Learning volunteer volunteer roles in bristol

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

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. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

We are a new Community Interest Company offering arts, gardening and wellbeing workshops to all.  We are currently running on a 100% voluntary basis and are looking for some revenue to offer more to our local communities. Do you have a few hours spare each week to help us out? Do you have previous experience with applying for funding? Do you think gardening and The Arts should be accessible to all? If so we would love to hear from you.

Aim of the post: To generate an income from local, regional and national grant pots to increase the range and effectiveness of Flourish Arts Network outreach.

Person Specification: The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience;

• Relevant qualifications, previous experience in grant / bid writing, fundraising, and excellent communication skills.
• Successful track record of achieving agreed financial income targets with a charity, CIC, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work collaboratively and supportively as part of a team.
• Manage time effectively and work to deadlines; be organised in monitoring grants and responding to grant providers.
• Volunteer as little as two hours per week.
• Be passionate about the wellbeing of others.

Duties can include;

• Apply to a list of grant/funders which will be provided. Research potential grant providers to seek funding opportunities especially those relating to Flourish Arts Network's areas of operation.
• Determine and create plans to streamline the grants administration procedure.
• Initiate contact and write bids to raise funds to support for Flourish Arts Network.
• Liaise with grant providers to ensure receipt of applications, and get feedback for any unsuccessful bids in order to learn and develop moving forward.
• Closely track grant expenditure and monitoring for successful bids, in line with the terms of each grant received.
• Join us for refreshments and conversations at some of our free events.

WHO ARE WE?

Palmed Academy, the education arm of Palmed UK, is training the next generation of healthcare workers in Gaza. There is an extreme shortage of health workers and limited educational opportunities for medical, dental, and nursing students in Gaza. 

We aim to provide medical, nursing, and dental students with the resources, training, and opportunities to advance their education and become the future healthcare workforce in the Gaza Strip. We do this using a hybrid learning model - an online learning platform supported by international faculty to supplement on-the-ground clinical teaching by local faculty and healthcare workers.

This program is entirely free for the students. It costs about USD 150 / month to produce One Future Healthcare Worker through this program.

OUR IMPACT 

2100 Palestinian medical students are continuing their undergraduate education through GEM’s hybrid model. We have expanded to include nursing and dental  programs. 200 new doctors graduated in Gaza in January 2025, and our first cohort of nurses is set to follow in summer 2025.

JOIN US, DRIVE THE CHANGE 

Your support empowers the next generation of healthcare workers in Gaza to save lives and rebuild hope - one student, one patient, and one community at a time. 

We need support from the global community to build awareness, forge partnerships, lead on new initiatives and projects, and help us in social media, marketing, and fundraising. Lend your skills for a sustainable impact on Gaza’s healthcare!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

Palmed Academy is seeking a talented web designer to volunteer with us in building a new website. This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, build your portfolio, and contribute to an educational initiative that makes a real impact.

Our current website has a complex back-end interface that is difficult to manage. We are looking for a web designer to build us a new website using a no-code or low-code web design tool (e.g., Squarespace, or similar), ensuring it has a clean and simple back-end interface. Once built, the site should be easy to update by volunteers with no coding knowledge, so that content changes and updates can be managed smoothly by our team. This is a short-term project that should ideally be completed within 3-6 months, depending on the volunteer's availability. 

Skills required

• Experience designing websites with no-code tools, e.g., Squarespace 
• Strong eye for design, layout, and user experience.
• Be able to make the site responsive across devices.
• Create a clear handover process for future maintainers.
• Be collaborative, patient, and motivated by making a positive impact.

Be part of a dynamic and growing international volunteer team dedicated to making real change in the current and future healthcare in Gaza. As this is a volunteer role, hours and working arrangements are flexible to your availability. Be part of a supportive, mission-driven environment where your work truly matters.

WHO ARE WE?

