One off volunteer roles in london

Volunteer Befriender

Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live. Please help us to do this by volunteering to befriend a member of the local community, who is isolated and vulnerable, in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to assist an isolated person in your local area? Would you like to provide them with the emotional support, social skills and confidence that will help them to feel happier in their everyday life?

 You will know that you have helped someone to move on in their life and take part in society
 Full induction, ongoing training and support. This includes training on: communication, empathy, health and safety, confidentiality and safeguarding
 Opportunity to enhance your CV and to learn new skills
 We are able to provide references to employers and/or further education establishments
 Travel costs and out of pocket expenses reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

What would I be doing?

 Meeting once a week with the person you have been matched with, in their own home or an agreed public place, at a mutually agreed time
 Encourage communication on a shared interest or topic
 Arrange activities and listen to your Befriendee with empathy and encouragement
 On occasion you may be asked by your befriendee to accompany/escort them outside on a one to one basis or do some shopping in circumstances where they are unable to

What skills are we looking for?

 Good communication skills
 Understanding of empathy and the needs of people with isolation issues
 Understanding of confidentiality
 Able to use own initiative and work unsupervised, reliable and trustworthy
 We ask that you volunteer for 1 hour per week, for a minimum of 6 months

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

When you aplply, we ask for 2 references but these do not need to be from employers. For instance, they can be character references from college tutors or support workers who know you well. We also carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks on all volunteers, but this would only happen if we both agree that Befriending is the right fit for you.

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please contact us should you prefer to apply over the phone or via hard copy, for accessibility reasons. If you require any adjustments due to a disability (including: physical, psychological or neurological disease or disorders) in order to get the most out of your time volunteering with us, please do let us know so that we can ideally facilitate this.

As a Youth Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the development of young people in our community programmes. You will provide guidance, mentorship, and assistance to participants, helping them navigate through the Degrees of Opportunity (DOFO) framework, and encourage their personal growth, well-being, and skill development. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide one-on-one and group support to youth participants in the Degrees of Opportunity program. 

• Assist in the delivery of personal development, leadership, and skills-building workshops. 

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people involved in the program. 

• Act as a mentor to guide youth participants in setting and achieving personal goals. 

• Monitor and assess youth progress, offering support and feedback as needed. 

• Provide emotional and social support, helping young people manage challenges in a positive manner. 

• Encourage active participation in group activities, team-building exercises, and community projects. 

• Promote well-being and positive mental health practices among youth participants. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Previous experience working with young people in a support or mentoring role. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in both individual and group settings. 

• Empathy and patience in supporting youth through challenges. 

• Experience with community programs or social services (desirable). 

• A passion for youth development and empowerment. 

• DBS check (desirable). 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain valuable experience in youth development and support. 

• Develop skills in mentoring, coaching, and program facilitation. 

• Make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community. 

• Access to professional development and training in youth support. 

• Work within a dynamic and inclusive team of like-minded individuals. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Administration Volunteer for the South West Bucks Group. Our Administration Volunteers are the linchpin for our local groups’ activities. They act as the first point of contact and they make sure all relevant information is circulated to other volunteers and members. And they play an important role in keeping our data and details up to date to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. Most importantly you’ll be help your local group run efficiently, so they can keep providing valuable services to our MS community. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Please apply online.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Do you want to make a real and lasting difference to the landscape of gynaecological cancers? By joining our fundraising committee you will help fund world-leading research that will lead to better detection of, or even prevention of, these cancers.

The Eve Appeal is the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity. Our aim is to prevent gynaecological cancers from developing in the first place, but if they do develop, we want to make sure they’re detected early so more people survive their diagnosis.

We are successfully fundraising £1.5million+ per year to help make our goals a reality, and we’re now looking to take our income, and impact, to the next level. Our Development Committee will work as a team to meet annual targets and will utilise their personal and professional networks to help make this happen.

We are looking for those who are driven by our mission and have access to personal and professional networks who may make philanthropic gifts to The Eve Appeal.

The Open Age reception team builds the personal relationships that make our visitors feel comfortable and relaxed while we inform them of the activities we offer, help them select and book onto those that suit them best, and assist with the practical, ongoing event support that gives people a great customer experience. This is a frontline customer facing role which would suit a confident, approachable person, with good interpersonal skills and an awareness of the importance of providing great customer service to build positive relationships with our local community.

