to quickly respond to potential breakdowns etc.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure all computers and other electrical equipment is updated.

• Ensure the safety of electrical equipment.

• Respond to breakdowns of electrical equipment.

• Assist in the functions of IT-packages.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• IT skills

• Health and Safety of electrical equipment

• Knowledge about different IT-packages

• Has ability to deliver tasks in a timely manner

• Handles difficult situations well

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Urban Youth Needs YOU!

Be part of something fresh, bold, and game‑changing…

Urban Youth is a brand‑new youth work charity in inner London, and we’re on a mission to light up the lives of young people aged 11–19. We’re creating spaces where young people can discover themselves, explore the world, build skills, and grow confidence—all with the support of positive role models who care, guide, and empower them to be their best selves.

Here’s the deal:

We’re looking for a creative graphic designer who can help us shape our identity from the ground up. We need a logo and brand style that’s:

• Youthful and fresh

• Positive and empowering

• Impactful and unforgettable

• Recognisable to young people across inner London

This is your chance to put your stamp on something that will inspire thousands of young people. Your design won’t just be a logo—it’ll be a symbol of hope, energy, and opportunity.

Why volunteer with us?

• You’ll be part of a community that’s all about positivity, empowerment, and community.

• You’ll help create a brand that young people will be proud to wear, share, and represent.

• You’ll join a team that’s passionate, supportive, and buzzing with ideas.

• You’ll make a real difference—your work will literally help Urban Youth get seen, heard, and loved.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re a designer who wants to use your skills for something bigger than yourself, Urban Youth is calling your name. Let’s build a brand that young people connect with, believe in, and celebrate.

Get in touch today and let’s make magic happen.

URBAN YOUTH

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 opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

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

The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. The refugees training or employed by the Plateful Cafe will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. 

As a small charity, it is important to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow. We are looking for someone to assist us on creating copy for our blog as well as help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

With the launch of the physical Plateful Cafe taking place soon, this summer is an exciting time to join us.

Requirements: 

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English

• Has 1+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)

• Able to create interesting and engaging content

• Good computer skills

• Good time management skills

• Engaging and friendly

• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills

• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe

• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience

• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

Position Overview:
The Programme Specialist is critical in supporting the delivery of a high-impact employability and skills development programme. Working under the guidance of the Programme Lead, this position focuses on coordinating projects, managing participant engagement, and ensuring the smooth execution of training initiatives, mentorship activities, and job placement efforts. The Programme Specialist directly empowers individuals to achieve workforce readiness and sustainable employment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Coordination:

   • Assist in managing day-to-day activities of the programme, including onboarding, skills assessments, and skills development of participants.

   • Track progress against programme milestones (e.g., participant enrollment and completion rates) and flag delays to the Programme Lead.

2. Participant Support:

   • Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, addressing inquiries and providing guidance on programme resources, training modules, and job search tools.

   • Maintain accurate participant records, including attendance, skill assessments, and post-program outcomes.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Support the Programme Lead in building relationships with internal stakeholders.

4. Data Management & Reporting:

   • Collect and analyse data on participant progress, employment outcomes, and programme effectiveness using CRM systems or databases.

   • Prepare regular reports for the Programme Lead to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact to funders/stakeholders.

5. Logistics & Compliance:

   • Manage programme materials, including training resources, digital platforms, and participant handbooks.

   • Ensure compliance with programme guidelines, confidentiality policies, and grant reporting requirements.

1. Continuous Improvement:

   • Gather feedback from participants and partners to identify opportunities to enhance programme delivery.

   • Support the implementation of new tools or processes to improve efficiency and participant satisfaction.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Education, Human Resources, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 1–3 years in programme coordination, workforce development, adult education, or a similar role.

  • Experience working with diverse populations, including youth, underserved communities, or career changers.

• Skills:

  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail.

  • Proficiency in Google products (Forms, Sheets, Docs, Slides) and familiarity with CRM tools.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging participants and stakeholders.

  • Basic data analysis and reporting capabilities.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

Lead an Area, Shape a Legacy: Become a Ranger Cadets Area Manager - VOLUNTEER ROLE

Ranger Cadets is seeking dedicated leaders to oversee and inspire.

