Environment volunteer roles

Are you a Christian with a passion for addressing the climate and biodiversity crises? Do you believe the Church has a vital role to play in this work?

One of the UK’s first faith-based climate charities, Operation Noah was established in 2004 as an ecumenical Christian response to the climate crisis. Over the past twenty years, we have become known as a small charity that makes a big impact – not only in the UK, but around the world.

From our environmentally-themed Bible study Tenants of the King, to the creation of the Climate Sunday service, to getting nearly every UK denomination to divest from fossil fuels, Operation Noah has engaged with thousands of Christians on the climate and nature crises, built coalitions to lobby the government, and moved millions of pounds out of oil, gas and coal.

Operation Noah is looking for new trustees to help lead our mission to inspire and equip the Church to take action on climate change. In this voluntary position, you will play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity and supporting its growth. We are especially looking for people with skills in Human Resources or Fundraising.

Commitments from our Board of Trustees include:

• Attending approximately six board meetings per year (held via Zoom or hybrid from London, lasting around two hours)
• Using your professional skills to support strategic decision-making
• Some of your time. Trustees on average give 2-4 hours per month to the charity, though some trustees with increased levels of responsibility give 5-10 hours of their time monthly

Nicky Bull, Operation Noah Trustee from June 2012 to December 2023, said this:

‘My time in post was a hugely rewarding experience. I had very little specialist knowledge but I was concerned that climate change was not seen as a crucial issue within the Christian Church and it has been really encouraging to see the changes that have taken place over the last decade and to be part of an enthusiastic team helping to bring about those changes. I have learned a great deal and would really recommend anyone to join the inspirational group of people who are the trustees of Operation Noah.’

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Do you love cleaning and keeping everything spick and span? If so, join us as a Volunteer Cleaner at Skanda Vale Hospice and help us maintain a beautifully clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our patients and their families. Our Housekeeping team is vital to everything we do. The time and effort you spend caring about the little details will make a big difference to the people that, together, we care about.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas volunteers.

About Skanda Vale Hospice

Skanda Vale Hospice offers unhurried, highly individualised care and respite to families affected by life-limiting illnesses, completely free of charge. A beautiful and happy place, filled with laughter and vibrant colour, our hospice is nurse led and primarily run by volunteers. Volunteering with us means being a valued part of a dedicated team who give of themselves wholeheartedly. Compassion is at the heart of what we do, expressed by human kindness, generosity and a deep commitment to the well-being of everyone we care for and work alongside.

What will I be doing?

• Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting and disinfecting surfaces in bedrooms, bathrooms and throughout the hospice.

• Washing, drying, and ironing laundry.

• Disposing of waste (general and clinical), including recycling.

• Helping with infection control by following our in-house procedures and using personal protective equipment when needed.

• Working as part of a wider team to keep the building fresh, clean and welcoming.

How much time should I give?

Completely flexible, whatever you can offer – some volunteers offer time every week, others support on a monthly basis at the end of respite stays, some help quarterly with deep cleans or just occasionally to prepare or clear up around special events in our calendar.

What are the benefits of being a Volunteer Cleaner?

• Sense of purpose, knowing you are making a positive difference to people who need a clean and comfortable environment.

• Satisfaction of giving back and making a worthwhile contribution to a good cause.

• Being valued and appreciated as a key part of a friendly team.

• Earning Tempo Time Credits to spend on activities both locally and across the UK.

• Travel expenses reimbursed.

What do I need to have?

• Enthusiasm and an eye for detail to keep the high standards of cleanliness we need throughout the hospice.

• Reliability with a sense of commitment to giving your best.

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.

• A permanent UK address or a visa that allows you to stay and volunteer in the UK (unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications).

What training and support will I be given?

You will receive induction, training on cleaning procedures, infection control practices and health and safety. You will be supported by the Housekeeping Lead to ensure you feel confident and capable in your role.

How do I find out more?