Reception Volunteer Role

· Support and strengthen Open Age reception team to provide a high-quality customer service experience to center visitors, members and potential volunteers.

· Provide relevant, current, information that informs customer choices and helps secure appropriate courses, events and activity bookings.

· Identify any improvable gaps in Open Age reception customer service and make positive suggestions for improvements to the wider staff reception team.

Reception Volunteer Tasks

· Greet members and drop-in visitors warmly, courteously and in a way that settles any anxiety or confusion on arrival at reception.

· Provide information and publications about upcoming activities and events, giving directions to venues and classes where needed.

· Assist staff in setting up rooms and providing refreshments for members when needed.

· Answer telephone and email enquiries in a prompt and courteous manner, and follow up members by phone and email to update them on any course changes and developments.

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

The board of trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Farm, it’s financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines.
All trustees should be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity. For example, all trustees should be able to read the financial accounts.

THE ROLE

Main Responsibilities

· To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.

· To maintain the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.

· To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.

· To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.

· To avoid any personal conflict of interest.

· To manage and use the resources of the charity so as to optimise its potential.

· To ensure that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the charity’s funds and assets.

· To undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain alert to, and aware of, their duties and responsibilities, and of the environment in which they operate.

· To achieve the purpose of the charity and to pursue the charitable objects, and provide public benefit.

Main Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to the charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its public benefit and recognising the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need for the charity to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system for the recruitment, appointment and monitoring of the work and activities of the General Manager and, where applicable, other members of the senior management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques (including any electronic transactions) and any applications for funds.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality about all aspects of the trustees’ business, bearing in mind the over-riding legal obligations placed upon trustees.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good independent judgment
• Strong communication
• Friendly and approachable
• Knowledge of and interest in animals and community farms is desirable.  
• Candidates who are local are desirable, but it is essential that you are able to travel to the farm for meetings, events and the odd day of volunteering.

ABOUT DEEN CITY FARM
Deen City Farm and Riding School is an urban farm with an educational focus in the heart of the London Borough of Merton. With over 60,000 visitors a year, our five-acre site includes a farmyard, gardens, riding school, shop, café and small playground. As well as welcoming visitors who want to meet the animals and enjoy the setting, we also work with local schools and community groups to fulfil our charitable aim of improving the lives of everyone in the community. Volunteering is at the heart of the project and we also provide a work experience programme.
Deen City Farm is a limited company as well as a registered charity.

HOPE not hate Charitable Trust’s vision is a world without hate and we achieve this by supporting initiatives challenging far-right hate and building hopeful alternatives for communities. We are a fundraising and grant making Trust.

We are keen to hear from candidates who share our passion and vision; who can reflect the diversity of the communities we work with; and who can apply their skills and expertise to help us reach our goals.

About us

HOPE not hate Charitable Trust, which was formerly known as Searchlight Educational Trust, was created in 1992 and over the years has raised over £20m to pursue its mission. In 2022, it changed its remit from being a conventional Charity, employing staff and running programmes, to become a fundraising and grant making Trust. HnHCT primarily supports the work of HOPE not hate Ltd, but it can also make grants to other organisations which meets our charitable objectives.

The Trustees meet four times a year to review the fundraising targets and ensure the grant made to HOPE not hate Ltd is being spent effectively and within our charitable objectives. One of these meetings is a joint away day with the Directors of HOPE not hate Limited, where the two bodies and the Senior Leadership Team of HnH Ltd discuss the state of hate in the UK and priorities for the forthcoming year.

If you’re passionate about challenging the far right and building hope in communities, and would like to use your expertise to help us do both, we would welcome you to apply to become a Trustee.

Trustee role description

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that HOPE not hate Charitable Trust delivers on our mission, vision and values.

Duties:

· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. its memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

· Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

· A commitment to the organisation

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

· Strategic vision

· Good, independent judgement

· An ability to think creatively

· A willingness to speak their mind

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Roles we are seeking to fill

As well as being passionate about our cause and committed to our mission and values, at this time, we are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who can bring one or more of the following:

· Financial management skills to the board, helping to guide and support the charity’s operational finances.

· Experience in fundraising and networking

· Charity leadership including governance

· Experience in and/or and understanding of the communities susceptible to far right hate 

It is not essential to have sat on a board before. In fact, we actively encourage those who are passionate about our work and will bring new perspectives.

