Development volunteers volunteer volunteer roles

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/01/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

This is an exciting opportunity for passionate, innovative individuals to join our small but dynamic charity and make a lasting difference for people affected by alopecia.​Alopecia UK is a national charity with a vision for a world where people affected by alopecia live the life they want. The charity’s mission is to offer support, community and education to improve the lives of those with alopecia.

We are seeking talented trustees to strengthen our strategic leadership and support smooth succession as current trustees reach the end of their terms. This is an ongoing recruitment process, and we welcome applications at any time, particularly from those with expertise in the following areas:

• Charity fundraising: Leadership in a fundraising environment, ideally within the charity sector.
• Communications & Marketing: Senior communications or marketing role, with strong audience engagement insight.
• Legal: Experience providing legal advice at a senior level, preferably with charity or governance exposure.
• Dermatology in the NHS: Experience of treating patients with alopecia, with a deep knowledge of clinical pathways and related challenges in primary and secondary care.

About Alopecia UK

Founded in 2004, we work to help adults, young people and children affected by alopecia. This includes those with alopecia, as well as their loved ones. We are a small charity, with an annual income under £500,000, working nationally across the UK. Despite being small, we are the largest alopecia charity in the UK and have big ambitions to continue our growth and development, reaching more people than ever before. We agreed a new strategy in May 2025, and are committed to our key goal, which is to increase our reach, particularly in the communities that haven’t yet found us.

We have a fantastic and dedicated staff team (5.4 FTE) and board of Trustees. We also rely upon the generosity of volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of alopecia themselves. Alopecia UK receives no statutory funding from the government and is funded by community fundraising, donations, funding grants, and corporate partnerships.

​Alopecia UK Trustee Board

The Alopecia UK Trustee Board are a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to Alopecia’s aims.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year (two face-to-face meetings and two virtual meetings). Face-to-face meetings tend to be held on Saturdays from approximately 10am-4pm. Virtual meetings tend to be held midweek from approximately 6.30-8.30pm.

Trustees are encouraged to participate in charity campaigns and attend flagship events, e.g., our Big Weekend and Alton Towers trip. Trustees are not paid, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. Trustees serve at least three years
 

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  24/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

Branch Secretary Trustee (Lancashire)

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.

Overview of the Branch Secretary opportunity

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees are expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment will vary as they will play an active role supporting branch activities.

About the RSPCA

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

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Preston and District Branch

The Preston and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.
• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
• Liaise with the Branch Partnership Manager (BPM) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.
• In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Secretary

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.
• Trustees must sign up for a 3 month membership

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

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

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of healthy citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  19/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026

Family Friends carefully recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our befriending volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two befriending volunteer opportunities with us-, Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Our Big Buddies support young people, aged 10-18, for a few hours each week over a period of 6 -12 months. With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths and build confidence.

Support may look like:

• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear 
• Taking young person to the cinema, museums, libraries - broadening their horizons!

Essential Criteria:

• Can commit to the Big Buddies programme for a minimum of 6 months
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Full DBS check
• Support and supervision
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us by contacting us here for an online application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you a leader who could authentically lead and grow a movement of volunteers in a Community, including helping them navigate change? Do you have a strong commitment to educating, developing and engaging people? We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams.

Impact

Accountable for creating a network of St John people and supporters that are empowered and enabled to deliver community impact in the form of community first aid, community education and community fundraising.

Accountable for ensuring the people within your network feel that they have sense of purpose, belonging and joyfulness, as well as access to development and growth opportunities.

Expected time commitment: 30 hours per month

Responsibilities

• Leading and inspiring a volunteer movement across a community or geography to deliver community first aid, community education and fundraising activities
• Delivering a diverse, inclusive and positive volunteering experience for those within your network
• Building strong relationships with local communities and organisations (e.g., Local Authorities, NHS, Council for Volunteering Services, etc)
• Leading your community first aid network to respond to the needs of your local communities.

What you will be accountable for

• Convening all St John people in your geography to collaboratively develop a clear plan to deliver against St John’s priorities, as set out in our new strategy.
• Delivery of collaboratively set KPIs in the following areas – Clinical cover at local events, Fundraising, Community Engagement including educating the public and communication and media, and expansion of our work with Young People.
• Developing an operating model for your geography that supports adults and young people, Priory and SJA volunteers, operational and non-operational volunteers to join in, either directly through network delivery or through associated ‘spokes’.
• Inspiring and supporting volunteers to try new ways of working to put the above in practice to deliver more impact in communities.
• Ensuring St John is represented at local networking opportunities and events to raise our profile or advocate for community health.
• Ensure that all volunteers in your network are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge
• Ensure the work of St John and our people is rewarded and recognised
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and best practices, particularly feeding back on the early adopter cohort learning in establishing a network.

