It volunteer roles

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Experienced in retail? Passionate about community? We are looking for a new trustee to join our board of governors at our second hand furniture charity.

Help shape a local charity with big ambitions

We’re entering an exciting new chapter and we’d love you to be part of it. As some of our current trustees reach the end of their terms, we’re looking for new people to join our dynamic board and help guide the future of Community Furniture Stores.

We are a grassroots charity with big impact. Each year, we help thousands of people across York, Selby and Scarborough access affordable, good-quality furniture and digital devices, tackle poverty, and gain skills through volunteering. We’re currently undertaking a radical redesign of how we operate as a charity so we can support more people and increase our impact. The board plays a crucial role in shaping and guiding the strategic direction of this transformation. If you want to make a real difference locally and be part of something ambitious, now is the perfect time to get involved.

What Do Our Trustees Do?

As a volunteer trustee, you’ll:

• Be part of quarterly board meetings, plus one AGM and an annual away day.
• Join a sub-committee to support specific areas like finance, retail, volunteering or communications.
• Contribute ideas, challenge thinking, and support decisions that help us grow. Be a visible and active champion of our work

Why Join Us?

Be a force for good in your community – support local people by helping us tackle furniture and digital poverty head-on.

Shape the future – guide a growing, evolving charity during a major organisational merger and rebrand.

Learn and grow – learn about charity governance and collaborate with people from diverse sectors.

Connect and contribute – join sub-committees and contribute hands-on to meaningful projects

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome trustees from all walks of life, whether you’re early in your career, retired, or somewhere in between. We believe diversity of thought and experience makes us stronger.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:

• Retail – especially as we navigate our merger and look to improve our services.
• HR or health & safety
• Legal (employment, charity, or property)
• Fundraising or business development
• Social justice, poverty, housing or digital inclusion

But don’t worry if you don’t tick every box. If you care about what we do and want to help us do it better — that’s what counts. You don’t need previous board experience. What matters most is your passion, perspective and commitment to our mission.

We welcome all voices, and we’re especially keen to hear from people in Selby and Scarborough. Diversity makes us stronger.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Being a trustee of an arts charity means helping to shape its future — bringing your skills, experience and ideas to support our work and champion our impact.

At Storyhouse, this means making sure we stay creative, inclusive and sustainable, so we can keep inspiring people, connecting communities, and opening our doors to everyone.

As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, our Trustees are also directors of the company, with legal responsibilities for our governance and finances. The role is voluntary, but the difference you make will be lasting – for Storyhouse and for the communities we serve.

What’s involved:

- Board meetings – four per year

- Committees – the option to join at least one, to focus on specific areas

- Working groups - sometimes short-term ‘task and finish’ or working groups for particular projects

- Preparation - reading papers in advance and contributing actively to discussions

- Ambassadorship - staying connected with our work between meetings, championing Storyhouse in your own networks. Most of the year the rhythm of meetings is regular, but during extraordinary moments — like a leadership change or major challenge — Trustees may be asked to give a little more time and support.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to take a leadership role as Chairs/Vice Chairs of our Local Governing Committees (LGCs). We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.We are looking for people who can work with a range of people to support our schools, leading the governors and coordinating with school and trust leaders and external stakeholders. 

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC. 

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity or experience with governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

For LGC Chairs, there is need to be involved in contact with a range of stakeholders within the school, the community, and across the trust. This will include more frequent meetings in school, possibly during the day, although many of these may be outside normal school hours. Depending upon school priorities, we would expect the typical Chair time commitment to be around 15-20hrs per month, although some of this can be done online and by phone around work and home commitments.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Volunteer Trust & Grant Bid Writer to help secure funding that will enable us to continue and grow our life-transforming work in Christian mental health. Working with the Director of Development, the role will involve identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant applications, and helping us build strong relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Mercy UK is a Christian mental health and wellbeing charity, committed to equipping people to live free and stay free through a range of trauma-informed, faith-based support services. From our flagship Freedom Journey programme to practical resources like Keys to Freedom, we support individuals navigating emotional and spiritual challenges and empower churches and Christian organisations to provide meaningful, transformational support.

Key Responsibilities

● Research suitable grant-making trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on those funding mental health, faith-based initiatives, and/or community wellbeing.

● Work closely with the Director of Development to maintain a pipeline of prospective funders.

● Draft high-quality, tailored funding applications that reflect the heart, outcomes, and impact of Mercy UK’s work.

● Collate and interpret project data, outcomes, and financial information to support applications.

● Support the development of template responses and maintain accurate records of submissions and outcomes.

● Assist in preparing follow-up reports or updates required by funders.

What We’re Looking For

● Strong written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and inspiring content.

● Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

● Experience of fundraising through trusts and foundations, or equivalent transferable experience in writing bids or proposals.

● An ability to articulate and represent Christian values and ethos respectfully and effectively in written applications.

● Passion for mental health and wellbeing, and alignment with Mercy UK’s mission and values. 

What You’ll Gain

● The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a growing, impactful charity.

● Experience in trust and grant fundraising, with support and guidance from our development team.

