Learning volunteer volunteer roles in bolton upon dearne, south yorkshire

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.

Events Officer has the responisbility of organising (along with the help of a Trustee Events Manager) our magical visits to children/adults with LD, this could be at the hospital, social groups, refugee centres, libraries etc etc.

They will monitor the chapter email for submitted event booking forms (some of these will come from events organised by the Events Manager on Trustees). These will then be added to the calendar and advertised to volunteers. They will ensure each event organised has a handful of volunteers confirmed within a week of the event itself. They will then provide information and support to a Lead Volunteer to run the events. They will ensure that regular events are being attended by volunteers and that they have the costume and materials that are needed for these. They will follow up after events to ensure social media posts are made, hours are uploaded and that costumes are returned. They will ensure that all volunteers are attending events.

Barefoot and Free is a grassroots charity that supports families of neurodivergent children and children affected by trauma. We offer fully funded staycations and nature-based respite breaks for families and parent carers who are often at breaking point.

We’re a small, warm team not a large wealthy organisation and we care deeply about what we do. There are no airs and graces here, just real people doing our best to help families who need a break. Right now, we need someone with the skills and experience to help us bring in more funding to meet the growing need.

We’re looking for someone experienced and independent.
This is not a start out training opportunity. You’ll be working alongside an existing bid writer and need to come in ready to get stuck in with little to no guidance, it will test your resiliance and give you some amazing challenges. We’re looking for someone who knows how to write strong, successful bids and is comfortable finding opportunities, matching them to our projects, and managing the process from start to finish including rreporting/funding feedback, we are giving you alot of exciting responsibility so if you wish to progress and move to the next step and meet some personal goals this is for you. 

What are we looking for?

• 2+ years of experience with writing successful bids, copywriting, research or similar
• Excellent written English (grammar, clarity, tone) a clear communicator who can work independently and enjoy networking.
• Ability to understand and match funders’ priorities
• Skilled at summarising and restructuring complex content
• Experience in bid writing, copywriting, research, or professional writing (or willing to learn how to use your professional writing skills in this area)
• Self-motivated, organised, and collaborative, confident and able to work without close supervision
• Commitment of at least 3–4 hours per week 
• UK-based only (but remote role, so open to any applicants within the UK)

• Meet funding dealines and reporting deadlines

• Maintain the funding database and outcomes

• Someone who genuinely cares about the work we do and wants to help us keep doing it.

Please note: We do not provide references for volunteers who have been with us for less than six months.

What difference will you make?

By securing funding through successful bids, you will be supporting Barefoot and Free towards building a more sustainable and resilient organisation. Your input will be instrumental in establishing long-term sustainability, ensuring that our vulnerable families are supported over time. Families are often stretched to the limit with carer roles, supporting vulnerable children and young people without breaks or respite, by securing suitable funding you will be supporting them and the long-term sustainability of the organisation's efforts with the ultimate goal of profoundly improving the quality of life for our families.

We rely entirely on grants and donations. Every successful bid helps keep the doors open for families who often have nowhere else to turn.

Perks of volunteering with us:

• Flexibility to work around your life

• Take the lead on bids from start to finish

• Join a genuinely warm, down-to-earth team where your input is truly valued and felt

• Be part of something that directly supports struggling families in a very real way

• A rewarding role where your skills will have a direct and lasting impact

• Achieve some personal goals and a chance to build your portfolio with meaningful, purpose-driven work

If you’re looking to be part of something real, something with heart, and you’ve got the experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you today.

Before you apply:  Please, check out our website to understand our work and send your application with a CV and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will, unfortunately, not be considered. We'd love to hear from the real you not the AI you. Thank you 

Events Officer has the responisbility of organising (along with the help of a Trustee Events Manager) our magical visits to children/adults with LD, this could be at the hospital, social groups, refugee centres, libraries etc etc.

They will monitor the chapter email for submitted event booking forms (some of these will come from events organised by the Events Manager on Trustees). These will then be added to the calendar and advertised to volunteers. They will ensure each event organised has a handful of volunteers confirmed within a week of the event itself. They will then provide information and support to a Lead Volunteer to run the events. They will ensure that regular events are being attended by volunteers and that they have the costume and materials that are needed for these. They will follow up after events to ensure social media posts are made, hours are uploaded and that costumes are returned. They will ensure that all volunteers are attending events.

