Research Project Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Overview

We are looking to appoint a Senior Research Manager who is able to lead all our Initial Research function, this function is fulfilled by usually 4 teams all led by a Research Manager and Senior Researcher. Initial Research Teams follow an Initial Research framework which guides our research led approach. Suggestions for research topics are made at regular intervals and these teams carry that research out over the course of a few months. Once initial research has been carried out a report is created and this is referred for either long term research, policy work or a long term project. 

Responsibilities

• To support the overall management of the Research & Policy Department by leading the Initial Research function

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles, directly managing up to 4 Research Managers 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our Initial Research work, usually overseeing approximately 4 short term research projects at any one time

• To engage with research ethics volunteers to ensure of ethical compliance

• To oversee and develop relevant procedure and process

• To align Initial Research Team Research Managers with the objectives and goals of the department 

• To provide support to Research Managers and Initial Research Teams, ensuring a good level of support is provided across each team

• To ensure of effective supervision of volunteers

​You will need

• Some experience in a management position 

• At least 2 years of operational research experience

• A postgraduate course of study, ideally at PhD level

• A good understanding of ethical compliance in research 

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

                      While gaining invaluable experience, practice your passion within real-life scenarios. 

Join a group who aspire to think big, have fun, and create work that stands out. We’re looking for a passionate dedicated individual to join our team, who will play a key role in the growth of our brand messages and visions. The ideal candidate will assist us to conduct research and gather information on various projects.

Responsibilities
Conduct relevant research, gather information on various projects
Write research reports
Working closely with the communications team

Requirements
Good attention to detail.
Strong verbal, written and organisational skills.
Self-starter, dedicated and willing to learn. 
Microsoft Word and Excel skills.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.
 
ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• To manage strategy, policy and the vision of the Research & Policy Department 

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our research and policy work

• To oversee research ethics

• To oversee and develop departmental procedure and process

• To align the department with its objective and goals

• To be lead the department and oversee all of its volunteers and functions, this include all inital research, all long term research, ethics and policy

​You will need

• Management experience 

• Research experience

• Have completed a postgraduate course of study at PhD level

• Research ethics experiance 

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience 

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About YAUK

We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• To manage strategy, policy and the vision of the Research & Policy Department 

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our research and research ethics 

• To oversee and develop departmental procedure and process

• To align the department with its objective and goals

• To be lead the department and oversee all of its volunteers and functions 

​You will need

• Management experience 

• Research experience and have completed a postgraduate course of study

• Research ethics

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience 

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

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

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

LiberArte

We nurture artists co-creating joyful and abundant futures in harmony with each other and Mother Earth.

LiberArte addresses the profound challenge of disconnection. When we perceive ourselves as separate from others, we breed issues like racism, homophobia, sexism, xenophobia, and even environmental degradation. Our mistreatment of the Earth arises from this disconnection too— this idea that we are separate from nature instead of part of nature ourselves. LiberArte facilitates a reconnection through the transformative power of the arts—to ourselves, each other, and the Earth—fostering unity and healing divisions to cultivate a more harmonious, equitable, and sustainable world.

LiberArte addresses the profound challenge of disconnection. When we perceive ourselves as separate from others, we breed issues like racism, homophobia, sexism, xenophobia, and even environmental degradation. Our mistreatment of the Earth arises from this disconnection too— this idea that we are separate from nature instead of part of nature ourselves. LiberArte facilitates a reconnection through the transformative power of the arts—to ourselves, each other, and the Earth—fostering unity and healing divisions to cultivate a more harmonious, equitable, and sustainable world.

Donor Prospecting & Research Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

About LiberArte: LiberArte Inc. is a nonprofit organization nurturing artists, creatives, and visionaries who are co-creating joyful and abundant futures in harmony with each other and Mother Earth. We support cultural workers and community leaders through programs that center healing, strategic planning, leadership development, and creative expression. Our work uplifts BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities by building ecosystems where collective liberation thrives.