● A chance to use your skills to directly support the emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing of individuals across the UK and beyond.

● References and testimonials for future opportunities.

● Access to Mercy UK’s Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured

This role involves making regular contact with an older person who feels lonely or isolated. Befriending volunteers also encourage customers to become more independent inside and outside of their home with regards to activities, appointments and domestic lifestyles. This will reduce social isolation, promote independence, improve self-confidence and enable older people to take control of how they manage their physical and mental wellbeing, so they can age well and live healthier for longer.  Volunteers are matched based on location, interests and needs.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals and Count Me In numeracy manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading and numeracy skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Volunteers do not need to be teachers or qualified traininers, full training will be given. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.

We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills. 

Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons.  Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.

We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

As a prison reading coach your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our learners alongside our Shannon Trust prison facilitator in HMP Bedford. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through meetings.

Are you passionate about birth rights and positive birth experiences? We are seeking new trustees to join our board. 

At The Birth Partner Project, our vision is that no-one should face birth alone. We provide volunteer birthing partners, particularly to people seeking sanctuary, across Cardiff. 

We are currently making big strides to develop our small charity so it's fit for the future focusing on excellence, sustainability and growth. We are looking for dynamic and committed new trustees to join our existing team. 

We are particularly keen to hear from people who have expertise in financial management, employment law, marketing & communications, and technology. We are also interested to hear from experienced midwives who have an interest in our work. 

Do you - want to establish closer working relationship with the local police to improve community safety in Barnet?

Can you - spare a few hours a week to make this happen?

If so – we are looking for a Chair to lead Barnet's Safer Neighbourhood Board.

Role Overview: Lead Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board, ensuring effective operation in line with MOPAC requirements. Manage all aspects of Board meetings and foster a collaborative environment.

Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week on average

A Safer Neighbourhood Board is established in every borough giving local Londoners and victims a greater voice.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board entails a team of volunteers and local agencies who will work together to advise the Borough Commander.

The Board consists of a wide range of individuals representing Barnet’s diverse communities alongside the statutory positions defined in the MOPAC Guidance[1], involving people of all ages and from all sections of the community. This includes those who may not have been actively involved before, who may be vulnerable or who have been a victim of crime.

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board will be required to:

Barnet’s Safer Neighbourhood Board will be required to:

 · Help identify and advise on Barnet’s local policing

· Monitor police statistical data, performance and confidence

· Fulfil a range of specific functions.

For more information please visit the role profile.

Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative grant- making organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years.

Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.

 Who we’re looking for

• Do you want to make a real difference in Islington?
• Are you passionate about tackling local poverty and inequality?
• Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
• Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.

Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.

The closing date for applications is 16th October at 5:00 p.m.

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.

Our Education Team is central to our mission — and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help us deliver workshops, create educational resources, and raise awareness both online and in person.

About Emerge Worldwide

Emerge Worldwide exists to protect children, young people, and women from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Through education, training, and advocacy, we equip communities, schools, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to prevent exploitation and safeguard the most vulnerable.

The Role

As an Education Team Volunteer, you will:

• Deliver training and awareness workshops in schools, youth groups, and community settings.

• Assist in designing engaging resources such as toolkits, handouts, and presentations.

• Support our online education campaigns by creating posts, videos, or articles that raise awareness.

• Help evaluate feedback from workshops and contribute ideas for improving delivery.

Skills & Experience We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a teacher or safeguarding expert . We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• A passion for protecting children and young people

• Confidence in speaking to groups or willingness to learn

• Creativity in designing educational materials or content

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Good digital skills (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Canva)

What You’ll Gain

• Free training on safeguarding, sexual exploitation awareness, and workshop delivery

• Experience in education, advocacy, and youth engagement

• The chance to make a tangible difference in your community

• Opportunities to develop public speaking, content creation, and teamwork skills

• Ongoing support and mentorship from the Emerge Worldwide team

Time Commitment

We are flexible — whether you can give a few hours a month or more, we’ll work with your availability. Most workshops run during school hours, with some evening or online opportunities. Other work can be completed in times convenient for you.

Impact of role:

1. Raising Awareness & Knowledge

• By delivering training sessions and workshops, volunteers will give young people, parents, and professionals the tools to spot the signs of grooming and exploitation early.
• Every workshop increases community understanding.

2. Empowering Communities

• By educating schools, youth groups, and the wider public, volunteers help communities learn how to protect and support vulnerable children and young people.
• They equip people with practical steps for prevention, safeguarding, and reporting.

3. Creating Resources with Lasting Value

• Volunteers help design toolkits, handouts, and digital content that schools, families, and agencies can use long after a session ends.

4. Preventing Exploitation Before It Happens

• Through education and awareness, volunteers help reduce the risk of exploitation in communities by teaching early warning signs, online safety, and where to get help.
• This proactive approach can save lives and protect children from harm.

5. Strengthening the Charity’s Voice & Reach

• By educating online (social media, blogs, campaigns), volunteers help amplify Emerge Worldwide’s message to a much wider audience, influencing policy, practice, and public opinion.

6. Personal & Community Transformation

• Volunteers become role models and advocates, showing children and young people that their lives matter and they have support.