We are recruiting Area Managers (Area Officers) to guide Ranger Cadets within their specified area, ensuring excellence across multiple cadet units and promoting the Ranger Cadets locally, ensuring we are a positive symbol locally.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation with a mission to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission as Area Manager:

• Oversee with vision: Manage Ranger Cadets across your designated area.

• Guide with authority: Oversee the running of a small group of cadet units.

• Empower with leadership: Support, mentor, and lead Cadet Unit Managers (Officers in Charge), ensuring they deliver training and ceremonial excellence.

• Safeguard tradition: Uphold the values of honour, service, and community impact at every level.

Your Path to Advancement:

As an Area Officer, you stand at the forefront of Ranger Cadets leadership. This role positions you to:

• Shape the strategic direction of cadet units in your area.

• Build a team culture of service and pride.

• Carry forward the ceremonial identity and community mission of Ranger Cadets.

• After 24 months within this role you will have the opportunity to advance to District Level Senior Management, responsible for a whole region of Ranger Cadets Cadet Units.

Why Volunteer as an Area Manager?

• Step into a senior ceremonial leadership role within a growing national movement.

• Gain strategic management experience while guiding multiple leaders.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and your community.

• Be part of a tradition that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to lead an area, mentor leaders, and shape the future of Ranger Cadets, step forward today. Become an Area Officer—your leadership will define the legacy.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a grassroots movement committed to confronting and eradicating Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) across the UK.

We give survivors, families, and allies the power to speak out, heal, and educate communities through storytelling, outreach, and collective action.

We work across all communities — Black, white, Asian, Caribbean, and African — ensuring no survivor feels alone or silenced.

Our CIC operates through a community-driven, volunteer-led structure, built by people who believe in truth, justice, and love as law.

The Role – Content Creator
We are seeking a creative Content Creator to produce engaging content that tells our story, builds awareness, and connects with our community across digital platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Create written, visual, and multimedia content for campaigns and initiatives.
• Develop stories that align with our mission and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the social media team to deliver content for various platforms.
• Ensure all content is brand-aligned, sensitive, and impactful.

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience as a content creator, writer, or digital storyteller.
• Skilled in creating content across multiple formats (copy, graphics, video).
• Strong understanding of audience engagement and cultural sensitivity.

We’re looking for a motivated, creative and highly organised I Am Proud Stage Manager to supervise the I Am Proud sub-team and lead the delivery of our event’s panel stage, programming entertainment that represents and celebrates the bi+ community.

Ideal time commitment: approx. 5-10 hours per month; flexible. This is likely to increase on the approach to an event.

Location: remote/ home based, in-person attendance at events is desirable.

Supported/ supervised by: the Head of Events, also working closely with volunteers in the I Am Proud Stage sub-team and Events team.

Bi Pride UK’s mission is to create spaces where people who experience attraction beyond gender can be freely visible and celebrate themselves and their identities. It’s not enough to be ‘welcome’ at Pride. We make up a very large proportion of the queer community – the 2021 Census actually shows we’re half of the community – and we deserve to be visible and celebrated in our own right.

There are many ways to make this happen, and we work in many ways to bring this change about:

• Outreach work with other Prides, LGBTQ+ organisations and bi organisations – our consultation work with local Prides, the UK Pride Organisers Network and local and national LGBTQ+ organisations works in a tailored way to make sure that bi inclusion is a top priority and is being done well
• Organising a high-profile annual Bi Pride event – from September 2019, Bi Pride UK made history with the largest ever gathering of bi people recorded. A performance stage, a panel stage, stall village, street food, and over 1,300 attendees. After going virtual with the BiFi Festival for 2020 due to Covid-19 and running a virtual Pride event in 2021, we came back in person in 2022 with a hybrid event, and have been running the event in this format ever since
• Building a strong online and virtual community – just as important as the rest of our work is making sure that people hear about it! People need to know what resources and spaces exist for them, and how they can connect with other people like them

The role:

The Events team at Bi Pride UK is one of the core operational teams within the charity. The team handles programming, production and execution of our events, including our annual flagship Bi Pride event, which holds the record for the largest Bi Pride event in the world. The I Am Proud Stage Manager will take operational responsibility for the I Am Proud Stage within Bi Pride UK’s events; a panel-based stage which spotlights intersectional discussions, interviews and activism, dedicated to the bi+ experience. 