We welcome applicants from all communities, backgrounds and geographies in order that we reflect the diverse nature of the people we serve and who support us.

If you are interested in discussing the role further, please get in touch and we’ll arrange an informal chat with a member of our team to find out more.

The Role of an HNHCT Trustee

This is a voluntary role requiring attendance at four board meetings and one in-person away day per year.

While meetings are currently virtual, we hope that in the future we will be able to meet in person at least twice a year in London.

We are a successful and professionally run charitable preschool at the heart of Walthamstow with a strong ethos and excellent reputation. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to high quality and affordable early years education and childcare.

The treasurer's role is to oversee the financial health of the organisation and ensure that it's managed in a way that protects its financial integrity. This is one of several trustee positions that we are currently advertising for.

What we are looking for:
• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• An individual willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting and setting budget

Duties include:

• Working with the Manager and bookkeeper on the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring, at a board level, that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Manager and bookkeeper
• Being knowledgeable of the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Working with the Manager and chair to oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting financial risk.
• Supporting the Manager/ Independent Examiner to ensure that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies e.g. the Charity Commission
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Manager and chair to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Trustees - We are also looking for trustees to join as board members

To apply

Please send the completed application form outlining why you’re interested in our organisation and what you would bring to the Board along with a CV to our Manager, Lilijana Markaj

Deadline: Tuesday 29th April 2025

Ofsted Registration: 153685

Registered Charity No: 1123684

Company Number: 6420566

ICOM UK is seeking a Finance Lead trustee to help us deliver our new strategy to support UK museums working internationally and connect members to the global museum community. 

The trustee role will maintain strategic oversight of ICOM UK’s financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they provide well-grounded advice to the Board of Trustees.

The trustee role requires experience and skills in financial governance, planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances.

ICOM UK is the UK's only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus. As a professional organisation, we connect members based in the United Kingdom and the UK's overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international heritage agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

https://uk.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Trustee-Application-Pack-for-ICOM-UK-Board-2025-2-1.pdf

If you're interested in both travelling and listening to others talking about travelling (including using passenger assistance), we'd love to hear from you. You will be contributing to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.

This group will run monthly either by telephone or video call.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference.

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply UK resident

What skills and experience are needed?

• Empathy with blind and partially sighted people. Good listening skills An interest in travelling with or without using passenger assistance. An ability to work with a wide range of people Experience of using the telephone or video calling software.

Ignite Our Voice: Become Our Volunteer Marketing and Communications Manager at SUNSHINE!

Are you a creative communicator with a passion for change? At SUNSHINE—a dynamic start-up charity set to combat loneliness and foster strong community bonds—we’re inviting you to join our team as our Marketing and Communications Manager. In this vital volunteer role, you will be the storyteller and promotion champion who amplifies our mission, engages our supporters, and drives our message to every corner of our community.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every connection can transform lives. As we build our charity from the ground up—with our official registration on the horizon—we’re setting out to create a resilient, supportive network that addresses social isolation, uplifts spirits, and brings people together. Your role in building and broadcasting our unique voice is central to sparking community engagement and making our mission a reality.

Your Role as Marketing and Communications Manager

In this exciting volunteer position, you will work closely with our leadership to shape and execute our marketing and communications strategy. Your responsibilities will include:

• Brand Development: Enhance and maintain a strong, consistent identity for SUNSHINE that reflects our values and vision.

• Content Creation: Craft compelling stories, press releases, blog posts, newsletters, and social media content that capture the heart of our cause.

• Campaign Management: Design and launch dynamic marketing campaigns to raise awareness, attract supporters, and rally our community.

• Digital Presence: Manage and grow our online platforms—including our website and social media channels—to ensure our message resonates and reaches far and wide.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with media outlets, influencers, community groups, and potential partners to amplify our reach.

• Communications Strategy: Collaborate with our team to develop and continuously refine strategies that drive growth and social impact.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a passionate, innovative, and results-driven individual who brings:

• Experience in Marketing & Communications: Proven skills in brand development, digital marketing, and content creation, ideally within start-ups or the non-profit sector.

• Creative Storytelling: The ability to craft narratives that inspire, persuade, and mobilise communities.

• Digital Savvy: Proficiency in social media, digital tools, and analytics to engage audiences and optimise communication strategies.