You will need to following (personal specification):

• Impactful leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate, inspire and support others
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
• Effective planning and organising skills
• Leadership and people management skills
• Ability to work proactively and on own initiative
• Understanding of change and leading people through change empathetically

Training and Support

The training and support we will make available for you is as follows:

Mandatory:

• Welcome programme introducing you to the project & wider charity
• Training in appropriate SJA policies
• St John Safeguarding training relevant to your role
• GDPR
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Keeping you safe at St John Ambulance
• Care Quality Commission
• Leadership training

Optional

• Speaking and listening skills
• Media engagement skills
• Finance process skills.

SJA will provide uniform for this role.

Screening requirements

• Right to Volunteer check.
• Two references

Our values

This role requires the volunteer to embrace the organisation’s vision and values, which are: Communities that preserve and protect life through volunteering for health and first aid.

The way we do things as a charity is underpinned by our ‘HEART’ values. We expect all ourpeople to uphold and apply these values in all they do.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act.

This role profile is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended considering the changing needs of St John Ambulance. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in using this document as a framework

The Learning without Limits Academy Trust is looking for ambitious, committed, and motivated volunteers, who share our values and passion for inspiring education, to become a governor, joining the Local Governing Body at one of its five academies.

The Role

The LGB and Board of Trustees as a whole are collectively responsible for the success of the academy. The LGB’s:

• provide support and challenge with regard to the strategic approach which drives the operation of the academy in terms of learning, standards, safety and wellbeing.
• act as a critical friend to the Principal and to advise the Trust Board about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy
• represent the interests of the academy community in the running of the academy and to represent the academy in its community.
• engage with pupils, staff, parents and the wider academy community to understand their views

in their role, Governors:

• attend four LGB meetings each year.
• get to know the school, including visiting the school occasionally during school hours.
• attend regular relevant training and development events.

Volunteering as a Governor provides the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of young people in their community. Governors also have the opportunity to gain valuable new skills, build on existing skills and receive free training and support through a variety of training opportunities. It may open up opportunities for personal professional development.

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area.

As a trustee of a branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

About the RSPCA

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

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch

The Coventry and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any area. Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• You will need to be 18 of over
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

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

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

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

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

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  24/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

Three Board Member vacancies at Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture is dedicated to healing and protecting people who have survived torture. We provide therapies to improve physical and mental health, we medically document torture, we provide health assessments and liaise with GPs, and we provide legal and welfare help. We expose torture globally, we fight to hold torturing states to account, and we advocate for fairer treatment of torture survivors in the UK.

We campaign for national and global change, using evidence from our services and survivor voices to protect and promote survivors' rights and hold torturing states to account. We are proud to play a significant role in the global anti-torture movement. Survivors, active and empowered, are at the centre of all of our work.

We are seeking to recruit three new Board members to join our committed Board of Trustees. We are looking for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

▪ Clinical Leadership with substantial leadership experience in NHS or charity trauma services;

▪ Transformation expertise at senior level, whether in a service context or a broader organisational setting;

▪ Digital/ data expertise, strong experience in digital platforms and data analytics, with awareness of emerging technologies to help deliver services and increase organisational effectiveness;

▪ People leadership expertise having led strategic HR and organisational culture change initiatives.

We are committed to achieving a diverse Board and would be particularly interested to hear from those with experience in one or more of these areas who also have direct experience of torture, the asylum system or overcoming personal adversity and/or who come from Black, Asian, ethnic minority and/or other under-represented groups.

We provide an extensive induction for all new Trustees and gladly offer training and capacity-building opportunities, as required.

These are volunteer roles appointed for 3 years and renewable for an additional 2 terms. While the roles are unpaid, travel expenses and childcare costs will be reimbursed.

Freedom from Torture is committed to exemplary safeguarding practice, and we require an enhanced DBS check for these roles.

For more details of these opportunities, including how to apply, please see our candidate pack.

As a County Quality Assurance Lead, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks, aiming to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.

We are seeking individuals who are innovative in their approach, willing to explore new ideas, and able to adapt to a changing environment. You will be confident in driving technology-led solutions, while recognising the diverse needs and experiences of our volunteer community. We value those who can challenge existing ways of working respectfully and constructively, bringing forward creative approaches that enhance collaboration and impact, and minimise over-complication and disruptive processes. This is an opportunity to shape how we deliver outcomes across the county, ensuring our services remain relevant, inclusive, and effective for all the communities we serve.

Open to working flexibly and collaboratively. Required to undertake mandatory training and role-specific induction, engage with Continuing Professional Development relevant to role. A willingness to travel across the county is required in order to undertake in-person elements of role. Attend monthly County Council meetings.

Applications will be screened, and those meeting the requirements and with appropriate experience will be offered an interview via email after the closing date. Interviews will take place via Teams by Joe Cartwright (County Commissioner) and Deputies supported by Rosie Morrison (CVO) who will also invite National specialists.

The closing date for this vacancy is 01/01/2026

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

This group meet on a Thursday evening 7:30 - 9pm.

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  24/05/2026

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026