Volunteer research assistant volunteer jobs in Birmingham

Team: Advocacy 

Location: Remote with travel to Westminster approx. twice a month 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 

Salary: Up to £31,918.98 per year 

Contract: Permanent 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Assistant Advocacy & Government Relations Officer: 

- providing day-to-day support for the whole advocacy team 

- undertaking core advocacy tasks such as leading on daily political and media monitoring

- conducting online research to add value and support overall work of the team 

- providing meeting and event support 

- assisting with preparation of briefings for parliamentary debates 

- reporting on the outcome of campaigns to the advocacy team 

- content creation for the advocacy web pages 

- general administrative duties 

About the Advocacy team: 

The Advocacy & Government Relations team leads the charity in influencing decision-makers and those whose policies, practices and decisions affect cat welfare across the UK. The small, highly motivated team works to influence legislators (national and devolved governments), professional organisations and corporates. The team has successfully influenced the law on microchipping, pet theft and commercial kitten sales in England and worked with the Scottish Government to regulate cat breeding and rehoming activities. The team also runs digital campaigns as part of its strategy. 

What we’re looking for in our Assistant Advocacy & Government Relations Officer: 

- lives within a commutable (within one hour) distance of Westminster 

- experience working in advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns) and knowledge of UK political systems 

- proven experience extracting relevant information from political monitoring sources 

- strong administration skills, including project and spreadsheet management 

- experience, or an understanding, of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g Ministers, MSPs, MLAs, MPs, etc 

- experience completing online and desk research 

- experience or understanding of event organisation 

- experience preparing PowerPoint presentations 

- proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure 

- agile, happy to be hands-on and help in all areas of the advocacy team 

- confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Zoom and MS Teams) 

- knowledge of our work and campaigns and an understanding of the charity sector 

What we can offer you: 

- range of health benefits 

- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

- and much more, which you can learn about

Application closing date: 20th April 2026 

Virtual interview date: 11th & 12th May 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. anonymised application form 

2. video screening 

3. Virtual interview with task 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Please email [email protected] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

About the role

At some point in our lives, we or someone we love will need hospital care. At UHCW Charity, we’re here to make those moments better - funding the extras that go beyond NHS provision, from life-saving equipment and pioneering research to more comfortable, welcoming spaces and support for patients, families and staff when they need it most.

We’re looking for a Fundraising Assistant to support the delivery of our fundraising activity and help ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same, from supporting events and coordinating fundraising materials to managing data and providing excellent supporter care.

You’ll work closely with the Fundraising & Events Lead and wider team, playing a key role in delivering a positive experience for our supporters and helping us grow income across the charity.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the delivery of fundraising activity across events, community, corporate and individual giving

• Assisting with event preparation, logistics, registrations and supporter communications

• Preparing fundraising packs, materials and resources for supporters

• Responding to enquiries and ensuring a friendly, professional supporter experience

• Maintaining accurate records on our CRM (Beacon) and supporting income processing

• Coordinating thank you communications, certificates and stewardship activity

• Supporting volunteer coordination and engagement

• Assisting with basic prospect research and identifying fundraising opportunities

• Supporting social media content and fundraising communications where needed

About you

This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive and keen to build a career in fundraising. You might already have experience in an administrative, customer service or charity role, or be looking for your first step into the sector.

You’ll bring:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills and a friendly, approachable manner

• The ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines

• Confidence using IT systems and databases (or willingness to learn)

• A genuine interest in fundraising and making a difference

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a supportive, collaborative team.

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of fundraising activity within a busy and supportive NHS charity. You’ll develop valuable skills, build relationships and play a part in work that has a real and lasting impact on patients, families and staff.

We offer:

• 27 days annual leave plus public holidays

• Pension scheme with matched contributions up to 7%

• Blue Light Card discounts

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Opportunities for training and development

Join us and help make a real difference for patients, families and staff across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Communications Assistant

• 15 hours per week at £15.00 an hour (Actual salary £11,700 - FTE £27,300)
• Hours may be worked flexibly over a minimum of 3 days a week
• Home based with occasional prearranged in person meetings

The Communications Assistant will provide hands-on support to the Communications Manager in the ideation, creation and delivery of our regular external communications. This includes helping to grow our social media following, creating and scheduling content, sourcing and designing images, providing copywriting support, and responding to comments across our channels. The role will also involve drafting and scheduling newsletters and providing administrative support with our databases.