• Strategic Vision: A collaborative spirit with a keen eye for emerging trends and an aptitude for developing innovative campaigns.

• Passion for Social Impact: A deep commitment to making a difference, with the drive to harness creativity for meaningful change.

Why Join SUNSHINE as Our Marketing and Communications Manager?

Taking on this role means more than just marketing a charity—it’s about amplifying a movement and inspiring a connected, compassionate community. By joining us, you will:

• Shape Our Narrative: Play a pivotal role in defining and communicating what SUNSHINE stands for.

• Empower Change: Drive awareness and engagement that directly supports our mission to combat loneliness and foster community.

• Grow Your Skills: Gain invaluable experience and sharpen your strategic and creative expertise in a vibrant, start-up environment.

• Build a Legacy: Be at the forefront of a transformative initiative and help build a lasting legacy of connection and empowerment.

Ready to Spread the Sunshine?

If you’re excited to channel your marketing and communications prowess into a role that truly makes a difference, we want to hear from you. Join us as our Volunteer Marketing and Communications Manager, and let’s craft a bright future together—one story, one campaign, and one connection at a time.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where every message lights up lives and every campaign creates lasting impact.

Non-Executive Director Church House Westminster – marketing focus

£3101 gross per annum (4 Board meetings)

Church House Westminster is the trading name of Church House Conference Centre Ltd and is renowned as one of London’s leading conference and event venues. A member of the prestigious Westminster Venue Collection, Church House Westminster attracts a wide variety of clients from both the corporate and public sectors. The venue can cater for meetings and events from 2 - 600 delegates.

Church House Westminster occupies the spaces used twice yearly by the General Synod of the Church of England. The building has an illustrious history, including the Second World War, when Parliament used it as an emergency location for the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Following the war, the preparatory meetings for establishing the United Nations and the first meeting of the UN Security Council were held at Church House. Major national inquiries, including the Kings Cross fire and the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry sinking, were also held at Church House in the 1980s.

The Conference Centre was established in 1990 and is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Corporation of The Church House, a registered Royal Charter charity. All profits from Church House Westminster are covenanted back to the parent charity.

The Board of Directors, comprising executive and non-executive directors, is seeking an additional non-executive director with significant experience in marketing ideally within the events and hospitality industries. At this time, we are particularly looking for someone who can provide strategic insight into marketing, branding, and audience engagement to help grow Church House Westminster's profile and reach. Previous board experience is not necessary; however, executive director or similar high-level leadership is. 

Role of the Non-Executive Director

As a Non-Executive Director of Church House Westminster, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Conference Centre, ensuring it remains a leading venue in the events and hospitality sector. You will provide valuable independent oversight, helping to steer the business towards sustainable growth while maintaining its core values and charitable purpose. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing strategic insight and oversight to the development and implementation of the 5-year Business Plan, with a focus on marketing and audience engagement.
• Advising on marketing and brand positioning strategies to enhance Church House Westminster’s reputation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Monitoring the company’s financial and operational performance to ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes are in place.
• Acting as a critical friend to the executive team, providing independent support and challenge to help shape key business decisions.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance requirements, safeguarding the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
• Championing innovation and business development initiatives, particularly in digital marketing and audience expansion.
• Attending and actively participating in quarterly Board meetings, as well as occasional ad hoc engagements when required.

Commitment:

4 Board meetings per annum (Jan, May, July, Nov), plus occasional support, notably in support of the marketing function and events.

Recruitment timetable:

• Closing date for application: 15 May 2025
• Preliminary Interviews: 22 May 2025
• Final Interviews: TBC
• First Board meeting for successful candidate: 10 July 2025

How To Apply

To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, a Supporting Statement/cover letter stating suitability with special reference to marketing and the details of two references. 

If you're interested in cookery and happy to listen to others talking about the topic, we'd love you to facilitate our monthly special interest group. This is a new group for blind and partially sighted people who are keen to share their experience and interest in cookery.

You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that the group runs smoothly.

This group will run monthly as either a phone or video call.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• One reference

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• The groups meet during the day from Monday to Friday.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply and UK resident

What skills and experience are needed?

• Empathy with blind and partially sighted people. Good listening skills An interest in all aspects of cookery Abilty to work with a wide range of people Experience of using the telephone or video calling software