Role Overview: We’re looking for a detail-loving, research-minded Donor Prospecting & Research Volunteer to help us expand our base of funding support. In this role, you’ll dig into a list of potential funders—and help identify new ones—to assess whether they align with our mission and work. Your contributions will help us connect with donors and grantmakers who believe in the power of arts, healing, and justice.

Key Responsibilities:

Review and research a list of potential funders (individual donors, foundations, or funding programs)

Assess mission alignment, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application timelines

Identify the best method of contact: email, LOI portals, applications, introductions, etc.

Organize findings into a clear, easy-to-navigate spreadsheet (template provided)

Flag promising leads and opportunities for our development team to follow up on

Optional: assist with drafting short bios, summaries, or introductory language (if interested)

You Might Be a Great Fit If You:

Are curious, thorough, and enjoy doing behind-the-scenes research

Have an interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, or grant writing

Are comfortable using Google Sheets or Excel

Can volunteer around 3–5 hours per week (flexible schedule)

Care deeply about supporting artists, organizers, and community leaders

What You’ll Gain:

Insight into nonprofit fundraising strategy and donor development

Experience with real-world prospect research and database creation

Connection to a mission-driven team uplifting creative liberation

Mentorship, learning opportunities, and a reference letter if desired

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

One-off project

Seek and Sight is a web-based educational platform that teaches sight words to children with learning disabilities through STEM concepts, social-emotional learning, and personalized, curriculum-aligned tools. Seek and Sight addresses critical social and educational challenges that impact children with learning disabilities, their families, and underserved communities.

Research Scientist (educational or psychology)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

The Research Scientist for Seek and Sight will play a key role in ensuring that the platform’s content, tools, and learning strategies are grounded in evidence-based educational psychology and cognitive science. This individual will lead the design, implementation, and analysis of research studies related to literacy development, adaptive learning, social-emotional learning (SEL), and STEAM integration for children with learning disabilities. This role includes developing and validating assessment tools, conducting pre- and post-intervention studies, and analyzing data from pilot programs to measure academic, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. The research scientist will also collaborate with the design and development teams to ensure that all features meet developmentally appropriate and inclusive learning standards.

They will support grant applications, contribute to academic publications or white papers, and help shape the adaptive algorithms and interventions used in the platform. Ideally, the candidate should have experience in child development, early literacy, educational technology, or neurodiverse education, and be familiar with data privacy laws and ethical research standards (e.g., COPPA, FERPA, IRB compliance) By providing continuous research-backed insights, the Research Scientist will ensure that Seek and Sight remains scientifically validated, impactful, and scalable as an educational and therapeutic tool for children, families, educators, and healthcare providers.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

One-off project

Choice International is a UK based not-for-profit international development organisation that seeks to address inequality issues both overseas and within the UK. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion via researching, developing and implementing development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged communities in the UK and overseas.

In view of upcoming development projects, we are seeking applications for a Project Development & Marketing Volunteer to work from our office in East London. There is opportunity for working from home after the first month.

This is an exciting position that offers plenty of scope to make a real difference in support of equality and diversity. We are currently delivering disability sports projects and events in India and in London.

The role is to assist the organisation with the development of national and international programmes for disability and equality rights and other related projects through research, administration and writing proposals, emails and reports.

The main responsibilities will be:

• To research potential partnerships and assist in the development of project proposals
• To research funding opportunities and assist in the development of grant proposals
• To assist in the organisation and management of Choice International activities and events
• To represent Choice International at conferences, exhibitions and seminars, as necessary
• To support other administrative tasks, as necessary.

Applicants should have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and trustworthy. If you are passionate about equality diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position. However, depending on funding available we may be able to contribute to the cost of travel from your home to the office.

Please note due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Help Shape the Future of Wellbeing Through Acts of Kindness: Research Volunteer Opportunity

Do Me A Favour Buddy is seeking volunteers for an exciting research study exploring how personalised acts of kindness impact wellbeing, happiness, and sense of purpose.

About the Study

We're conducting an 8-week research project to understand how targeted acts of kindness affect both givers and receivers. Our research aims to gather evidence on how personalised kindness activities might improve mental wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance life satisfaction.