Palmed Academy, the education arm of Palmed UK, is training the next generation of healthcare workers in Gaza. There is an extreme shortage of health workers and limited educational opportunities for medical, dental, and nursing students in Gaza. 

We aim to provide medical, nursing, and dental students with the resources, training, and opportunities to advance their education and become the future healthcare workforce in the Gaza Strip. We do this using a hybrid learning model - an online learning platform supported by international faculty to supplement on-the-ground clinical teaching by local faculty and healthcare workers.

This program is entirely free for the students. It costs about USD 150 / month to produce One Future Healthcare Worker through this program.

OUR IMPACT 

2100 Palestinian medical students are continuing their undergraduate education through GEM’s hybrid model. We have expanded to include nursing and dental  programs. 200 new doctors graduated in Gaza in January 2025, and our first cohort of nurses is set to follow in summer 2025.

JOIN US, DRIVE THE CHANGE 

Your support empowers the next generation of healthcare workers in Gaza to save lives and rebuild hope - one student, one patient, and one community at a time. 

We need support from the global community to build awareness, forge partnerships, lead on new initiatives and projects, and help us in social media, marketing, and fundraising. Lend your skills for a sustainable impact on Gaza’s healthcare!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're seeking a passionate and proactive Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator to help us grow our impact. If you're a creative communicator with a talent for building relationships and securing support, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to support Palmed Academy's growth and programs.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and funding partners.
• Support grant writing and reporting processes.
• Plan and coordinate fundraising campaigns and events (online and offline).
• Maintain donor database and ensure timely stewardship and communication..
• Develop marketing materials such as brochures, presentations, and donor packs.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Monitor performance of marketing activities and adjust strategies accordingly.

What difference will you make?

Be part of a dynamic and growing international volunteer team dedicated to making real change in the current and future healthcare in Gaza. As this is a volunteer role, hours and working arrangements are flexible to your availability. Be part of a supportive, mission-driven environment where your work truly matters.

Since its inception in 2020, SBP has grown rapidly, establishing an exciting and evolving portfolio of nature recovery projects across Scotland. Following the recent appointment of our first Chief Executive Officer, we are now seeking to recruit an additional Trustee with qualifications and demonstrable experience in one or more of the following:

● Legal compliance

● Charity fundraising

● Media and comms

● Advocacy and public affairs

● Ecology, nature restoration and/or rewilding

● Technology, digital transformation and/or cyber security

● Data protection and information governance

Other desired attributes

● Commitment to nature restoration in Scotland, and willingness to learn more about rewilding and emerging and evolving trends in the sector

● Sound project management and leadership skills, and the ability to advise and work collaboratively with the Board, CEO and other members of SBP staff

● Strong relationship building, and interpersonal and communication skills

● A positive, entrepreneurial, and inclusive outlook

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Volunteer Car Drivers to join our team based in Bristol/Yate. 

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as a Patient Transport Volunteer Driver and become a vital part of our Patient Transport Service in your local area. Your commitment will ensure that vulnerable patients can access essential medical appointments on time with ease and comfort.

Our volunteer team is a diverse blend of individuals united by a shared desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

As a volunteer, you'll be the friendly face that patients rely on during their journey to appointments. Your role is simple yet profoundly impactful: providing safe and reliable transportation, while offering reassurance and support during a challenging time in their lives.

No prior experience is necessary - just bring your caring attitude, a 4-5 door car, and some spare time. Whether you're available from the crack of dawn or prefer flexible hours that fit around your schedule, every contribution counts.

By volunteering, you will experience the fulfilment of giving back to your community and supporting the NHS. Join our growing team of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing patient care and making a real difference in people's lives.

What benefits can you expect?

