Emergency response volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Following the success of the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. Analysing council climate action only becomes valuable if you track the progress that has been made. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers to assist us in managing the Freedom of Information (FOI) requests we are sending to councils to answer some of the Scorecard questions.

Why are we doing this?

We’re in a climate and ecological crisis and local councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Councils are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. The Scorecards are a campaigning tool that residents can use to hold their council to account on their climate action, and lobby for specific, targeted change. We have also found evidence of 34% councils using and referencing the Scorecards in committee meetings, reports or in their own press releases and organisations across the sector are utilising the data from the Scorecards as well. Finally, this UK wide assessment will demonstrate where the UK and devolved governments need to provide more support to local authorities in order for them to take even further action.

How can you help?

We need at least 200 volunteers to pull this project off! We are sending councils a small number of FOI requests in order to answer some of the Scorecard questions. We have already written the FOI requests, and we need volunteers to manage the FOI request responses from all 400 councils and input their answers into our Scorecards. 

What experience do I need?

We will provide training so you don’t need any experience. If you have previous experience of sending FOI requests using WhatDoTheyKnow or reading responses to FOI requests that would be useful but not necessary in order to apply.

What will I gain?

This is a great opportunity if you want to work with FOI/EIR requests in the future. As you’ll be processing a variety of FOI requests from different council types across the UK, you will gain a deep understanding of the FOI request process and strengthen your analytical skills as you read and interpret the responses. By helping with this project you will be making a real contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

What we need from you

You will need to be available to attend the following sessions:

• Volunteer induction
  You will only need to attend an induction session on either Tuesday 19th May or Thursday 21st May 2026.

• FOI Training
  You will need to attend the training session on 26th May 2026 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Scorecard FOI requests volunteers will be carrying out crucial tasks to manage the thousands of FOI responses we will be submitting. Using WhatDoTheyKnow you will be logging whether a council has responded to an FOI request and extracting the answers to create a data set of answers that will be used to mark councils in the Scorecards. Every volunteer will be trained and supported to manage the FOI responses.

Each FOI request will take between 10-30 minutes to classify and extract responses and the more you do, the quicker you will become. This can be done flexibly according to your scheduling needs. Our core FOI volunteers should be able to give 10 hours per week for 5 weeks between 25th May 2026 and 19th June 2026. You will need access to a laptop or computer with good internet for this volunteer position in order to access WhatDoTheyKnow.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers (Parish/Town councillors/officers are free to apply). 

How it works

• You will receive training on how to use WhatDoTheyKnow and manage the FOI responses.

• You will use WhatDoTheyKnow Projects to first classify and then extract information from FOI requests as we receive responses from councils across the country. 

• You will be supported through online communication with other volunteers across the country.

• You will be supported on Slack so at any point you will be able to ask questions of CE UK staff and other volunteers. There will also be an optional weekly FOI team co-working session, where you can work with CE UK staff and other volunteers, ask questions and get to know the other volunteers.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We are recruiting volunteers at Devizes, Swindon and Salisbury

You will be assigned a local network. Attendance is required on a weekly basis; this is in addition to event cover

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 01/05/2026 time and location to be advised
• Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) - dates, times and location to be advised
• Training for role - dates, times and location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Join us as an Emergency Responder and help provide first aid at some of Cornwall's largest events, including Royal Cornwall Show, New Years Eve in St Ives and Helston Flora Day. You'll gain accredited training, working alongside skilled clinicians to bring the highest quality of care to people in Cornwall.

We are recruiting volunteers in Truro, Camborne, Redruth, Penzance, St Ives, Falmouth, Hayle, Penryn

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 10/03/2026 details of times, location to be advised.
• Training for role - details of times, location to be advised.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10/03/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

Join the Savio House Retreat Team 2026-27, and work with young people at our Youth Retreat Centre at Bollington, Cheshire.

Why Savio House? Well, wouldn't you love to …

• • Live in a Christian community that works for young people
  • Wake up each day in a fantastic location in the Pennine hills
  • Develop skills in working with young people
  • Develop team working skills alongside qualified leaders
  • Develop valuable planning and leadership skills
  • Learn to create totally new resources
  • Get free training in first aid, food hygiene, fire prevention training, health and safety etc.
  • Explore accreditation paths towards a future career working with young people
  • Search out the answers to some of your deeper life questions
  • Join a world-wide Salesian network of youth workers
  • Receive a weekly allowance
  • Have all food, accommodation and laundry provided
  • Enjoy national conferences/events and meet up with other volunteers
  • Have regular mentoring and support through the whole year- September- July

Job description - Main duties and responsibilities:

• Live in Roman Catholic religious community

• Share faith with hundreds of young people on retreat

• Assist to lead and organise Salesian retreats

• Work as a team to enhance the retreat experience for those who attend

Skills, qualifications and experience needed for the job:

Mandatory:

• Must be 18 or over

• Be able to communicate in English

• Must be willing to provide police check and 2 character references

Desirable:

• Experience of working with young people

• Experience of working within a Salesian or parish setting, or be willing to participate with one of our provinces outside of the UK

When seconds matter, leadership matters too. 