Contact us or drop in at one of our Coffee Mornings. These are held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month and offer the chance for an informal chat and a look around - while enjoying fresh coffee and homemade cake, free of charge. Come along, we’d love to meet you!

Shop Volunteering Opportunities - Ilkley

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 08:00-16:00.

Location: Shop in Ilkley, LS29 9NQ

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role   

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop or get in touch.

AT CENTER GLD - INDONESIA

Unlock a World of Opportunities with IHF's GLD Program in Indonesia!

Are you an Indonesian citizen with aspirations of leading an institution, school, or non-profit? Look no further than IHF's Global Leadership Development (GLD) program, available at our Jakarta, Bali, and Medan centers (Yayasan). The best part? While foreign legacy students pay for this service, Indonesian citizens receive FREE training along with a small stipend and room and board.

Overview

IHF, an award-winning International Non-profit established in 2001, is on a mission to (1) educate impoverished children, igniting their highest potential and fostering loving, healthy communities, and (2) enlighten global citizens through hands-on experiences, both online and in person. We provide a platform for learning and practicing leadership skills, welcoming participants from kindergarten to retirement age.

Join our IHF Indonesia Center for the Global Leadership Development (GLD) program and make a genuine impact during your stay as a volunteer.

The Role

As a GLD participant, you'll engage in four hours of local on-site tasks in addition to four hours per day as a member of various International Online Teams. Your local tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing hands-on support for the center's daily operations

• Engaging in cultural exchange, teaching classes, and organizing fun activities for our children, teens, and university students

• Enhancing our children's education by participating in our online mentor and Study-Buddy programs

• Taking charge of the management, design, and execution of community-led projects aligned with your academic or professional expertise

• Overseeing local and international volunteers, shaping their experience at our Indonesian IHF Centers.

Your international online tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Budgeting and finance

• Donor relations and sponsorships

• Social media campaigns and fundraising

• Social Media & Website development

• Human Resources

Essential Requirements

We welcome volunteers who:

Have confidence in using basic English language (both spoken and written)

Possess a passion for international development, with a strong focus on universal education

Share career development goals aligned with IHF's mission

Eligibility

The program calls for a college diploma or university degree and a minimum commitment of four months, although we encourage volunteers to stay for up to one year. All volunteers enjoy one day off per week and a four-day holiday per month.

Benefits

In addition to making a significant impact on the lives of the children we serve, you'll also enjoy the following benefits:

• Certificate of program completion

• Letter of recommendation upon request

• Acquire leadership and management skills to thrive in the ever-changing global environment

• Gain practical experience in an NGO environment

• Join a global network of IHF volunteers and alumni

• Build a diverse global network with professionals from various backgrounds

• You'll also receive a monthly per diem in addition to room and board. The small stipend increases every three months, ranging from 508,000.00 IDR to 2,180,000.00 IDR.

Note: Given our work with children, we do require an up-to-date clean criminal background check for accepted applicants.

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.

Interviews available for booking after application on evenings throughout October, November & December

Welcome Evenings: 25th November 16th December, New Year Dates TBC

6 day in-person training course with mandatory pre-course learning.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity in schools for trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Young People's Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service at schools to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

• Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

• Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity

• Minimum 1-2 year commitment

We Offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager.

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 looking to run a volunteering selection sessions & Welcome Events these will be held a multiple times and in multiple locations across the county from September to December

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support our team with a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. The ideal candidate will be efficient, resourceful, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Answer and direct phone calls, emails, and other forms of correspondence.

• Organize and schedule appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.

• Prepare and edit documents such as reports, memos, letters, and presentations.

• Maintain filing systems, both electronic and physical.

• Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports.

• Order office supplies and maintain inventory.

• Provide general support to visitors and act as the first point of contact.

• Liaise with executive and senior administrative assistants to handle requests and queries from senior managers.

• Perform data entry and manage database systems.