·50p per mile with reimbursement for approved expenses

·The chance to make a tangible difference in your local community

·Be a part of our excellent EMED Volunteer Team

·Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support

·Opportunities to connect with new people

Other duties include:

·Drive patients to non-emergency appointments

·Assist individuals in accessing vital hospital services

·Coordinate with our dispatch teams for seamless operations

·Foster positive relationships within the community

·Enjoy the autonomy of volunteering independently while knowing you have the backing of a supportive team

What we're looking for:

·A valid driving licence with (no more than 6 penalty points)

·A friendly and empathetic demeanour

·Access to a 4 door (minimum) car

·Alignment with our organization's values

·Basic IT skills (like the use of smartphone)

Please note that this role will be subject to several regulatory pre-employment checks, and you will be asked to provide details of your full employment history should you be invited to an interview. Your HMRC record, available to download from the Government Gateway may help you in preparing this information when required.

Our Values 

Collaborative – we work as one team with a shared purpose to meet the needs of our patients, passengers, colleagues, customers, communities, and the planet.

Agile – We listen, learn and adapt to improve the business, each other, and ourselves.

Reliable – We do what we say we will do, we take responsibility and we behave with integrity.

Empowered – We are confident and committed to taking responsibility to deliver the highest quality service.

About Us

The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group. We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with circa 4,000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing patient care transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.

EMED Group are committed to providing services for our patients, service users, clients, and community and is supported by employees with an increasing variety of backgrounds. To do this effectively it is essential that we promote equality and embrace diversity and inclusion and treat all of our employees, patients, service users and clients with dignity and respect.

EMED Group is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, with our aim being to be truly representative of all sections of society and our clients, and for each employee to feel respected, valued and able to give their best.

EMED Group are committed to providing equal opportunities and we endeavour to provide an inclusive and safe working culture for all.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

The It Gets Better Project was founded in 2010 in America. Since then, affiliated charities have been formed in over 20 different countries. We are now at the exciting stage of continue to grow and develop the UK affiliate having formally launched in October 2018.

Join our network of Regional Ambassadors to help promote It Gets Better UK, to inspire and engage with members of their local LGBTQ+ communities to get involved, and to help fundraise.

We're looking for volunteers UK-wide, particularly across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of England (North East, North West, and South West). If you are not based in these areas but are interested in the role, you are still welcome to apply as the local role exists across the country. 

What will I be doing? 

We ask Regional Ambassadors to deliver four self-led regional actions per year, and to expect to be asked to be involved in more ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities as these arise. Key activities include: 

• Raise awareness of It Gets Better UK and our work through talking to members of the LGBTQ+ community in your area, and on social media 

• Look after our information and fundraising stands at local events – most importantly, hosting an It Gets Better UK Pride stall in your local area. Members of the It Gets Better team will support you with sign-up admin and capacity on the day. So far, we're planning to attend Edinburgh Pride!

• Support other members of the It Gets Better UK volunteer team to deliver events in their area by adding capacity where possible, and within a distance that suits you – for example, helping out at a Pride stall run by another Ambassador nearby. 

• Deliver talks to local LGBTQ+ groups, community groups, schools etc about the work of It Gets Better UK and how they could help us achieve our goals 

• Inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community to add their own It Gets Better story to our work 

What skills/experience do I need? 

• Confident public speaker with excellent communication skills 

• Confident in crowds and talking to new people 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Reliable and professional demeanour 

• A personal and friendly manner 

• Flexibility to be called upon when needed 

• An honest and trustworthy nature 

• A good knowledge of the local LGBTQ+ community 

What is the time commitment? 

This is a flexible role and the times will vary. Taking into account four self-led regional actions per year and ad-hoc centrally-led actions and activities, we recommend expecting to spend at least two hours a week on your role. We ask Regional Ambassadors to try to be available for Pride events over the summer: this means some half/full day activities over the summer period, usually on Saturdays. You’ll be able to sign up for days which suit you. Regional Ambassadors are appointed for up to two years. Regional Ambassadors will have a monthly online meeting with their It Gets Better UK point of contact. 

 
How will I be trained and supported? 