Help save lives and shape the future. Become a Trustee of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) brings exceptional, life-saving critical care to people when they need it most — day and night, 365 days a year. As we enter a significant new chapter, we are seeking new Trustees to help guide our Charity into the future.

This is a rare opportunity to use your skills, experience and judgement at Board level to make decisions that will save lives.

Why now?

We are approaching the completion of a major strategic transformation: the relocation to a brand-new airbase in Eastleigh, near Southampton Airport. This move will:

• Dramatically improve response times
• Strengthen operational efficiency and teamwork
• Create a new operational model for the next generation of critical care delivery

As a Trustee you will help ensure this transformation delivers lasting impact for patients, clinicians, donors and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The role: Trustee (Volunteer)

As a Trustee, you will:

• Set the strategic direction of the Charity
• Provide strong governance, oversight and accountability
• Act as a critical friend to the Executive and Clinical leadership
• Safeguard long-term financial sustainability
• Uphold the Charity’s mission, values and public benefit

This is an “eyes on, hands off” role focused on strategy rather than day-to-day operations, but one where your insight and judgement will have real influence and impact. Being a Trustee is challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

Time commitment: approximately 12 part-days per year, including four Board meetings, committee meetings and one annual strategy day.Trustees are elected for an initial term of 3 years, and can be re-elected for a maximum of 3 terms (9years in total).

Who we’re looking for:

We welcome applications from people with a genuine connection to our mission and communities. To strengthen the balance of skills on our Board, we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Clinical operations or leadership
• Critical care services / HEMS delivery
• Aviation industry
• Fundraising and income generation
• Digital marketing and communications
• Data, insight and performance management
• Technology or digital leadership
• Finance, investment or senior business leadership

You do not need previous trustee experience. We value sound judgement, curiosity, integrity and commitment as highly as technical expertise and welcome applications from underrepresented communities or any persons who would enhance our Board's diversity.  

Eligibility:

Trustees must be 16 years or older. You will not be able to act as a Trustee if you are disqualified, unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Charity Commission. More information on becoming a Trustee for a charity, including the eligibility criteria for holding such a post, can be found on our website and the government website (search for: charity-trustee-whats-involved)

Our values

Everything we do is guided by openness, dedication, professionalism and teamwork.

If these values resonate with you, and you want to use your experience to make a life-saving difference, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more:
Please read the included guide for more information on the Charity and the role of Trustee, including the full person specification. We encourage you to visit the Charity's website too.

To Apply: Please send your CV and a personal statement outlining your motivation to apply and suitability for the role through this platform or the email address given on the Charity's website. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd March. 

Video Call 1st Interviews: 7&8th April

In-Person Interviews (Southampton): 22-24th April. 

Together, we bring exceptional critical care to the people who need it most.

The Chair of Trustees will:

• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.

• Work in partnership with the Director to support employees and volunteers, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.

• Facilitate the Board of Trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.

Main Responsibilities of the Chair

The Chair of Trustees will be expected to:

In relation to the Board of Trustees

• Formulate strategic plans and regular review of long-term strategic aims of the charity.

• Develop organisational policies, define goals, targets and evaluate performance against agreed targets.

• Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.

• Liaise regularly with the Treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board.

• Lead and mentor other Board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.

• Annually review the Board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.

• Encourage team working among Board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.

• Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Director through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the board.

In relation to the Director 

• Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the organisation.

• Consult with the Director on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR.

• Oversee the Director’s activities in the context of the implementation of the Board’s strategy and policies.

• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.

• Receive regular informal progress reports of the organisation’s work and financial performance through the Director.

In relation to the community and code of conduct

• Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.

• Lead the Board in fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.

• Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

• Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board of Trustees, within the organisation and liaise with the Director to achieve this.

• Undertake review of external complaints as defined by the organisation’s complaints procedure.

• Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Hiring Policy,Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board and its sub-committees.

• Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.

• In order to perform the above role, the Chair should have reasonable access to all staff and information, in line with the board’s fiduciary duties.

In relation to Child Protection

• Uphold the charity’s Child Protection Policy, and ensure its rigid application to all of the Board’s duties and endeavours. 

• Place child safety at the forefront of all deliberations, and adopt a diligent awareness of any area in which child safety might be at risk.

• Report any and all potential violations of the charity’s Child Protection Policy to the Board of Trustees immediately. 

Qualities of a Chair

The Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate the following qualities:

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable 

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation - disability care and poverty alleviation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets at least 4 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available 4 times in a year.

• In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.