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is a small, independent rare disease charity competing for essential resources within an extremely competitive arena.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for leukodystrophy patients and their families. In order to fulfil our charitable objectives we need to increase and sustain our corporate income levels.

Could you spare a few hours a week to help us?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with corporate fundraising experience to:

• research the corporate giving landscape and the interests of potential donors

• identify potential corporate donors and partners whose corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals align with our mission and values

• approach local and national businesses in person and over the telephone to inform them of the work of Alex TLC

• keep a record of all approaches

Time Commitment

• This role is flexible and can easily fit round your other commitments. 

Location of Volunteering

• Homebased

ABOUT YOU

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

• access to a computer/laptop with an internet connection, and a printer

• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

• excellent written skills

• excellent organisational and administrative skills

Benefits to you:

• Meeting and working with new people

• The ability to volunteer around your own commitments

• Learning new skills whilst having fun!

• Adding to your CV

• Helping those affected by leukodystrophies

We can only accept applications from UK residents. 

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

Are you an enthusiastic and skilled funding grant writer? Be a part of our small but committed team as a pro-active grant writer volunteer for a small national charity supporting people affected by a debilitating pain condition.

We are looking for 2 skilled grant writer volunteers who can take the lead in researching appropriate funds and writing grant bids to help us continue offering our support services and resources and helping us create new programmes and services to support patients and their families who have been affected by a poorly understood chronic condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.

As our grant writer, you will:

• Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria 
• Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids
• Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Burning Nights CRPS Support’s funding needs
• Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals
• Help us develop a case for support 
• Report on grant usage and impact
• Review all grant/bid feedback and ensure knowledge is shared, so that learning informs us for future approaches to grants

If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer and editing skills
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential
• Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills 
• Self-motivated and highly-organised
• Ability to work remotely
• Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds
• Ability to understand and appeal to funders’ differing needs
• Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly 
• Experience setting up funding email templates (desirable)
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our organisation  and our service users
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and can work with these
• Open to feedback
• Ideally have good network with people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects
• Determination to get the job done

Skills

• Project proposal writing
• Grant writing and knowledge of charity grant giving culture
• Good networking skills and contacts with grant giving organisation
• Marketing and communications
• Content writing and story-telling
• Good online fundraising skills
• Good editing and proof reading skills and attention to detail
• Team player who is comfortable working with various volunteers within Burning Nights CRPS Support to collate information required to write funding applications

If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing.

Other Information

This role is done remotely using Zoom, Slack and email. You would be working closely with the charity’s Chair and with other trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings as needed so we know you are getting the support you need.

We have an induction process that will help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates and full support of all our volunteers.

Minimum of 3-6 hours per week for this role

Ideal commitment of 3 months or more (but not specific)

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote - UK-based (with opportunities for occasional in-person involvement)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe every volunteer should feel supported, valued, and empowered. Our volunteers are the heart of our charity, and we work hard to break down barriers so that everyone—no matter their background—can get involved and make a difference to children’s lives.

The Role

We’re looking for a compassionate and organised Volunteer Manager to support and oversee the wellbeing and engagement of volunteers across the charity. This role is about building a strong, inclusive, and supportive volunteer community where everyone can thrive.

The Volunteer Manager will:

• Support chapter Wellbeing Officers by ensuring they create proactive wellbeing plans and run initiatives such as wellbeing posts, yoga sessions, or social activities.

• Organise central wellbeing efforts (e.g., online wellbeing campaigns and virtual socials) to strengthen volunteer morale across the charity.

• Lead the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Subcommittee, identifying barriers faced by minority and underrepresented groups and implementing changes to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive.

• Develop and manage Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) for individual volunteers who may need additional support, ensuring these are sensitively shared and applied.

• Oversee Safeguarding and Community Officers, supporting them to maintain legal compliance and build a sense of belonging among volunteers.

• Champion feedback and engagement, using volunteer insights to improve wellbeing and inclusion initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for volunteer support and community building.

• Strong listening and communication skills.

• Empathy and a proactive approach to addressing barriers.

• Organisational skills and confidence leading meetings or subcommittees.

• Interest in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

• Willingness to learn about safeguarding and wellbeing practices (training provided).

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in volunteer management, wellbeing, and inclusion.

• The chance to lead on meaningful initiatives that directly impact volunteers’ experiences.

• Opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and EDI skills.

• The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping volunteers feel supported, engaged, and empowered.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on activities or events.

