Volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful.

Why we need your help

We provide free games and activity sessions with tailored support for children with additional needs and disabilities. We support over 100 children, known as our ‘athletes’, with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, non-visible disabilities, and global development delay. At KEEN London, we strive to use fun and games to improve young people's wellbeing, and personal, social and emotional development as well as broadening experiences to increase skills and confidence.

Purpose of the role

Our Volunteer Coaches are the backbone of a KEEN London session! You’ll provide one-to-one support to an athlete, helping them to access all the activities on offer, achieve their personal development goals, and of course have tons of fun! You can expect to get involved with a wide range of playground games, ball games, nature walks, and creative activities. From time to time, we also run trips for our athletes, and previous trips have included trampoline parks, high ropes courses, pedalo boating and slime-making classes.

Tasks and activities

● You’ll support our athletes to engage with the session, and have fun while they’re doing it.

● You’ll help our Service Coordinators develop goals for our athletes, track their progress, and give them lots of encouragement along the way.

● You’ll work with your Service Coordinators and fellow Coaches to come up with new games, develop resources, and plan activities.

● We want our athletes to enjoy being active, making friends, and trying new things - and we want you to join in the activities with them!

● Our athletes love working with energetic and enthusiastic people, and we’ll ensure that all your hard work will be rewarded with a great time.

Please note: To ensure that you are equipped and ready to take on this role, there is a thorough application process which includes but is not limited to: an information session, an in-person onboarding training evening, an enhanced DBS check, reference checks and a safeguarding quiz. All elements of the onboarding process have to be completed satisfactorily before you can start volunteering in this role. 

Why Volunteer with KEEN London?

KEEN London would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity. Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

● Regular volunteer social events, and opportunities to meet other coaches

● We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at KEEN, you will receive an induction and handbook prior to starting your role and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.

● We will give you opportunities to access other roles to help you broaden your skills, such as becoming a Captain or Session Leader.

● Long-term volunteers receive t-shirts, badges, and advance sign-ups to our popular events

● We have a budget set aside to cover volunteer expenses (see Volunteer Agreement below)

● We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.

Volunteer Agreement

All KEEN London volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. This agreement is binding in honour only, is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

As a volunteer with KEEN London, you can expect:

● To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people with additional needs.

● To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.

● A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.

● To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.

● Reimbursement of any reasonable travel expenses.

● To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.

● Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.

● Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.

● To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

● Access to free Charity Worker Discounts.

Our expectations of volunteers:

● To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.

● To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.

● To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.

● To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes ensuring that when out of sight of other adults a ratio of 2 adults to 1 athlete is in place, and that you report any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of athletes to the Coordinator as soon as possible.

● To adhere to all health and safety instructions.

● To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions, and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

● To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.

● To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

Role Description Internal Ref Number: COACH4

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group
• Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection
• Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office
• Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

About The Role

Love nature and people? Join us as a Visitor Engager at WWT Slimbridge.

As a Visitor Engager, you’ll be out in the heart of the Wetland Centre, welcoming visitors and helping them connect with the amazing world of wetlands. From bringing conservation stories to life at our Arctic Adventure and Mission Possible exhibits, to inspiring families with hands-on activities and talks, this is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

You’ll help visitors discover incredible wetland species, support unforgettable experiences for all ages, and play a key part in sharing WWT’s vital conservation work. If you enjoy being outdoors, engaging with the public, and inspiring others through nature, this role could be for you.

We are particularly looking for people available to help on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately this role is not available for Under 18's.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll roam some of the most exciting exhibits around the centre, welcoming visitors, answering questions and helping them get the most from their visit. By sharing your knowledge of wetland species and seasonal highlights, using hands-on props and guides, and supporting family-friendly activities during events and school holidays, you’ll help bring WWT’s conservation work to life. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call, and leave us a message with your name and number. 

Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.

We will begin contacting applicants for this role in the New Year as we are very busy delivering our seasonal events over the festive period. 

About You

What’s in it for you?