What's Involved

• Complete an initial onboarding survey about your personality traits, preferences, and wellbeing
• Participate in our 8-week programme
• Receive personalised suggestions for simple acts of kindness
• Track your experiences and feelings
• Complete brief weekly check-ins
• Share your feedback through a final survey
• Participate in follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months to help us understand long-term effects

Time Commitment

• 8 weeks for the main study period
• Approximately 10-15 minutes per day during active participation
• Weekly check-ins (about 5-10 minutes each)
• Brief follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 months post-study (about 15 minutes each)

Who Can Apply

We're looking for participants who are:

• Age 18 or older
• Willing to commit to the full 8-week programme
• Able to participate in follow-up assessments over the course of a year
• Interested in exploring how kindness might impact wellbeing
• Comfortable using a mobile app for daily interactions
• Open to providing honest feedback about their experiences

Benefits of Participating

• Be part of groundbreaking research on wellbeing
• Gain personal insights about your happiness and mental wellbeing patterns
• Potentially experience positive changes in your own life satisfaction
• Help develop an evidence-based approach that could benefit thousands
• Receive a comprehensive report of the study findings

About Do Me A Favour Buddy

Founded after a transformative experience with the power of targeted kindness, we're developing data-driven approaches to improve wellbeing through simple, personalised acts. Our work has already engaged 15,000 followers and validation from King's College London.

Role Description

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.   

All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results.  

Role Purpose

Are you looking to build your skills in web development?

This voluntary role provides an opportunity to gain and develop skills whilst doing something worthwhile.

What you will be doing

• Update and maintain the charity’s website

• Work with the project coordinator to improve the tagging and SEO of the website

• Work closely with the media team, ensuring all posts and pages are uploaded correctly

• Troubleshoot any issues with the website

• Over time, development of the charity’s website to improve user experience.

Is this role right for me?

We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.

• Previous experience using WordPress

• Good understanding of SEO

• Excellent IT skills

• Knowledge of HTML (not essential but desirable)

• Good communication skills.

• Happy to use Microsoft Teams for meetings

Availability and location

• Volunteer 2-4 hours per week, at least 6 months commitment

• You can volunteer on days/times which suit you and fit around your current commitments

• You can volunteer from our office at Newcraighall, Edinburgh or from your location.

Benefits to you

• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people  

• Build on your employability skills  

• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you   

• A job reference after 3 months of volunteering. 

• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community 

• On-site car parking 

• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy   

How do I apply?

Download and complete an application form our website 

We are looking for a passionate and self-motivated Fundraising Volunteer to help us secure funding for our projects. This role is ideal for someone who wants to develop experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement while making a tangible impact.

Key Responsibilities

�� Identifying Funding Opportunities – Research potential grants, donors, and corporate sponsors aligned with our mission.
�� Understanding What Funders Look For – Analyse funding criteria and align our proposals accordingly.
�� Supporting Crowdfunding Campaigns – Help set up and promote online fundraising initiatives.
�� Assisting in Grant Applications – Provide support in writing and submitting funding proposals.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement.
• A chance to expand your professional network in the INGO sector.
• Recognition on any related publications
• A written reference and certificate of appreciation.

Ideal Candidate

✔ Strong research and writing skills.
✔ Passionate about nonprofit work and fundraising.
✔ Proactive and able to work independently.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help promote Marie Curie’s national fundraising events and campaigns and make sure they are successful.
 

Using your local knowledge and experience, you will plan and promote our events and campaigns to recruit more people to take part. Your ideas with help us find new audiences and beat our recruitment and fundraising targets.
 