This is a 15‑hour‑per‑week role, with the potential to grow in the future. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can spread their hours across the week to support consistent content delivery, but we are open to discussing alternative working patterns for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will have experience in a communications, marketing or social media role. They will be proficient in Adobe Illustrator and have basic video editing and/or animation skills. Strong copywriting skills and the ability to adapt tone of voice for different channels are essential, as is confidence using Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms.

We are a busy remote team, and this role offers plenty of scope to work autonomously and flexibly. You’ll gain experience across a wide range of areas and develop your skills in a supportive, hands‑on environment, with opportunities to contribute to the creative direction of our communications.

Closing date: 19th April 2026

Interviews: 29th April 2026

About the role

At some point in our lives, we or someone we love will need hospital care. At UHCW Charity, we’re here to make those moments better - funding the extras that go beyond NHS provision, from life-saving equipment and pioneering research to more comfortable, welcoming spaces and support for patients, families and staff when they need it most.

We’re looking for a Fundraising and Events Lead to play a key role in delivering and growing income across corporate, community and events fundraising. This is a hands-on role where you’ll lead day-to-day fundraising activity, build strong relationships with supporters, and ensure every interaction reflects the quality and care at the heart of our charity.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Fundraising to drive forward plans, strengthen supporter journeys, and ensure our fundraising is proactive, well-coordinated and consistently delivered. You will also line-manage and support our Fundraising Assistant, helping them to develop and thrive in their role.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the delivery of fundraising activity across corporate, community and events income streams

• Planning and overseeing a varied events programme, ensuring high-quality supporter experiences

• Building and managing relationships with corporate partners, community groups and key stakeholders

• Supporting and inspiring fundraisers across the Trust, local community and beyond

• Developing fundraising materials, campaigns and communications in collaboration with marketing

• Overseeing supporter journeys and stewardship to improve engagement, retention and income

• Managing and supporting the Fundraising Assistant

• Using our CRM (Beacon) to track activity, analyse performance and inform future planning

About you

You’ll be a proactive and organised fundraiser with experience delivering events and building excellent relationships that generate income. You’ll be confident managing multiple priorities, spotting opportunities, and ensuring a high standard of supporter experience at every stage.

You’ll also bring:

• At least 3 years’ experience in fundraising or a similar role

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Experience planning and delivering events or fundraising activities

• The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team

• Confidence using data and insight to improve performance

Most importantly, you’ll be motivated by making a genuine difference and helping us grow support for our hospitals and communities.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad and varied fundraising portfolio within a well-respected NHS charity. You’ll play a key role in shaping supporter experiences, growing income sustainably, and building relationships that have a real and lasting impact.

We offer:

• 27 days annual leave plus public holidays

• A pension scheme with matched contributions up to 7%

• Blue Light Card discounts

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Opportunities for professional development

Join us and help make a real difference for patients, families and staff across Coventry and Warwickshire.

In this exciting and varied role, within our growing Engagement Directorate you will be part of the core team responsible for delivering the charities special events portfolio to maximise support and increase income.

In undertaking this work, you will always need to be one step ahead with excellent customer service skills. You will be organised and have proven project management skills, confident in solving problems, ability to deliver on KPI’s and take a creative and collaborative approach to deliver outstanding events.

Key Responsibilities 

Event Planning & Development 

• Support the management and delivery of a programme of special events across the UK.
• Collaboratively research and identify new event opportunities.
• Support the development and delivery of opportunities for corporate engagement and sponsorship.
• Identify opportunities to cross‑sell other projects and income‑generation initiatives at events where appropriate.

Financial Management & Performance 

• Assist with producing information required for budgets and event plans.
• Support the achievement of financial and non‑financial targets.
• Develop a network of leads able to provide gifts in kind to help reduce event expenditure.

Event Delivery & On-the-Day Support

• Attend events and support the Senior Events Fundraiser with on‑the‑day coordination and delivery.

Stakeholder, Supporter & Volunteer Engagement 

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and contribute to the development of the supporter stewardship journey.
• Cultivate, steward and recruit new and existing supporters and volunteers to participate in a range of events.
• Arrange and deliver tours of Ronald McDonald Houses for existing and prospective donors.