Volunteer Cat Fosterers Needed 

Do you have a safe, calm, and caring home where a cat in need could stay while we help them find their fur-ever home? The RSPCA is looking for new volunteer fosterers to join our team and provide temporary care for cats — from strays and abandoned pets to even feral cats who need patient, understanding fosterers. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Offering cats a safe, warm, and loving temporary home. 

• Helping cats build confidence, whether they are friendly pets or more nervous ferals. 

• Attending vet appointments when required. 

• Working with us to give updates on your foster cat’s progress. 

What we’re looking for: 

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who are confident and comfortable around cats — including strays and ferals. 

• No previous fostering experience needed — just patience, commitment, and a genuine love of cats. 

• Applicants must be available to foster for the RSPCA and not currently volunteering with other animal charities. 

• You don’t need to live alone, but all family members (and pets) must be cat friendly. 

• Located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and surrounding areas.* 

What’s in it for you? 

• Make a real difference to the lives of cats in need. 

• Gain new skills, training, and experience in animal care. 

• Join a supportive community of fellow volunteers. 

• Enhance your CV with valuable volunteering experience. 

• All food, bedding, and equipment provided. 

Practical Considerations: 

• You may need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before fostering begins. 

• Ideally, you’ll have a spare room or calm space where foster cats can settle safely. 
  
  Our voluntary roles are subject to: 

• An informal interview and trial period. 

• Two referees – which may be sourced from an educational institution or as personal references 

• Completion of relevant training and assessments. 

**We kindly ask that only applicants residing in the UK, specifically in Barnsley or Sheffield, submit their applications. Our cats require regular veterinary visits, and it is essential that you are able to travel to these appointments. Applications from individuals outside this designated area will not be considered.**

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.

-Please note that the vacancy will close automatically if we reach out the maximum number of applications for this round of recruitment. 

Childline is a vital service, available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.

In 2020 we set up our virtual Childline base to support children and young people by answering their e mail contacts. Home-based Childline email counsellors respond to emails from young people who have got in touch with something that's worrying them, whether it's bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships. 

Please Note - Please note this advert will close when we have sufficient applications to fill our training groups. 

You'll need a laptop or PC with a Microsoft Windows 10/11 or Apple MacOS (version 12 or above) operating system, with speakers, a USB port for a headset and a webcam along with a mobile phone. Note: a tablet, smart phone/tv and Chromebooks are not suitable. You will need a minimum broadband upload speed of 5MB and minimum download speed of 10MB. Internet connection via a dongle is not suitable for home working on Childline shifts. You'll also need a private, confidential space for shifts.

If you are interested in volunteering for the virtual Childline base and want to find out more about home-based e mail counsellor role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:

Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.

Please Note: You must be over the age of 16 to apply for this role.

We are seeking a new Chair for the Scottish Workforce Professional Development Board (WPDB). The group has been working for five years to deliver their skills plan for Scotland, and is well established with 12 members from a variety of different stakeholders in Scotland, including employers, education providers and government agencies.

The UK WPDB is the lead on workforce policy, with a vision of growing the attractiveness of working in the sport and physical activity sector and of ensuring that all customers and consumers have a safe and excellent experience.  The Scottish WPDB was established to ensure the successful delivery of UK-wide workforce policy and strategy within Scotland, reflecting the significant differences between each of the home nations in areas such as legal systems, education policy, funding, delivery infrastructure and career pathways.   It has the flexibility to operate in line with the Scottish policies and priorities.

We are looking for an individual who understands the sector’s workforce requirements within Scotland and has an ambitious view for what the future could look like.  You will have a proven ability to drive strategic discussions around workforce policy, and to provide effective leadership to the rest of the Board. 

Location: Online (Google Meet & Google Classroom)

Commitment: Approx. 4 hours per week

Start Date: Junuary

About the Role

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

Responsibilities:

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

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

Work collaboratively with co-instructors and program coordinators.

Provide a culturally sensitive and inclusive learning environment.

Requirements:

Strong proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Prior teaching/tutoring experience preferred, but not required.

Ability to commit to 4 hours weekly.

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

Professional, reliable, and adaptable to diverse student needs.

About the Students

Majority are beginners.

Around 60% are aged 16–26.

Students are based internationally and may face internet limitations.

Benefits:

Flexible online teaching schedule.

Comprehensive curriculum and ongoing support provided.

Valuable international teaching experience.

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