Learning volunteers volunteer roles in shropshire, england

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Podcast Producer to support the planning and delivery of the Firmly Rooted Podcast. You will be responsible for planning and booking studio recording sessions, managing post production editing, and working closely with the host and other team members to make this the no #1 podcast for Muslim university students. 

Key tasks

• Brainstorming, contacting and liaising with guests to appear on the podcast

• Booking and preparing the recording studio for filming sessions

• Recording the podcast in the studio alongside the guest and host

• Cooperating with the host to plan the structure and topics covered in each episode

• Coordinating research and brainstorming sessions to identify potential guests and topics

• Collaborating with data analyst and design team to test and produce attention-grabbing thumbnails and titles

• Uploading the podcast to our video and audio platforms

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims.

• Some experience or training in video or podcast production.

• Ability to travel to locations across the UK (Manchester and London) for recording sessions.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a large team.

• Ability to work effectively under time pressure 

• Proactive, self-motivated, and willing to think outside the box.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in digital marketing and communication.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Job Title: HR Business Partner
Location: Remote
Department: Human Resource
Reports To: Head Of Department 

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a dynamic organisation that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. We believe in a People First approach, ensuring our strategies and operations align with our mission to create equitable workplaces and communities. Join us during this exciting phase of growth as we amplify our impact through innovative people practices.

Role Overview

As a HRBP, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our organisational culture by driving initiatives in organisational development, change management, employee engagement, and recognition. You’ll act as a strategic partner to all departments, ensuring their goals align with our People First philosophy. This role is ideal for someone passionate about social justice, D&I, and building inclusive environments where every voice matters.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Development & Change Management

• Design and implement OD initiatives to enhance team effectiveness, agility, and alignment with QuilomboUK’s mission.

• Lead change management projects, ensuring smooth transitions during organisational growth or restructuring.

• Develop strategies to foster leadership capabilities and a culture of continuous learning.

Employee Engagement & Recognition

• Create innovative engagement programs (e.g., surveys, focus groups) to elevate employee voice and belonging.

• Design recognition frameworks that celebrate contributions aligned with our values, especially in D&I and social justice.

• Analyse engagement data to identify trends and recommend actionable improvements.

People Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner with department leaders to integrate People First strategies into their operations and objectives.

• Provide coaching to managers on inclusive leadership, conflict resolution, and team dynamics.

• Ensure departmental policies reflect QuilomboUK’s commitment to equity and social justice.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice

• Embed D&I principles into talent processes, from recruitment to career development.

• Lead initiatives that advance social justice internally (e.g., ERGs, bias training) and externally (community partnerships).

• Track and report on D&I metrics to measure progress and identify gaps.

Compliance & Best Practices

• Stay updated on employment law and HR trends, ensuring compliance while advocating for progressive practices.

• Promote a culture of accountability and inclusivity through equitable policies.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in HR, organisational development, or as a People Partner, ideally in mission-driven sectors.

• Skills:

  • Expertise in change management, engagement strategies, and OD frameworks.

  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

  • Proficiency in HR analytics and project management.

• Knowledge: Deep understanding of D&I practices, employment law, and social justice principles.

• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and values.

Personal Attributes

• A champion for equity and inclusion, with empathy and cultural competence.

• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments.

• Proactive problem-solver with a collaborative spirit.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Drive meaningful change in D&I and social justice through your work.

• Culture: Join a supportive, inclusive team where innovation and authenticity thrive.

• Growth: Opportunities for professional development in a scaling organisation.

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Role (Volunteer, unpaid): Marketing Specialist

Role Description: 

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative empowesr Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

What you will do :

•Support Weekly Marketing Tasks: Assist with various marketing activities such as content creation for social media, campaign analysis, brand image improvement and more!
•Social Media Strategy: Help create and schedule content using Meta Business Suite based on basic social media marketing principles.
•Task Tracking: Check in and update your progress using the task tracker in Excel or Notion provided by the manager.
•Team Support: Be ready to step in and assist another team member with her tasks when needed.