Marketing, Communications & Representation 

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to produce appropriate fundraising materials and maximise public relations opportunities.
• Represent Ronald McDonald House Charities UK at fundraising meetings and presentations as required.

Data Management, Reporting & Insights

• Manage and record event communications and information, including income and expenditure.
• Contribute to reports, data analysis and trend monitoring using database reporting.
• Identify issues, suggest solutions and support continuous improvement of events activity.

Skills & Experience 

• Experience working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, building strong and effective relationships
• Strong customer service, communication and presentation skills
• Well organised, with strong planning skills and attention to detail
• Able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience supporting or working within a fundraising team (desirable)
• Confident developing and managing sensitive or complex relationships
• Proactive and creative approach to fundraising and problem‑solving
• Skilled in networking, negotiation and decision‑making
• Good numeracy skills, with the ability to analyse and report on financial performance
• Experience assessing and managing financial, marketing and reputational risk (desirable)
• Competent in MS Office and the use of databases to manage information
• Full driving licence (desirable)

What if you could launch your finance career at one of the UK's leading charities, gaining hands-on experience across financial planning, analysis and business partnering, all while working towards a professional qualification? As part of our Finance & Assurance team, you'll provide the financial insight that drives smarter decisions and helps maximise our impact for people affected by dementia.

About the opportunity

As a Financial Partnering, Planning and Analysis (FPPA) Assistant, you'll join our Finance & Assurance directorate in a developmental, rotational role. Through structured rotations across financial partnering, financial planning and financial analysis, you'll build a broad foundation of skills and experience that few early-career finance roles can offer.

Day to day, you'll support the delivery of financial reports, forecasts and insight, working alongside Finance Business Partners and analysts. You'll help colleagues across the organisation make sense of financial information, turning numbers into clear, actionable stories that support confident decision-making.

This is an entry-level role designed for recent graduates, those with early career experience, and career changers. We're looking for people who are ambitious to grow. The expectation is that successful candidates will undertake relevant training and professional qualifications (such as AAT, CIMA or ACCA), with protected study time, and progress within the finance function over time.

We're looking for someone who exemplifies our values: Determined to make a difference when and where it matters most, a Trusted Expert who believes in working Better Together and demonstrates true Compassion.

About you

You enjoy working with data, solving problems and picking up new skills. You're organised, proactive and just as comfortable working independently as you are collaborating with others. Most importantly, you're motivated to build a career in finance and genuinely curious about how financial insight drives better decisions and outcomes.

You'll have

- 3 x A Levels or equivalent (a degree, apprenticeship or equivalent experience would be advantageous).
- A strong interest in developing a career in finance.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly to different audiences.
- Effective organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confidence working with data, numbers or spreadsheets.
- A proactive mindset and willingness to learn new systems, tools and processes.
- The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across teams.

Desirable:

- Level 2 AAT qualification (or equivalent).
- Some work experience in a finance function.

What you'll focus on

- Supporting the preparation of financial reports, forecasts and analysis for directorates and teams.
- Assisting with budgeting and forecasting cycles, including data collection and validation.
- Analysing financial data to identify trends, insights and areas for improvement.
- Supporting financial modelling and scenario analysis to inform decision-making.
- Translating financial information into clear, accessible formats for non-finance colleagues.
- Maintaining accurate financial records, files and documentation.
- Contributing to clear, engaging finance communications, including guidance, templates and internal materials.
- Contributing to improvements in financial processes and ways of working.

Important Dates

- Advert closes: Sunday 5th April
- Task issued to shortlisted candidates: Wednesday 16th April
- Interview invitations issued by: Wednesday 23rd April
- Interviews take place: Week commencing 27th April

Please note that this post be subject to a satisfactory Basic Criminal Records Check, from either the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales), Disclosure Scotland Check (Scotland) or AccessNI (Northern Ireland). If you require further information regarding Criminal Records Check, then please contact: [email protected].

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

We are seeking an experienced and committed Youth Work Programme Manager to join The Kite Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop impactful programmes that support and empower LGBTQ+ young people. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of our youth work provision, manage and support a dedicated team, and work collaboratively with partners to ensure our services remain inclusive, responsive, and effective. If you are a thoughtful and motivated leader with a strong commitment to high-quality youth work and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people, we would welcome your application.