This is a great opportunity to build skills and experience by helping us with our campaigns.
 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Our Project Support Volunteer roles include, but are not restricted to, some of the following tasks:
• Coordinate projects and help plan events
• Help recruit participants by targeting groups and individuals who would be interested in our events
 

THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED
• Self-motivation and creativity
• Ability to work in a team
• Friendly and confident manner - in person, on the phone and in email
• Research skills
• An interest in or knowledge of marketing
• Good computer skills, especially Microsoft Office
• Experience of or willing to use a database

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY
• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
 

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU
• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested
 

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

Ref: 6285

Role Description

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an important departments in our organisation, working with the team on fundraising efforts while gaining valuable experience within Emerge Worldwide. We are looking for an individual with the passion and drive for fundraising, to help the organisation reach our fundraising goals and enable us to achieve the crucial work we do in raising awareness and prevention against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

We make an impactful difference in the lives of children, young people, women and professionals as well as organisations and businesses. There has been a 10% increase in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking against children (NSPCC 2022), and 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are female (Unseen).  We desire to provide free training so as many women and girls are trained, enabling increased protection against this horrific crime. 

As a volunteer fundraiser, you’ll be instrumental in the organisation securing the essential funds that allow Emerge Worldwide to reach more people, including supporting and empowering victims and survivors. Your efforts will directly contribute to us offering services to the most vulnerable people. 

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking volunteers with experience in fundraising, fundraising research to help drive our fundraising efforts and expand our support network, including sponsorship. Any experience in bid writing is desirable. We are also seeking volunteers who have event planning and project planning experience. 

This role will include:

● Researching funding and sponsorship opportunities.

● Exploring additional fundraising opportunities and strategies.

● Developing a simple donor journey and stewardship plan to engage supporters, providing ways to deepen their connection with our charity.

● Assisting in the planning and organisation of fundraising activities and events.

● Reaching out to businesses and companies for potential partnerships and donation opportunities.

● Supporting the promotion of our fundraising initiatives and activities.

● Assisting with online fundraising efforts.

● Contributing creative fundraising ideas to boost engagement and donations.

● Collaborating with our Social Media team to create engaging content and campaigns that promote our fundraising efforts, increase visibility, and inspire community support.

We are looking for volunteers who have:

● A track record in delivering successful fundraising.

● Experience of fundraising in the charity sector is desirable but not essential.

● Experience in planning successful events and activities.

● Good knowledge of the current fundraising landscape and interest in keeping up to date with fundraising trends.

● Reliable, organised with good timekeeping.

● Able to work independently and proactively as well as in a team.

● Clear and confident in communication.

● Excellent working knowledge and comprehension of written English.

What you will gain:

This role provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, bid writing (where applicable), and event planning. You’ll develop valuable skills in building partnerships, communication, and project management—skills that are highly sought after across many sectors. In addition to gaining practical experience, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team, working closely with experienced professionals who are eager to help you grow, share their expertise, and celebrate your achievements.

By volunteering with us, you’ll experience the profound impact of helping your community receive awareness, prevention and interventions that will help safeguard and protect them against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, as well as empowering and supporting victims and survivors. This is a perfect role for anyone looking to start or advance a career in the charity sector, communications, or event management, as well as for those who want to make a meaningful difference with their skills.

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Are you passionate about graphic design and want to use your skills to make a difference? At Children With Voices, we’re looking for a creative Volunteer Graphic Designer to help us develop eye-catching promotional materials. Your designs will play a vital role in communicating our mission and enhancing our brand presence.

What You’ll Do:

• Design engaging graphics for flyers, brochures, social media, and event banners.
• Ensure designs align with our brand guidelines and effectively convey our message.
• Collaborate with our team to understand design needs and deliver creative solutions.
• Revise designs based on feedback to meet project requirements.
• Stay updated on design trends to bring fresh, innovative ideas to our materials.

Skills We’re Looking For:

• Proficiency in Design Software: Experienced with graphic design tools and software.
• Strong Portfolio: Showcase of previous graphic design work.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain brand consistency and design quality.
• Creativity: Good understanding of design principles and visual storytelling.
• Project Management: Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Collaborate effectively and incorporate feedback.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact.
• Gain valuable experience in grant writing and fundraising within a charitable organisation.
• Develop and enhance your skills in communication, research, and project coordination.
• Travel expenses are paid and you will have a healthy meal!

Note: This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Children With Voices is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for all volunteers.

If you’re ready to bring your design skills to a meaningful cause and help us create impactful visuals, we’d love to hear from you!