• You will receive a full induction into It Gets Better UK and to your role 

• You will have a named contact who will support you and answer any questions 

• You will join our international and UK networks of volunteers where you can share ideas, ask questions, and support one another 

What can I gain from volunteering with you? 

• The satisfaction that you are helping to inspire and empower LGBTQ+ youth 

• Being part of an international movement 

• The opportunity to use your existing skills as well as develop and learn new ones 

• It Gets Better UK will act as a referee for you after successful completion of your role 

• Reimbursement of any expenses incurred (with prior agreement) 

Where will I be based? 

This role is based within your local area, with some travel at your discretion and with expense reimbursement as pre-agreed.

How do I apply? Please complete our Regional Ambassador form on the website. We’ll then meet online for an introductory conversation, seek 2 references, and conduct a DBS check. Once these steps are completed satisfactorily, we’ll share our resources for you to read. 

Better Career

This impact startup connects emerging African talent with early-stage startups worldwide, creating a win-win ecosystem where youth gain hands-on experience while startups access fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. With Sub-Saharan Africa facing rising youth unemployment and education systems often failing to prepare graduates for the job market, the platform bridges critical skill gaps. By offering opportunities to learn from global startups, mentorship from experienced freelancers, and tailored career coaching, it equips young people with the tools and confidence to thrive in competitive industries.

At the same time, the platform helps startups and SMEs overcome the challenge of finding skilled and experienced professionals by offering recruitment services, HR outsourcing, and a space to announce job openings. By linking global experts with local entrepreneurs, it fuels collaboration, knowledge transfer, and innovation. Ultimately, the startup empowers youth to access global opportunities while enabling businesses to build strong teams, reshaping both talent development and talent acquisition in Africa.

Partnerships Manager

Role Description

1. Identifying and researching potential partners that align with Better Career's strategic goals and values

2. Developing a partnership strategy that complements the Better Career's overall business plan and market approach

3. Negotiating and finalising deals with new partners, including terms of cooperation, joint ventures, or integration into existing products and services

Minimum Hours per Week

10+ hours per week

Duration

6+ months

The Discord Community Manager will play a key role in bringing our online community to life. This role is all about creating a welcoming and friendly space where members will feel comfortable chatting and building connections. By sparking conversations and encouraging interaction, you’ll help turn our Discord into a lively community hub.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

• Monitor Discord chats and threads to keep conversations safe, respectful and inclusive.

• Actively encourage discussion and help keep chats flowing by posting prompts, asking questions and joining in conversations.

• Maintain a positive presence online, ensuring members feel valued and engaged.

• Welcome new members, help them get settled and foster a sense of belonging.

• Share creative ideas to boost participation (e.g. themed discussion days, polls, mini-events, QOTDs).

• Support or host occasional online community events (e.g. group chats, Q&As, game nights, or discussion sessions) to bring members together.

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to share feedback, insights and opportunities for community growth.

What do we expect from a Discord Community Manager?

Essential:

• Friendly, approachable and chatty communicator who enjoys starting and joining conversations.

• Enthusiastic about building an active and inclusive online space.

• Confident with Discord (or willing to learn) and comfortable with basic moderation tools.

• Reliable, proactive and able to use good judgement when managing online discussions.

• Passionate about the mission of the charity and technology.

How much commitment is required?

The role is flexible and can work around your current commitments.  On average it should take less than two-five hours per week depending on community activity and events.

How to apply

Along with your CV, please include a cover letter answering the following question:

“Share three ideas you would use to help engage the Discord community (e.g. Question of the Day themes, fun conversation starters, activities, or small online events).”

Nova Impact

Nova Impact is a Ghanaian organization empowering youth and marginalized communities with the digital and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. By addressing the digital divide, Nova Impact tackles youth unemployment and underemployment, particularly among women, people with disabilities, and underserved groups. Its programs go beyond basic literacy, offering hands-on training in coding, data analytics, and digital marketing, while also emphasizing soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving. With mentorship at the core, participants receive personalized guidance that helps them navigate their career paths and unlock opportunities in the growing tech sector.