Minimum Hours per Week: 10+ hours per week

Duration: 6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Obuyisi bw’Omu Initiative empowers underserved communities in Uganda—particularly women, youth, and children—through grassroots action, advocacy, and partnerships. It addresses key challenges including limited mental health support, poor water and sanitation, barriers to quality education, and the impacts of climate change. Programs create safe spaces for mental health awareness, improve clean water access and hygiene, and provide educational resources and mentorship to promote inclusive learning. Climate action efforts involve tree planting, conservation, and sustainable practices. By fostering community ownership and engaging volunteers, Obuyisi bw’Omu drives practical, sustainable solutions that enhance well-being and resilience for lasting positive change.

Role (Volunteer, unpaid): Business Developer

Role Description: 

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative empowesr Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

What you will do :

• Identify and secure new partnerships with organisations, sponsors, institutions, donors and individuals aligned with our mission.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and corporate sponsorships.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Develop proposals, pitches, and presentations to support outreach, collaborate on campaign messaging and fundraising events
• Support programme expansion by assessing community needs and tracking ongoing community engagement
• Support in preparing donor reports and impact summaries for donors and investors.
• Manage email communication, respond to inquiries, and support follow-ups with prospects and partners
• Participate in business meetings, document key takeaways, and track follow-up actions.

Minimum Hours per Week: 10+ hours per week

Duration: 6+ months

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.
 

Role Summary 

The Site Manager role involves overseeing a number of university Islamic Societies or Muslim Student Associations who are interested in partnering with Roots Academy to host the Essentials Onsite Program an in-person transformative educational class tailored to university students on campus. The Site Manager role is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with these ISoc/MSA committees and offering 1:1 support to ensure that they have an excellent educational experience.
 

Key tasks

• Actively establish and maintain positive relationships with ISoc/MSA committees and Student Ambassadors (ISoc/MSA representative) to ensure an exceptional onsite experience for students, and promote retention of sites.
   
• Be the point of contact for ISocs/MSAs: answer questions, offer light-touch support and coaching on ways to improve the class, engage on a 1:1 basis listening to their needs and concerns, and addressing these accordingly.
   
• Liaise with Student Ambassadors to ensure that logistics involved in marketing and running the class are taken care of by the ISoc/MSA.
   
• Collect ideas and best-practices from how different campuses deliver their class
   
• Be the internal point of contact for any queries or updates related to ISocs/MSAs assigned.
   

What we’re looking for

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
   
• Ability to make and maintain positive relationships and connections with people
   
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
   
• Passionate about transforming the lives of Muslim students and engaging with university ISocs/MSAs
   
• An understanding of the Muslim student/university scene and how University ISocs and/or MSAs operate
   
• Ability to travel regionally for site visits and in-person meetings with ISoc/MSA committees
   

What we have to offer 

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country. 

• Receive continuous rewards for students that gain knowledge and closeness to Allah and their faith as a result of attending the Onsites Essentials program.

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective. 

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Please note: Onside is a local charity - this project covers Worcestershire areas only.

We are looking for volunteers who have had a relevantly positive experience or perception of mental health services and be far enough into their mental health journey. They need to be open to sharing their experiences while understanding and upholding their own boundaries. They need to be able to empathise and actively listen. To be able to ask for support and guidance when needed. Your role will be to offer practical, social and emotional support in the form of a mentor role. We are looking for people with good communication, interpersonal skills, friendly and approachable. As well as a willing to learn and basic computer literacy skills as you will need to log your contact with the mentee and any outcomes on our database. 