The I Am Proud Stage Manager will lead on the planning and delivery of the I Am Proud Stage programming at Bi Pride UK’s events, and will be supported by a small team of I Am Proud Stage Assistant Managers. The I Am Proud Stage Manager will also supervise the I Am Proud Stage sub-team, as well as the I Am Proud Stage’s “on-the-day” event volunteers. The holder of this role will work to provide a programme of live entertainment that represents and celebrates bi+ people, their voices and their experiences.

Key tasks of this role will include: 

• Working closely with the Head of Events and Events Trustee, as well as volunteers across the charity, to deliver an I Am Proud Stage provision that meets the charity’s vision;
• Booking a diverse range of speakers and hosts, after contributing to assessments of each speaker’s application for suitability/ reputational risk against the aims and objectives of Bi Pride UK;
• Liaising with the venue, the venue’s technical team and speakers to arrange the logistics for the I Am Proud Stage delivery (including agreeing upon riders, stage layout and equipment, lighting and sound requirements and arrival/ panel times, etc.);
• Overseeing the completion of speaker contracts, receipt of invoices and other relevant documentation, including accurate record keeping and storage of such documents;
• Leading logistical aspects to ensure the smooth running of the I Am Proud Stage on the day of the event, including stage set up/ take down, time management/ scheduling, troubleshooting any issues arising on the I Am Proud Stage and liaising with other departments involved in the I Am Proud Stage delivery (e.g. lighting and sound technicians, streaming technicians, Artist Liaison volunteers, speakers, BSL interpreters, etc.);
• Supervising a small team of year-round volunteers (dedicated to the planning of the I Am Proud Stage programming) and a small team of “on-the-day” event volunteers (responsible for the smooth delivery of the I Am Proud Stage programming at the event);
• Maintaining positive relationships and facilitating effective communication with prospective speakers, confirmed speakers, volunteers, the venue, and any other relevant stakeholders;
• Working with the Access & Inclusion team and the Accessibility Consultant to implement their recommendations and ensure the I Am Proud Stage is fully accessible. 

Our team volunteers remotely from anywhere in the UK, with some travel required occasionally (primarily for our flagship Pride event in London in August). All reasonable expenses incurred are reimbursed, including travel, lunch at away days and other all day events, and some childcare costs if required. The successful candidate will be invited to fortnightly Events team meetings on Wednesday evenings via conference call, in addition to I Am Proud Stage programming meetings which will be scheduled in line with the team’s best availability. 

Volunteer specification:

• Interest and passion for tackling discrimination against and improving the visibility of people in the UK attracted to more than one gender;
• An understanding of the needs of people and communities in the UK attracted beyond gender;
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of Bi Pride UK;
• Experience of stage management; 
• Understanding of organising event logistics (e.g. venue layout, timings, resources) and good awareness of relevant health and safety and risk management measures linked to stage-based performances;
• Ability to manage a team budget; financially planning so that a thought-provoking and high-quality programme of speakers can be booked, whilst remaining within the remit of the assigned budget;
• Some experience of overseeing a team, especially volunteers;
• Ability to handle documentation and accurate record keeping in a manner which adheres to confidentiality and GDPR requirements;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with volunteers at all levels within the organisation, as well as with external contributors (for example, speakers);
• Excellent IT skills (for example, Google Workspace applications);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong team player, with the ability to self-motivate when working remotely;
• Availability on Saturday 29th August 2026 to support delivery of Bi Pride’s flagship event in London.

The position is open to anyone over the age of 18. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially minority groups such as applicants of colour, trans and non-binary applicants and disabled and/ or neurodivergent applicants. Bi Pride UK is aware of the barriers that can be faced in gaining traditional work experience, particularly for global majority, disabled and/ or neurodivergent and trans people. We will give weight to this and encourage people when applying to consider caring responsibilities, including parenthood, volunteering, and other non-paid experiences and responsibilities when making their application.