The organization also focuses on building inclusivity and resilience by creating pathways for underrepresented groups to access jobs, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, Nova Impact connects talent directly to industry opportunities via career fairs, hackathons, and internships. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, Nova Impact integrates climate-conscious training into its programs, preparing a generation of leaders who are both digitally equipped and environmentally aware. By fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, Nova Impact is reshaping Ghana’s future workforce and creating a more equitable society.

Strategic Events & Programming

Events and Programs Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced, creative, and results-driven Events and Programs Manager to lead the planning, execution, and promotion of our high-level organizational events and strategic programs. This role is perfect for a strategic thinker with a proven track record in sophisticated event management, strong marketing acumen, and a passion for innovative program development.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Lead the end-to-end management of complex, high-profile events (e.g., conferences, executive summits, product launches, galas) ensuring alignment with organizational goals and brand standards.
• Operational Oversight: Manage all logistical elements, including venue selection, vendor negotiation, contract management, budgeting, staffing, and on-site event execution, often managing multiple simultaneous projects.
• Financial Stewardship: Develop, manage, and track detailed event and program budgets, ensuring cost-efficiency while maximizing quality and impact.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate potential operational, logistical, or financial risks associated with large-scale events.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive, multi-channel marketing and promotional strategies to drive attendance, engagement, and visibility for all events and programs.
• Content Collaboration: Partner with the marketing and communications teams to create compelling event-related content, including website copy, email campaigns, social media assets, and press materials.
• Performance Analysis: Utilize data and metrics to track the success of marketing campaigns and events, generating detailed post-event reports with actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Sponsorship/Partnership: When required, manage the identification, outreach, and fulfillment of sponsorship and partnership opportunities to secure additional resources and enhance event value.
• Innovative Scheduling: Apply a highly creative and innovative approach to program design and scheduling, ensuring content is timely, relevant, engaging, and utilizes modern formats (e.g., interactive workshops, hybrid models, experiential learning).
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal leadership, speakers, and external partners to curate engaging agendas and high-quality programming that meets the needs of diverse audiences.
• Long-Term Strategy: Contribute to the development of a long-term events calendar and programs roadmap that supports the organization's strategic objectives and thought leadership position.

Qualifications
Volunteered in similar roles

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing integrated marketing and promotional campaigns for events.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, manage complex budgets, and simultaneously handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a highly proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Superior interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to manage senior-level stakeholders and external vendors effectively.
• Proficiency with event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, etc.), CRM tools, and basic project management methodologies.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

It Gets Better UK is a lived-experience-led LGBT+ youth charity, working to tackle the disproportionate mental health challenges LGBT+ young people face today, through a collection of community-sourced, lived-experience stories; educational programs; and community-building initiatives.

About the role

We’re seeking a volunteer to help grow our community fundraising. This role is ideal for someone who loves engaging people, sparking ideas, and turning energy into impact. You’ll play a key role in supporting people who want to fundraise for It Gets Better UK — whether that’s a school bake sale, a sponsored run, or a workplace Pride fundraiser.

What you’ll do

• Support with creating and sharing fundraising ideas, toolkits, and resources.
• Help engage and thank community fundraisers and donors.
• Assist with online fundraising campaigns and platforms.
• Contribute to spreading the word about opportunities to give and get involved.

What we’re looking for

• Great people skills and a friendly, supportive approach.
• Creativity in spotting opportunities for fundraising.
• Enthusiasm for LGBTQ+ visibility, storytelling, and empowerment.
• No prior fundraising experience needed — just a willingness to learn.

We are searching for an enthusiastic, hard working volunteer to take on President’s responsibility and oversee the chapter in LEEDS. They will run the chapter and ultimately be responsible for activities carried out by committee members and volunteers. The President must coordinate with their committee to ensure that all of the needs of the charity are met and the law, constitution and handbook are not broken.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

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, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.