Management volunteer roles

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available across 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 hybrid)
• 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

We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. We’ll work with you to match your skills and location with a college in need of your expertise.

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.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

• CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
• The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
• Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
• The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
• The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
• Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
• Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

About the project: 

The Helpdesk Project is a unique initiative where trained volunteers offer information on local services and peer support to people attending MS clinics at the Walton Centre in Liverpool.

More than 130,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. Every one of them shares the uncertainty of life with MS.

People are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties, forties and fifties; news that can be worrying and heartbreaking. Having somebody who has local knowledge and can signpost to information and services can provide vital support to people at the start of their MS journey.

About the role:

Do you have good organisational and communication skills?

We are looking for a volunteer who could help with recruiting and supporting other volunteers within the project. Please see the Role Description for more details about the tasks you may be involved in.

Time and Commitment

We are looking for volunteers who can offer two or three hours a week.

This role can be carried out at home and we would also like you to attend the hospital help desk on an occasional basis 

There will also be quarterly volunteer support sessions you will be asked to attend.

Training and support:

You’ll receive role-specific training and support from the MS Support Team and the Regional Development Officer.

Who They Are

Care Rights UK is a national charity dedicated to championing the rights of people in care. For over 30 years, the organisation has provided information, advice, and support to empower individuals using care services, as well as the relatives and friends who support them.

As a community of families and experts, Care Rights UK campaigns for better lives for people in care. The charity identifies poor practice, highlights examples of good care, and advocates for a stronger, fairer care system.

The Role

Care Rights UK is entering an exciting phase of growth and is seeking to diversify and expand its reach across the UK. To support this next chapter, the organisation is looking to appoint a new trustee to join its established and welcoming Board of Trustees.

The Board plays a vital role in the strategic oversight of the charity, working alongside a small but dedicated staff team led by an experienced CEO. Trustees help guide the organisation’s work, ensuring it continues to provide the national advice line for older people needing care and to campaign effectively for systemic change.

Despite its modest size, Care Rights UK is recognised as a leading voice in the sector, “punching above its weight” through its influence, advocacy, and impact.

Who They Are Looking For

Care Rights UK welcomes applications from people with a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for promoting the rights of older people. The charity is particularly interested in individuals with knowledge or experience of:

• Advice and support services

• Legal expertise

• First-hand experience of care services

These perspectives are highly valued, but applications are welcomed from anyone with an interest in adult social care. Previous trustee experience is not required. Training, induction, and tailored support will be provided to ensure new trustees feel confident in their role.

Commitment to Diversity

Care Rights UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented on the Board: individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. The charity particularly values lived experience of care and seeks to ensure its leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

What Trustees Can Expect

• Friendly, supportive colleagues on both the Board and staff team

• Clear, jargon-free Board papers provided in a timely manner

• One-to-one support from the Chair and regular reviews of Board operations

• Peer support, including a buddy scheme

• A comprehensive induction to the charity, its work and mission

• Training to equip trustees for their role

• Practical support from staff, including help with logistics such as travel

• Opportunities to share knowledge and skills with sector experts

• The chance to be part of a dynamic team driving real change in the care sector

Location: Colchester, Essex

Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, lasting 2.5 hours each, two of which will be online and the other two will be in person.

Four committee meetings per year, held online before the Board meetings

Remuneration: Voluntary, reasonable expenses covered

We are supporting a global health charity, who has a vision of a world free from leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF). For the last 100 years, they have worked in diagnosing, treating, and supporting people affected by these two neglected tropical diseases. Despite common misconceptions, leprosy is not a disease of the past; every day, hundreds of people, including children, are newly diagnosed, making their mission as urgent as ever. Operating primarily in India and Bangladesh, they deliver programmes that prioritise early diagnosis, community-based rehabilitation, mental health support, and advocacy. With the support of the UK team, they continue to strengthen health systems, tackle stigma and discrimination, and improve the quality of life for people affected by leprosy and LF.

The board is now seeing a Trustee, with senior management experience in Operations, HR, or Programme Oversight, to help address identified skills gaps, strengthen organisational resilience, and enhance programme delivery across their international footprint. This is a strategic role, not about day-to-day management, but about offering high-level insight, challenge, and support to their executive team.