This is a remote position but will require travel across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and the surrounding areas.

Contract Type: This is a full-time permanent position, working 32 hours within a 4-day working week. We are happy to discuss and explore flexible options and job share opportunities.

Salary: £34,936 – £40,311 depending on experience.

To find out more about the role, please review the application pack detailing the job description and person specification and apply via the link on our website.

What if your financial insight and partnership could help one of the UK's largest charities direct its resources where they make the greatest difference for people affected by dementia?

About the opportunity

As a Finance Business Partner, you'll work alongside budget holders across Alzheimer's Society, turning complex financial information into clear insights that support better decision-making. In a role where every pound matters in the fight against dementia, you'll help ensure our resources reach the places they can have the most impact, whether that's funding groundbreaking research, delivering vital support services, or campaigning for systemic change.

You'll build trusted relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, providing the financial analysis, challenge and support they need to navigate complexity with confidence. Through coaching and partnership, you'll help budget holders strengthen their own financial capability, so that sound financial thinking becomes part of how the Society operates, not something that sits only within Finance.

You'll be part of our Finance and Assurance directorate, where our vision is to be the Society's single point of truth. Working within the Financial Partnering, Planning and Analysis function, you'll be the dedicated finance partner for our Income and Engagement directorate, connecting Finance with the teams responsible for growing and protecting the Society's income. You'll translate their plans into sound financial frameworks that enable our mission rather than hold it back.

You'll already have or be open to developing a deep understanding of how fundraised, legacy and restricted income flows through the Society, and you'll use that specialism to add real value to the teams responsible for growing and stewarding our income.

About you

You're a finance professional with proven business partnering experience who understands that effective partnering means combining accurate numbers with clear communication, constructive challenge and a genuine interest in helping others see the bigger picture. You're comfortable working across boundaries, building relationships at all levels, and coaching colleagues to develop their financial confidence.

You'll have:

- A relevant professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), either fully or part qualified, or qualified by experience.
- Experience supporting business teams with budgeting, forecasting and month-end processes, including ensuring appropriate controls are in place and financial performance is communicated effectively and on time.
- A track record of applying analytical skills to provide financial advice that supports strategic decision-making.
- Experience of identifying and collecting feedback and other data to inform quality improvement and to monitor the performance of processes or tools.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and present it in a way that tells a clear story.
- The confidence to challenge, negotiate and influence, while taking a balanced view that incorporates different perspectives.
- Experience working with ERP systems. Experience with Unit4 would be particularly valuable, though it is not essential.
- The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities, while knowing when to consult and when to ask for support.

It would be particularly valuable if you also bring:

- Experience partnering with income-generating, fundraising, marketing or engagement functions within a non-profit or charity setting.
- An understanding of restricted fund accounting and the financial management of legacy income.

What you'll focus on

- Partnering with budget holders across your assigned directorate to provide analysis, insight and recommendations that support effective, informed decision-making.
- Preparing financial reports, budgets, forecasts and business plans, and modelling financial data to support operational and strategic priorities.
- Supporting and challenging budget holders to identify risks and opportunities early, escalating appropriately and agreeing remedial action where needed.
- Strengthening financial knowledge and confidence across your stakeholder group through coaching, training and a partnership-based approach.
- Working collaboratively across the Finance team to design intuitive reports and analysis that meet the needs of colleagues across the Society.
- Advocating good accounting principles and helping to educate, inform and develop others within your directorate and the wider Finance team.
- Identifying cost saving or optimisation opportunities, working closely with colleagues in Procurement and Sustainability to realise these.
- Supporting Senior Business Partners in identifying key performance metrics and collecting routine feedback from partners across the Society to drive constant quality improvement.

You may also line manage a Finance Business Partnering Assistant, role-modelling a high challenge, high support culture where accountability, performance and development go hand in hand.

Are you ready to be a trusted financial partner, bringing both challenge and practical solutions to the people working to make life better for everyone affected by dementia?

Important Dates:

- Deadline for applications is Sunday 12th April 2026
- Interview invites issued Friday 17th April 2026
- Interviews taking place across W/C 20th April 2026

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.