 Benefits of volunteering with the Community Mental Health Project

• Be part of a growing charity with ever expanding exciting new projects!
• You are provided with FREE training
• Reimbursed for public transport fair and/ or mileage costs
• Get experience in the field of mental health
• References are available from us on request
• Fulfilment in helping your local community
• Meet new and likeminded people - we hold regular volunteer catch ups to have your say and meet other volunteers

Overview of Onside and Community Mental Health project 

ONSIDE is an independent charity promoting the rights and interests of people facing disadvantage. We believe that everyone is entitled to fair, equal treatment and opportunity. Our skilled staff and volunteers make a real difference to the lives of over 11,000 people a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Community Mental Health (CMH) – CMH is part of the transformation of neighbourhood community mental health services in Worcestershire, Onside is working alongside Worcestershire Association of Carers and Springfield MIND to provide a range of support designed to address the social and practical needs of people living with mental ill health. 

�� Become an Interview & First Response Expert with IHF! ��

�� Ever Thought About Mastering the Art of Interviewing?

Imagine having the ability to assess, communicate, and make an impact—skills that set you apart in any career or life situation. At International Humanity Foundation (IHF), we offer you the chance to become an expert in interviewing and first response, equipping you with lifelong skills that will elevate your confidence, decision-making, and leadership abilities.

�� About IHF – A Global Nonprofit Changing Lives

Since 2001, IHF has been transforming communities and empowering individuals across the world. Our mission is two-fold:
✅ Educate & Nourish – Providing education and resources to impoverished children and promoting healthier communities.
✅ Raise Global Awareness – Teaching individuals about social challenges and inspiring them to be part of the solution.

�� Why Join This Skill-Building Opportunity?

�� Master Interviewing – Learn how to ask the right questions, assess candidates, and make informed decisions—an essential skill for any leadership role.
�� First Response Expertise – Gain critical first-response skills that ensure smooth and professional interview experiences.
�� Real-World Impact – Engage in virtual and in-person experiences, applying what you learn to real scenarios in diverse communities worldwide.
�� Global Networking – Connect with passionate professionals, mentors, and like-minded individuals from across the globe.
�� Enhance Your Resume – Stand out in job applications with hands-on experience in interviewing, communication, and leadership.

�� What You’ll Gain

✨ Confidence & Communication Excellence – Become a poised and articulate speaker.
✨ Professional & Personal Growth – Develop skills that employers value across industries.
✨ Community & Teamwork – Collaborate with an international network of volunteers and leaders.

�� Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to motivated individuals from all backgrounds who are eager to develop new skills and contribute to a meaningful cause. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and grow!

�� Don’t miss this opportunity to gain skills that will set you apart for life! Join us today and start your journey toward becoming an interviewing and first response expert! ��

Dive into lasting impact: Fundraise for East London Waterworks Park to create and shape natural swimming ponds, ecological habitats and community gardens

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you would like to help us develop our digital fundraising and our online offer, would you like to join our fundraising and communications teams in creating and implementing a strategy? We would love to hear from anyone with experience of fundraising online or with enthusiasm and a desire to test things out and learn as you go along. Recently we raised over half a million pounds through our Crowdfunder. Now we are looking to create a sustainable medium term income stream online.

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional in digital fundraising expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Location: United Kingdom (Remote) 

Role: Independent Assessment Review Panel Member - Volunteer

About Us: We are a leading membership body dedicated to advancing the field of governance. Our mission is to provide high-quality qualifications and continuous professional development opportunities to our members.

Role

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable individual in education and assessment practice, specifically related to quality assurance and the maintenance of standards, to join our Assessment Review Panel (ARP) as an independent member.

This is a voluntary position. The position is not remunerated. Reasonable expenses and lunch will be provided for attendance at Assessment Review Panel meetings.

Role summary

• Provide an independent expert opinion on education and assessment best practice.
• Monitor the quality and maintenance of standards of CGIUKI qualifications.

Responsibilities

• To attend Assessment Review Panel meetings - currently twice a year, in-person meetings at London office.
• To review reports from Examiners and Chief Examiners and other relevant information provided to ratify, as a member of ARP, the issue of results for CGIUKI qualifications.
• Challenge current processes and advise on best practice regarding the maintenance of standards within educational assessment.
• Provide advice on education and assessment best practice

Person specification

• Likely to hold/have held a senior position in another Awarding Organisation.
• Experience of the assessment, awarding and result confirmation process.
• Excellent communicator

How to apply

If you are passionate about governance and educational assessment, and you meet the requirements listed above, please send a copy of your CV together with a covering letter to Simon Feneley-Lamb, Learning and Standards Lead.

