Operations volunteer roles

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has supported older people for over 35 years. Guided by the vision of better lives for older people, the Trust delivers integrated retirement communities offering an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, supported by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has demonstrated significant benefits for residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, ExtraCare prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living opportunities and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, the organisation has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, prioritising the wellbeing, happiness, and fulfilment of residents. Today, ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, ensure effective governance, and work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees in delivering the charity’s vision, mission, and values. Applications are welcomed from individuals across a wide range of backgrounds to strengthen the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Previous non-executive Board experience in a customer-focused organisation (charity or housing sector experience not essential).

• Clear understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Board, and Chief Executive.

• Proven leadership track record within an organisation of comparable scale and complexity.

• Strong governance knowledge and accountability within regulated sectors.

• Business acumen, including strategic planning, financial oversight, risk and performance management, and service development.

• Understanding of operating within a regulated environment.

• Commitment to the principles of a social business and the charity’s operating context.

• Experience representing an organisation externally, including public speaking.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us in our Stoke warehouse. The warehouse is where the food arrives, and is sorted before it arrives at the hub. It is a busy environment, and you’d be working alongside the TBBT team. To volunteer for the warehouse, you would need to be 18 years old or older.

Volunteering at the warehouse would include:

• Packing bags for the hubs.
• Organising stock, and ensuring food is stored correctly and at the right temperature.
• Keeping the warehouse tidy, and helping with recycling.
• Helping to load the vans.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Stoke, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Overview

Are you practical, hands-on and enjoy being a friendly face in your local community?

Scarborough Community Furniture Store make deliveries and collections of donated furniture on a daily basis, and volunteers can provide additional support to our driver team with the loading and unloading of items, and being a friendly, welcoming representative of the store out in the local community.

We are currently looking for van support volunteers to assist on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. This is a flexible role designed to meet you where you're at and you will be joining a supportive charity team.

Responsibilities of the Role:

• Assisting the driving team with their deliveries and collections
• Supporting a driver on their route in their van
• Using the phone to communicate with customers about when you will be arriving
• Loading and unloading furniture into vans at the store and at customer’s home
• Being an ambassador for our organisation, by giving polite, helpful and friendly service to the customers you are visiting

Skills required:

• You will need to undergo a DBS check for this role as you will be entering customer homes
• You will need to communicate well with the rest of the driver team
• You need to be able to lift and move furniture - although we will never ask you to lift anything you are uncomfortable with and will provide full manual handling training
• You will need to be a positive, helpful and friendly representative of Community Stores as you interact with the local community
• There is no need to have a driving license for this role

What you’ll get from us:

• Full training in health and safety and role specific skills
• Support and mentorship from a member of our team
• Supporting people in your local community who need it most as part of a supportive team
• Opportunities for training and development - in the past this has included First Aid & PAT Testing training sessions
• Relevant PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

We are proud to offer our volunteers training and development opportunities and work with a variety of volunteers from a range of backgrounds - whether you have lots of experience and just want to lend a helping hand, or are looking to build your confidence and gain experience and skills, we will meet you where you are at.

What we expect from you:

• A minimum time commitment of 3 hours per week
• Being punctual, reliable, and ready to help as part of the team
• We are currently looking for volunteers on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Who this role would suit:

• Those looking to gain skills and experience in warehouse work, delivery work and customer service
• Anybody willing to learn, support, and be part of the van team

Volunteer: “My favourite experience of volunteering at CFS was that I could meet new friends and experience local culture. I learnt so many transferable skills”

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Richmond Carers Centre, a network partner of Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice and a voice for carers living and caring in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. 

Helping Carers to Live Well is our organisational aim.  We are looking for someone with the skills and ability to offer a coordinated approach in supporting unpaid and family adult carers in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Carers provide vital support and can come from all walks of life and be of any age.

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will be part of a small dedicated team and directly deliver our counselling service to adult carers. You will provide regular counselling sessions for carers each week. These will either be face-to-face at our centre or can be via a remote offer using either a video platform such as MS Teams or by telephone. The counselling service is part of a range of services offered to support carers with their emotional wellbeing. This work helps to enhance carers’ health and wellbeing. It also provides carers with a much needed break from their caring responsibilities, in a safe environment where they can focus on their wellbeing.

With your proven experience of working with carers or other vulnerable groups on an individual and/or group basis, you’ll recognise the importance of being client focused and have a commitment to enhance the lives of carers.  You will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of carer’s needs and a wide range of skills in relation to working with individuals and groups.

You will be self-motivated and positive in your approach to working with both carers and staff and have a willingness to embrace our organisational values. Strong administrative, time management, IT and organisational skills are essential. 

Benefits of volunteering for Richmond Carers Centre:

• Clinical supervision every fortnight
• Flexible working with counselling either offered face-to-face or remotely
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Access to shared resources and training opportunities
• Supportive and friendly working environment
• Staff and volunteer socials

Please use the application form only. CVs will not be accepted

Closing date – Tuesday 30th September 2025

Shortlisting – Week commencing Monday 6th October 2025

Provisional interview date – Monday 27th October 2025

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call us and ask to speak to Sophie Richardson, Operations Manager or Ellie Wright, Interim Adult Carers Support Team Leader.

Join Elleray Community Association as Chair and lead an exciting new chapter as we move into a new purpose-built centre in Teddington. Help shape strategy, support staff and volunteers, and expand our valued services for older adults and the wider community. We are seeking an inclusive leader with strategic vision, governance experience, and a passion for local impact.

Chair Role Description

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.

• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.

• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.

• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.  

What we are looking for  

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose.

• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.

• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.

• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.

• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.

• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 

• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 

• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.   

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  

Time commitment 

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.

• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.

• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues. 

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout the Northeast. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Chilton to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Chilton.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Friday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Chilton, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

The City of Oxford Charity dates back to 1700 and now is embarking on an exciting new phase. Additional funding, grant making, and a major almshouse refurbishment are all part of our commitment to supporting those most in need in the city.

We are proud of our heritage and the Chair will share our passion and enthusiasm for the future. They will deliver strategic leadership, strong governance, and act as an ambassador for the Charity. Working with the CEO and fellow board members, they will uphold our mission and ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the City.

Key responsibilities are:

- Lead the Board in setting and delivering strategic direction.
- Ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
- Support and hold the CEO accountable for day-to-day operations.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and the local community.
- Champion the needs and well-being of our almshouse residents.

We Are Looking For
- A deep commitment to our mission and values.
- Experience operating in a senior executive role within the private, public, or charity sectors.
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of Oxford’s social and economic landscape.
- Availability to meet regularly with the CEO and dedicate time to the charity’s work.

Next steps
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout the Northwest. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Trafford to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Trafford.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Saturday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to expand its reach.

As a Volunteer Integrated Technology Project Lead with Living Reasons, you will oversee the project management of technology integration across all aspects of our operations, including both software and hardware. Working closely with the funding team, you will design and deliver project plans that attract funding and ensure resources are used effectively and in line with funding agreements. You will also lead on the procurement of hardware from third-party suppliers, including organisations that support non-profits with technology solutions.

In collaboration with Technology Coordinators, you will use user feedback to guide the development of software that is accessible, adaptable, and reliable for a diverse demographic of users. This role will also focus on driving innovation—creating solutions that not only strengthen Living Reasons but also have the potential to be developed and supplied to other businesses or end users through the organisation. By leading on strategy, coordination, and delivery, you will ensure that Living Reasons harnesses technology in innovative and sustainable ways that maximise impact.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Do You Have A Heart Of Gold?

Spread Joy, Build Community!

Do You Have a Little Time to Make a Big Difference?

Loneliness is a silent struggle for many in London, but together, we can change that! Our small, brand new start-up passionate charity is dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing, and transforming lives, one joyful activity at a time. We are 100% volunteer-run, and we believe that even a small act of kindness can create ripples of positive change.

We're starting small, with a huge heart, and we need your help to grow our community of compassion. If you believe in the power of connection and want to share your time and talents, we would love to hear from you!

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Make a Direct Impact: See firsthand how your efforts brighten someone's day, spark a new friendship, and combat loneliness.

• Flexible & Occasional: We understand life is busy! Our volunteer roles are designed to be flexible, offering occasional opportunities that fit around your schedule – whether it's a few hours a month or for a specific event.

• Join a Kind Community: Be part of a supportive team of like-minded individuals who share a common goal: to spread joy and create a more connected London.

• Grow & Learn: Develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and build your own connections within the community.

We're Looking For Enthusiastic Volunteers For Roles Such As:

• Activity Facilitators/Event Hosts: Help us plan and lead engaging, fun activities – from coffee meet-ups to walking groups or craft sessions.

• Befrienders/Welcome Volunteers: Be the warm, friendly face that greets new attendees, making them feel instantly comfortable and included.

• Social Media & Communications Support: Help us share our story, promote activities, and attract more volunteers and participants online.

• General Admin & Operations: Support the smooth running of our charity behind the scenes, ensuring everything is organised and efficient.

No prior experience? No problem! Your enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to connect with others are what matter most. We provide a supportive environment to help you thrive.

Ready to help us build a more connected London?

Get in touch today!

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives

Apollo Music Projects is looking for a Trustee to join our Board of Trustees. Apollo Music Projects brings the magic of live classical music to children who might not otherwise experience it. We work with primary and special schools to transform children’s lives through music, promoting wellbeing, self-confidence and creativity. We aim to make classical music accessible and relevant to all children regardless of their prior knowledge, experience or background. 

We prioritise partnerships with schools from disadvantaged parts of North and East London and ensure our programme engages the entire year group rather than a select group of children. All of our sessions are interactive with full involvement from the children.

More than 18,000 children have benefited from our programme since we started in Hackney in 2004 and we are poised to partner with an even greater number of schools this year.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join the board of a dynamic and successful organisation.

“Apollo is a national treasure" – Sir Simon Rattle

The role requires a strong understanding of charity governance. Prior board experience is desirable, ideally in the Arts or Education sectors.

The charity has a strong executive team of a CEO/Founder and four part-time staff, who are delegated by the board to run the charity’s operations and are supported by the trustees.

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. 

We are looking for someone with:

• A clear understanding of and commitment to the values and objectives of Apollo Music Projects
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team whilst contributing an independent perspective
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship as well of the respective roles of the chair, trustees and executive management. 
• Financial experience, particularly in the areas of accounting and budgeting. This is desirable rather than essential in a potential candidate.
• Experience in Education. This is desirable rather than essential in a potential candidate.

General responsibilities will include:

• Providing guidance and oversight to ensure that Apollo Music Projects develops the structure and financial sustainability to deliver on its objectives.
• Participating in approving strategy and evaluating performance.
• Acing as ambassador for Apollo Music Projects.
• Ensuring that Apollo Music Projects complies with charity law. 

The Trustee will be expected to attend four Trustee meetings each year, held in London, and to attend occasional events, workshops and concerts

Candidates will be interviewed by a small panel, and should expect more than one form of interview, both online and in person.

Apollo Music Projects is keen to ensure that the Board is representative of the community we serve and particularly welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.

The role will remain open until we have found the right candidate. 

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout Stoke and the midlands. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Stoke to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Stoke.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Friday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Stoke, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.