It is expected that the Trustee will also be appointed to one of the charity’s committees. The appointment will be for an initial 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment for two additional terms of 3 years each.

The ideal candidate will:

· Have senior experience in either Operations, HR, and/or Programme Oversight

· Be committed to the organisation

· Think strategically and contribute to board-level decision making

· Be able to voice their opinions clearly and diplomatically

· Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship

Recruitment Timetable:

Deadline for applications: 5th October
Panel Interviews with the organisation: 27th October

Do you have a head for numbers? Could you use your financial skills to support your local Parkinson’s community? We’re looking for people who like being part of a team and want to make a difference. Would you like a flexible role, where much of it can be done from home at a time that suits you? In this role you’ll be working with staff and volunteers, fostering connections, meeting new people in your local area, all whilst making a difference to those living with Parkinson's.

Why we want you:

This vital role supports local groups across the UK which are run by volunteers, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing

• Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s - engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your local community, to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area
• Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position
• With support from your local staff, stay up to date with Parkinson's UK's financial policies actively sharing them with the group and supporting the group to operate within them
• Provide regular reports to the committee on the financial status of the group including final accounts. 
• Deal with financial administration for the group, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensuring volunteer expenses are paid accurately in line with our volunteer expenses policy
• Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts

The skills you need

• Previous experience in finance, accountancy or bookkeeping can be valuable, but is not essential
• Confident with numbers and able to take the lead on the group’s finances
• Have confident computer and email skills - be open to using new systems and other digital tools
• Have a commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values
• Be able to contribute to balanced decisions that take into account multiple views, and to do so in a collaborative, open and inclusive way with committee and local staff

What's in it for you

• Develop valuable leadership, teamwork and people skills
• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections
• Develop / maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills - we are happy to provide references

Are you a qualified accountant, looking to make a real difference to a human rights charity?

The Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) is looking for a dedicated and passionate honorary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.  

About the RRN Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the RRN in a vital governance role: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the RRN’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on positive change.

This is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About the RRN

RRN is a national charity with an ambitious vision to eliminate the unnecessary use of restrictive practices across health, social care and education. We want to develop a culture of respect for human rights across services.

If you share our vision, we would love to hear from you.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The organisation connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to thrive both mentally and physically.

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support across all stages of life, from diagnosis to living well. The charity:

• Shares expert advice and guidance to help people live well today.

• Funds pioneering research to improve understanding of different conditions and drive the development of new treatments.

• Works with the NHS to achieve universal access to specialist healthcare.

• Campaigns to improve rights, accessibility, understanding, and access to treatments for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.

The Role

This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy guiding its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.

The charity is seeking to appoint a Vice Chair to support the Chair and play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.

The Vice Chair serves as a Trustee and, in addition to standard Trustee responsibilities, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair acts as a supportive and critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair as required.

Person Specification

Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Knowledge of charity governance and Trustee responsibilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus, and manage differing perspectives.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and integrity.

• Availability to commit approximately 20 days per year to the role.

The charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Do you want to make a real difference during challenging times? Can you bring a fresh perspective on how we can innovate and adapt our services? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

Who we are

The Bridge Foundation is an award-winning charity based in Bristol. We transform the lives of children, young people, families and adults struggling with mental health difficulties.

What we do

• Free in-depth, school-based psychotherapy for children and families in areas of deprivation and diversity
• Specialised psychotherapy delivered to vulnerable children via services commissioned through Adoption Support Fund and Social Services spot purchases
• Not-for-profit psychotherapy service for children, families and adults who self-refer - fees are determined by family income and over 50% are subsidised
• Supervision and reflective practice sessions for professionals in schools and healthcare

Are you a strategic thinker with an enquiring mind and the ability to act as a critical friend? Are you passionate about encouraging neighbourly support to relieve loneliness and isolation? Would you be prepared to join a Board of Trustees taking responsibility for the delivery of the charity’s aims? If so, you could be just the person we’re seeking.

As Trustee and Company Director you will join the a team that exercises a legal duty to:

· Ensure it understands the charity’s purposes as set out in its governing document

· Plan what the charity will do, and what you want it to achieve

· Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

· Ensure the charity is complying with the law

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.