You’ll play a vital role in creating memorable, meaningful experiences for our visitors, helping to inspire a lasting connection with wetlands and wildlife. As part of a small, friendly and supportive team, you’ll receive all the training you need to feel confident and valued in the role.

You’ll spend time outdoors in beautiful natural surroundings, tuning into the rhythm of the seasons - an experience proven to boost wellbeing, reduce stress and lift your mood. Along the way, you’ll develop a wide range of new, transferable skills, with every day bringing something different and rewarding.

Most importantly, you’ll be making a real and tangible contribution to wetland conservation by encouraging others to care for nature and our planet.

Is this role right for you?

This role is ideal if you enjoy meeting new people and feel confident chatting with visitors of all ages, from curious children to enthusiastic adults. If you have a friendly, outgoing approach, a passion for nature and learning, and enjoy creating positive experiences for visitors, you’ll fit right in.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

For more information and to apply, please visit our website. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

We’re looking for a kind, patient, and confident volunteer to spend time with a lovely gentleman in his early 60s who lives in Crosby. His previous volunteer has recently retired, and he’d really appreciate some friendly company again.

He has profound and multiple learning disabilities, and while he communicates in his own way, he absolutely lights up around people he trusts. He enjoys good food, classic 80s TV shows, and the comfort of familiar faces. Your visit would be a gentle check-in — sharing a cuppa, a chat, and simply being present.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit: • Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing • You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit. • Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started; simply click on ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll be in touch.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our cats in different ways. Our treasurer volunteers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our treasurer volunteers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way. 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

•  Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

Time expectation

Our current volunteer treasurers usually spend between 2 to 4 hours per week in this role. More hours may be required at certain times, such as towards the end of the financial year but support is always available. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

Open Country is a Charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. We are always looking for volunteers to support our conservation and gardening groups, walking group and our weekend outings.

- Conservation group meet on a Tuesday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities who carry out practical conservation tasks each week at various locations. We work with organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Tasks can include meadow creation, tree planting, pond maintenance and invasive species removal to name but a few. 

- Walking group meet on a Thursday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities or sensory impairments. We walk between 5-7miles each week at different locations around Yorkshire and normally finish the walk with a pub or cafe stop. 

- Gardening and arts group meet on a Friday, and is made up of adults with learning disabilities, where we learn about gardening and various natural craft like willow weaving. We also regulary work with organisations like the National Trust and the National Coal Mining Museum.

We also run weekend outings for people with all kinds of disabilities providing experiences and a chance to socialise and explore new places. Our activities range from a gentle amble round a country house and gardens, wildlife watching at a nature reserve to axe throwing and abseiling. 

As a volunteer you would be helping our members stick together as a group, or carry out the conservation tasks, making sure they are happy and safe.

No experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in! We will provide all relevant training for the role. 

We meet at Thornes Park Nursery, Wakefield at 10am and head out in our accessible minibus to site. 

Are you full of energy, like meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in your community? Join us as a Fundraising Event Support Volunteer and help bring our amazing fundraising events to life.

Whether you're cheering on runners from the side-lines, helping to run a tombola or collecting vital funds – there’s a role for everyone.

You'll be part of a passionate team, supporting our Fundraising and Events Team to create memorable experiences that raise vital funds for St Barnabas, Chestnut Tree House, and Martlets.

We are seeking an experienced professional to volunteer as a Contract & Compliance Advisor. This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in law, compliance, procurement, or contract negotiation, who would like to use their expertise to support a values-led charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, agreements, and supplier documentation
• Identify potential risks, liabilities, and areas requiring clarification
• Highlight key terms, conditions, and small print in clear, accessible language
• Provide guidance on compliance, procurement, and contractual best practice
• Support staff to understand contractual implications (non-legal advice)
• Offer input on negotiation points where appropriate

This role is advisory and does not involve acting as Chickenshed’s legal representative.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team.

On site we have two shops to volunteer in. The Showroom is Martlets primary furniture and home goods store and the Discount Shop is home to our £1 clothing rails. Both are hubs for our local community to share stories and bag a bargain! We work together with the warehouse to take in the majority of donations for the charity.

Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.