• Handle confidential information with discretion.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Proven experience as an administrative assistant, office assistant, or similar role.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work.

• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Location: Online (Google Meet & Google Classroom)

Commitment: Approx. 4 hours per week

Start Date: Junuary

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed Volunteer English Instructors to join our teaching program. Instructors are needed for all levels (ABC through Advanced).

Responsibilities:

Deliver two live online English classes per week (1 hour each).

Dedicate approx. 2 hours weekly to grading, feedback, and communication.

Work collaboratively with co-instructors and program coordinators.

Provide a culturally sensitive and inclusive learning environment.

Requirements:

Strong proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Prior teaching/tutoring experience preferred, but not required.

Ability to commit to 4 hours weekly.

Confidence using online platforms such as Google Meet and Google Classroom.

Professional, reliable, and adaptable to diverse student needs.

About the Students

Majority are beginners.

Around 60% are aged 16–26.

Students are based internationally and may face internet limitations.

Benefits:

Flexible online teaching schedule.

Comprehensive curriculum and ongoing support provided.

Valuable international teaching experience.

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

A role more involved than the title suggests! The Operations team are the ‘engine under the hood’ of Humanists UK, performing much of the administrative work that keeps the organisation running smoothly. 

By volunteering with the team, you will be directly supporting our campaigns, community work, and charitable services, helping to create a fairer, kinder, more rational society.

The tasks you complete from week to week may vary depending on the needs of the team, but a typical shift could look like this:

You might start by opening the incoming post and processing incoming donations made by cheque and card, ensuring our members’ and donors’ generosity is put to good use without delay. You will scan received Gift Aid declarations, adding an extra 25% to each donation’s value – an invaluable boost to a small but influential charity such as ours. 

You will help us keep our member and supporter database records up-to-date and accurate, making sure our outreach efforts are as accurate and effective as possible.

If you have a good eye for organisation, we might ask you to help keep on top of our stationery and office supply needs, in addition to some light tidying to keep our office a welcoming, professional environment for visitors and staff alike. (And if you’re green-fingered, then even better – our perennially neglected plants need all the help they can get!)

You may then move to preparing stall and enquiry packs, which are a vital resource for promoting humanism through our events and dedicated wider network Humanists UK people.

To wrap up your day, you could frank the small (or not so small, if the Christmas card rush is upon us) stack of out-going letters and parcels, and pop them in the nearest postbox on your way home. 

And, of course, while working through your tasks, you are welcome to help yourself to our virtually endless supply of tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Key tasks include:

• Opening and processing incoming post

• Inputting forms and processing received donations 

• Preparing and sending shop orders (including a busy Christmas Card rush in November/December), enquiry packs, and stall packs

• Franking and posting out-going mail

• Updating member and supporters records 

• Scanning and printing

• Preparing name badges and events materials

• General office maintenance such as tidying work areas, watering plants, clearing cupboards

• Checking and counting stock

• Reviewing online and paper resources

• Ad hoc office duties

You’ll ideally have good administrative, IT, and organisation skills, and be able to work well in a team and also unsupervised. However, the variability of this role means that we can work to your strengths - and support you to learn new skills where needed!

You may have skills from your work, studies, or volunteering that lend themselves well to this role. You can see the role as an opportunity to improve in these areas in a friendly, encouraging, and stimulating environment.

You will be supportive of the aims of Humanists UK and willing to give one to two hours a week to the role. Some knowledge and understanding of humanism is helpful, but not essential. You can learn more about what we do on our website.

The position is based at Humanists UK’s London office in Islington.

We are looking for a Community Engagement & Accountability Officer who is responsible for assisting in the implementation of integration activities and projects and ensuring that the needs and opinions of Second Tree community members are used to guide our work.

