Good friend volunteer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

Charity Champion (volunteer) 

As a Volunteer Charity Champion, you will have the opportunity to support the North West Ambulance Charity team achieve their mission in a variety of different ways to suit you. The NWAS charity are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and passionate volunteers wanting to work flexibly and help contribute to the growth of the charity. You will play a key part in a variety of tasks that may include supporting fundraising events, awareness days, collections and community engagement.

Why we want you

The North West Ambulance Charity provides support to the North West Ambulance Service above and beyond what NHS funding can provide. The NWAS Charity is solely reliant upon generous donations and fundraising from the public, businesses, grant funders, staff and volunteers to fund life-saving equipment and other projects to benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of patients, staff, and our communities.

We won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. You may only wish to be involved in volunteering at charity events for example, but you might not be comfortable with bucket collecting. As a Charity Champion you will have the opportunity to choose the area of support you prefer.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the Charity with its fundraising and engagement events for example at bucket collections, cheering on runners in challenge events or helping on a stall at a summer fair.
• Representing the Charity positively through giving talks, presentations or cheque presentations.
• Identifying locations to take collection tins and assist with the collection of full boxes.
• Raising the charities profile in your own community through delivering posters and flyers.
• Encouraging others to get involved-inspiring colleagues, friends and family to support the charity.

The skills you need

• Enthusiasm and understanding about what the North West Ambulance Charity does.
• A friendly, confident and personable manner.
• Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with the public.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Happy to represent the North West Ambulance Charity.
• Access to a vehicle or public transport. 
• Able to work as part of a team or independently.

What's in it for you

• The chance to meet new people and be part of a supportive team.
• The opportunity to expand your own skills and knowledge of the charity sector.
• Agreed travel expenses.
• A branded t-shirt for use whilst representing the NWAS Charity.
• Appropriate induction and training for your role as Charity Champion.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people we support in our work.

Community based

Minimum age 18

Disclaimer - All Charity Champions are expected to uphold the NWAS values and represent the charity in line with its policies and codes of conduct.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

To support people aged 18+ in the community by leading a series of guided walks around open spaces in Nottingham city (and Nottinghamshire).

Walk Leaders can make a difference by creating safe, enjoyable, and accessible walking opportunities that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection.

What impact does this role have?

Provides accessible, guided health walks across Nottingham’s parks and open spaces. The walks encourage a healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with opportunities to socialise, helping people stay active, build friendships, and explore their local community.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Offering a friendly welcome to all walkers, especially those joining for the first time

· Providing a short briefing before the walk to ensure all participants are prepared

· Making sure the walk is safe and accessible for participants on the day of the walk

· Taking the lead in walks and ensuring they are safe, friendly and enjoyable and well managed

· Addressing and resolving issues that arise during walks, following guidance from your Line Manager, and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns to them.

· Providing information about other Age UK Notts services and other walks offered by the scheme, and basic information about how to keep active

· Ensuring all required paperwork is properly completed

· Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings, one-to-one meetings and relevant training

What are we looking for?

Ø  A genuine interest in the wellbeing of people and community engagement

Ø  Friendly, welcoming and empowering with good communication skills

Ø  Knowledgeable about the basics of the benefits of walking and physical activity

Ø  Reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised

Ø  Able to volunteer independently but with guidance and support

Ø  Confident at speaking in front of small groups

Ø  Able to take control and be assertive when needed

Ø  Ability to complete basic paperwork punctually and accurately

Ø  Willing to observe and learn from an experienced leader before taking on independent leadership

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The role can be flexible around your availability. Most volunteers lead walks weekly or monthly, with walks lasting 20–60 minutes. These may be starter/easy walks or wellbeing-focused walks. At times, we may request your support to provide cover at short notice if required.

 While we are looking to expand, our current walks in the New Year will take place on Monday mornings at the Arboretum, Wednesday mornings at Highfields Park/Lakeside and Thursday mornings in Sneinton.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role. This will include a one-day Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Walk Leader Course, risk assessment guidance and a thorough departmental induction to provide you with further information about your role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to a person’s life

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme including the opportunity for further training (e.g. First Aid)

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

We are looking for volunteers who have availability to support our walks across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 

We are looking for volunteers who can support a minimum of one walk per week, every week (time and days tbc)

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.

Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under. 

Main duties of the role

• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.

• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.

• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.

• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.

Training & supervision

Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed.

Experience and Qualifications Required

• Organised with a methodical approach

• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship

• Excellent communication skills

• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked. Whether you have a passion for fashion and love chatting to customers, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference in your local community.

Our Retail Volunteer Anne shares why she loves volunteering, “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team! It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.”

We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.

Join our fabulous team of Retail Volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.