The deadline for your application is 31 December 2025.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

The Onsite Administrative Assistant will provide essential operational and administrative support for the Roots Academy Essentials Onsite Program. This role will help ensure smooth communication, accurate documentation, and effective coordination between internal team members, instructors, campuses, and students. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organised, and proactive in maintaining digital records and supporting program onboarding processes.

Key tasks

• Create and send calendar invites for recurring and ad-hoc meetings.

• Manage, document and accurately store internal meeting minutes.

• Share action items and follow-ups in a timely manner.

• Track and record university campuses that have registered interest in hosting the Essentials Onsite Program.

• Prepare and manage Google Drive folders containing onboarding documents for university ISocs and MSAs we partner with.

• Verify that all instructors, campuses, and student ambassadors are correctly assigned on the Roots Digital Platform.

​

What we’re looking for

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Comfortable using digital tools such as Notion, Slack, Google Drive, and scheduling platforms.

• Excellent written communication skills.

• Ability to remain organised and manage deadlines efficiently.

• Experience in administrative support or program coordination preferred.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

To bring our vision to life, we are looking for a dedicated person to play a vital role in managing and strengthening our relationships with partner organisations (such as university Islamic Societies), with a focus on marketing and growth. You will work closely with external partners to increase the number of students attending Roots workshops through creative and innovative methods.

Key tasks

• Marketing Support - Provide guidance and resources to partners for marketing Roots workshops effectively, including sharing marketing collateral and leading growth initiatives.

• Performance Monitoring - Monitor the marketing efforts of partner organisations, track key performance metrics, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.

• Communication Liaison - Serve as the primary point of contact through social media between our organisation and partner organisations, facilitating clear and consistent communication channels.

• Training and Onboarding - Conduct training sessions and onboarding for new partner organisations to familiarise them with our brand guidelines, marketing strategies, and communication protocols.

• Collaboration - Coordinate cross-functional efforts with internal teams, such as marketing, design, and external partnerships, to ensure alignment with partnership goals.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask successfully.

• Proficiency in project management and organisational skills.

• Analytical mindset for assessing results and suggesting recommendations.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this area

• 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron, Cadet Centre, Oldbury Wells School, Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5JE 
• 333 (Ludlow) Squadron, ATC Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RU 
• 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, WV7 3EX 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required - just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and background check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you! 

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.

Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice ��

Help shape the future of outstanding palliative and end-of-life care across  Staffordshire

Dougie Mac Hospice is looking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board and support the effective leadership, governance and long-term sustainability of our organisation.

For over 50 years, Dougie Mac has provided specialist, compassionate care for local people living with life-limiting conditions. Today, we are a multi-faceted, all-age hospice supporting children, young people, adults and families across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. With over 500 staff, 700 volunteers, and an annual cost of more than £23 million, strong governance has never been more important.

We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to our values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence — and who can bring insight, challenge and support to help us deliver our vision of being a centre of excellence in palliative and end-of-life care.

�� What Does a Trustee Do?

As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
• Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
• Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
• Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
• Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.

This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.

�� Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

⏰ Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend:

• 4 Board Meetings per year
• 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
• The AGM
• The Annual Trustee Away Day

Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

�� Training & Support

You will receive a full induction into the role and ongoing access to training, including mandatory governance modules and development opportunities. Trustees are well supported to thrive in their role.

�� Why Join Dougie Mac?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
• Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
• Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
• Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.

�� How to Apply

If you are inspired by our mission and believe you can contribute to the future of Dougie Mac, we would love to hear from you. See attached Trustee Application Pack. 

�� For more information, please contact:
Wendy Dale, Assistant to Hospice Board