Your role would include:

• Creating timelines and coordinating plans for community engagement events

• Summarising relevant data collection in reports and project deliverables

• Communicating with community members and building trusting relationships

• Managing the organisation of proposals and other documents created by the CEA team

• Maintaining necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials for the CEA team

• Researching information and gathering data necessary for community reporting

• Working with the wider Second Tree team to ensure that all community engagement events and projects align with organisational and programme strategies

• Supporting the CEA team by ensuring good levels of engagement with the community during activities and projects.

You should be able to:

• Be flexible with changing approaches and processes dependent on adjusting needs and contexts

• Take initiative and show high motivation

• Oversee the delivery of program activities and the completion of vital administrative and logistical tasks

• Be accountable and efficient, making sure that tasks that you take up are completed in the agreed timeframe

• Be honest and transparent, being able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

• Prioritise and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring all deadlines are met;

• Manage individuals effectively to create a positive team environment in which shared problem-solving is encouraged

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Learn quickly, and manage a wide-ranging and intense workload

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in integrating meaningful community participation premised on thorough needs assessments

• Experience in maintaining and monitoring effective feedback mechanisms

• Experience in integrating community perspectives into planning, evaluation, and reporting of community engagement projects and events

• Training in facilitating focus groups and interviews;

• Knowledge of European projects and deliverables

• Familiarity with project management

• Proficiency in excel and quantitative data collection

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Volunteer at Our Award-Winning Community Allotment in Easterhouse!

Want to get your hands dirty, grow fresh produce, and make a real impact in your community? Join us at our vibrant, award-winning community allotment on Drumlanrig Avenue, Easterhouse — a cherished green space where local nurseries, schools, adult clubs, and families come together to sow, grow, and thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious to give it a go, we welcome volunteers of all experience levels. All you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to muck in — we’ll support you every step of the way and tailor tasks to your interests and skills.

What You Might Get Involved In:

• Planting, weeding, and harvesting
• Painting and beautifying the space
• Helping with site maintenance and small repair projects
• Supporting community plots and group activities

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Learn hands-on gardening and DIY skills
• Boost your physical and mental well-being
• Discover sustainable living in action
• Be part of a friendly, welcoming community
• Add valuable experience to your CV

Time Commitment:

We’re ideally looking for a weekly commitment of 2+ hours, but we’re flexible — any time you can give is appreciated!

Ready to Dig In?

Come grow with us and help our allotment — and our neighbourhood — flourish. No references or CV required. When you apply you will be prompted to add a CV, feel free to submit a wee bit about yourself or submit a blank sheet. Our volunteer coordinator will be in touch via email to discuss the opportunity further. 

Role Overview

We’re looking for an engaged and organised individual to be our new Branding & Graphics Coordinator! The Branding & Graphics Coordinator will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Maidstone Pride brand, including digital and physical print design to ensure consistent, engaging, and on-brand communications across all channels.

The Branding & Graphics Coordinator will work as part of the Marketing & Communications team to support the work of developing Maidstone Prides brand, how we share our story, and how we engage with wider society.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with local media, partners, and sponsors.

• Ensure all communications are accessible, inclusive, and align with our aims and objectives.

• Help create and maintain consistency in Maidstone Pride’s brand, voice, and messaging.

• Help the creation and posting of communications across our channels (e.g Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube).

• Lead on the development and delivery of Maidstone Pride’s physical and digital media creation (including Merchandise)

• Support and maintain a consistent brand identity across Maidstone Pride.

• Support the delivery of Maidstone Pride’s Marketing & Communication Strategy

• Support the development of relationships with local media, partners, and sponsors.

• Support the promotion of Maidstone Pride and its activities.

General Responsibilities

In addition, all volunteers have the following general duties:

• All Volunteers and representatives of Maidstone Pride are expected to portray a positive image, both internally and externally, by displaying high standards of service, integrity, punctuality, politeness, and professionalism.

• To observe and uphold the requirements of the Maidstone Pride constitution, and act always in accordance with its governing documents and policies, including equal opportunities.

• Any other tasks that would be deemed suitable within this role as directed.