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Become a Young Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people!

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Young Trustee.

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Young Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.

Role Snapshot: 

• Contribute to shaping Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitoring performance
• Help ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document (training provided)
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
• Support effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
• Work with fellow trustees to advise and support the CEO
• Act as an ambassador for Young Citizens, promoting our mission and building connections

Why join as a Young Trustee?

• Play an important role in guiding a national charity at a critical time for civic education.
• Bring your perspective as a young person to Board discussions - your lived experience matters.
• Gain governance experience, develop leadership skills, and learn how charities operate.
• Receive full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support, including a mentor trustee.

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for young trustees who bring fresh ideas, big-picture thinking, and a collaborative spirit. You’ll approach the role with openness and integrity, ready to learn, grow, and champion Young Citizens beyond the boardroom.

We welcome applications from young people aged 18–25 who are passionate about active citizenship and youth voice. You do not need prior board experience - training and support will be provided. We’re looking for potential, and learning as you go is part of the role. If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, that’s great (but not essential):

• Citizenship education or youth engagement
• Marketing, communications, or influencing
• Business growth and partnerships
• Digital innovation or technology
• Fundraising and income generation

We also welcome diverse experiences or educational backgrounds, including leadership, public service, law, finance, policy, or community involvement.

If you want to play an active role in guiding strategy and making decisions that matter, ensuring hundreds of thousands of young people every year have the skills and confidence to engage fully in society, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year (usually weekday evenings in London), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance. 

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details.

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

Are you passionate about helping people from Afghanistan feel welcome and supported in the UK? Do you have the language skills and cultural understanding to assist Afghan refugees as they navigate the challenges of building a new life? If you’re adaptable, resilient, and dedicated to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

About us

Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF) is an independent charity supporting Afghan nationals resettled in the UK under the ARAP scheme. We are a small but impactful organisation, dedicated to helping those who worked closely with British forces in Afghanistan and their families integrate successfully into British life.

Job description

We are looking for two volunteer interpreters—one fluent in Dari and one fluent in Pashto — to join our team at the Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF). You will play a key role in supporting Afghan refugees who have resettled in the UK, assisting them in accessing essential services and communicating effectively in their daily lives.  This is an influential volunteer opportunity where you will make a real difference by helping Afghan refugees integrate into British society, providing crucial interpretation during interactions with service providers such as healthcare professionals, housing officers, and legal advisors.

As a Volunteer Interpreter, you will:

• Provide interpretation services (Dari or Pashto) to Afghan refugees, ensuring clear 
• communication between them and various UK service providers.
• Assist refugees in understanding key information related to housing, healthcare, 
• education, and other public services.
• Facilitate communication during meetings, appointments, and community events to 
• support their integration journey.
• Offer support and cultural understanding to ensure refugees feel comfortable and 
• respected throughout their resettlement process.

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret accurately and sensitively between Dari/Pashto and English during one-on-one 
• and group interactions.
• Help beneficiaries understand and complete necessary paperwork or official forms in 
• both languages.
• Collaborate with case managers and external partners to ensure the refugees’ needs are 
• effectively communicated.
• Be aware of and sensitive to the needs of individuals who may have experienced trauma 
• and displacement.
• Follow data protection laws and policies

Essential skills:

• Fluency (written and verbal) in Dari and/or Pashto and in English.
• A high level of cultural sensitivity and empathy towards Afghan refugees.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information clearly 
• and accurately.
• Ability to remain neutral and impartial in all interactions.
• Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and confidentiality.

Desirable skills:

• Level 3 in Interpretation.
• Previous experience working with refugees or vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of UK systems such as healthcare, housing, and immigration.
• Understanding of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Please note:

This is an unpaid voluntary position, offering flexibility to fit around your other commitments.

This is a completely remote role, and as such you will need to ensure that you have access to a confidential, quite space during your working hours.

To apply please upload your CV and covering letter (max. 2 A4 pages each) 
In your application, please explain how you meet every point on the essential criteria with examples. If you meet any of the desired criteria, please do the same for these.  We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of migration or refugee resettlement.

Please get in touch with us if you have any queries.

We look forward to hearing from you