Why we want you

We are looking for someone to help our shop management team assist customers and donors and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming and assisting customers and donors
• Customer care
• Stock control
• Sorting donations
• Hanging and ticketing stock
• Helping to keep shop clean and tidy

The skills you need

• Effective communication and customer care skills
• A willingness to volunteer in a team environment, and with the public
• A willingness to undertake all training required for role

What's in it for you

• Meet new people
• Use your skills and learn new ones
• Make a real difference to people with our conditions

Disclaimer

Expenses Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. These should be discussed with your Line Manager prior to outlay and must be submitted within the prescribed guidelines as detailed in the CHSS Volunteer Expenses Policy. Safeguarding In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a basic disclosure check. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are committed to equality of opportunity, and we aim to ensure no volunteer is unfairly treated on the grounds of an offending background.

We are seeking a Trustee with expertise in income generation and sustainability to
help guide the charity through its next stage of development.

You will join a committed Board of Trustees who work closely with our small
operational team. Together, we ensure that Tackle remains financially resilient,
strategically focused, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of those we
support.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight, particularly around fundraising andl ong-term income development.
• Support the Executive Team to explore and strengthen diverse income streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and trading opportunities.
• Help shape our sustainability plan as we transition from growth to consolidation.
• Champion good governance and ensure that fundraising aligns with our values and ethical standards.
• Act as an ambassador for Tackle, using your networks to open doors, raise awareness, and build partnerships.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings (online and in person) and occasional away days or events.

Role description

All Abortion Talk trustees are responsible for ensuring that we:

● have effectively evaluated the success of our three-year strategy.
● develop and implement a new, 2027 - 2030 strategy for Abortion Talk, to help us achieve
our vision of a world free of abortion stigma.
● comply with our governing document (i.e. our charitable objects), charity law, company
law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
● apply our resources only in pursuing our charitable objects and for the benefit of the
public.
● protect the pro-choice, feminist and inclusive values of our charity.
● effectively govern the charity, which includes making sure we have the proper policies
and procedures in place.
● ensure financial stability.

The role of the chair also includes:

● leading the board to develop our new, 2027 - 2030 strategy.
● providing leadership to the organisation and the board and ensuring that everyone
remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide
greater public benefit
● chairing board meetings.
● ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
● making sure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated
opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of
opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
● ensuring trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the
charity.
● appraising the performance of the trustees and the board on an annual basis.
● regularly reviewing and acting to ensure the board has a balance of skills, knowledge
and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively.
● representing the organisation at functions and meetings as an external representative of
the board. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
● supporting the development of board members, individually and collectively.
● bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
● working with our lead freelancer, providing them with advice and support as needed.
● role model a commitment to Abortion Talk’s values, and advocate for this across the
organisation.

The above list is indicative, not exhaustive, and the Chair may be required to engage in
additional activities from time to time.

Time commitment: Four two-hour virtual meetings per year, plus one in-person strategy day
(held on a Saturday in London). Additional time to prepare for the meetings and provide ad hoc
advice to Abortion Talk’s lead contractor and volunteers as required, estimated to be around 20
hours per month.

Person specification

Essential
● Professional leadership experience.
● A full commitment to all of our values (set out above).
● A willingness and ability to dedicate the time and effort required to direct how Abortion
Talk is run and managed.
● Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in acting as a
critical friend to Abortion Talk’s leadership (including other trustees)
● An ability to think creatively.
● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship
● An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
● A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable
● Professional leadership experience at small charities/helpline providers.
● Previous experience as a charity trustee.

Interviews
There are like to be two interview stages:

Stage one: A call with our current chair, lead contractor and an Abortion Talk volunteer or board
member. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on either Wednesday 14th or
Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Stage two: If successful at stage one, you will be invited back to a call with our current chair
and two other trustees. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday 4th
and Thursday 5th February 2026

Could you lead the national conversation on international students in the UK? 

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an influential charity at the centre of international student policy and practice, helping to shape the future of international student experience in the UK at a critical time for the UK’s international education policy. 

UKCISA is the UK’s national body supporting international students and the professionals who work with them. Our expert advice, guidance, training and advocacy helps to ensure that every international student studying in the UK has the best possible experience. As Chair, you will guide a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and effective decision-making. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to set UKCISA’s strategic direction, safeguarding its mission and ensuring it continues to innovate and deliver value for members and students. 

You will be a prominent ambassador for UKCISA, representing the organisation externally and building relationships with sector leaders, government, and partner organisations. Your leadership will help ensure that the perspectives of international students are reflected in policy development at a government and institutional level. 

We are looking for an experienced charity trustee with executive leadership experience in the UK education sector. You will bring credibility, vision, and a commitment to international education, inspire confidence and command respect across our stakeholders, and lead with integrity and compassion. You will be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team of staff and trustees, passionate about the international student experience and the objectives of our organisation.

• Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 

• Location: UK-based, with travel to meetings and events. 

• Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year (plus preparation), regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and representing UKCISA at external events. 

• Term: Three years, renewable for two more terms plus one year. Starting summer 2026. 

Applications close at 10 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Download the recruitment pack for details on how to apply. 

PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.

Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.

Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.

Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve. 

We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.

This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.