Research project volunteer volunteer roles in manchester
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
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To support the overall management of the Research & Policy Department by leading the Initial Research function
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To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles, directly managing up to 4 Research Managers
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To have overall responsibility for all of our Initial Research work, usually overseeing approximately 4 short term research projects at any one time
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To engage with research ethics volunteers to ensure of ethical compliance
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To oversee and develop relevant procedure and process
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To align Initial Research Team Research Managers with the objectives and goals of the department
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To provide support to Research Managers and Initial Research Teams, ensuring a good level of support is provided across each team
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To ensure of effective supervision of volunteers
You will need
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Some experience in a management position
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At least 2 years of operational research experience
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A postgraduate course of study, ideally at PhD level
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A good understanding of ethical compliance in research
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Planning skills
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Research report writing experience
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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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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!
Upload your CV in a PDF format only, applications outside of this format may not be considered.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Responsibilities may include
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To complete research tasks in line with timelines and agreed deadlines
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To help plan, write, edit and proofread reports, literature reviews and related writings
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To work alongside others in managing a workload, and actively communication
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To analyse and interpret research data (mainly qualitative, secondary data analysis)
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To support and be accountable to the senior researcher
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To assist in the design and planning of projects and research work
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To follow ethical guidelines
Requirements:
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To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas
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To have experience as a Research Assistant or Researcher or equivalent role in related areas
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Experience in qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus
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To be able to work well as part of a team and independently
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!
Provide a cover letter explaining why you want to volunteer with us, and explain a situation in the past where you have used your own initiative to complete a task.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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!
Upload your CV in a PDF format only, applications outside of this format may not be considered.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
***PhD required***
12 month minimum comminitment
only applicants with a PhD will be considered
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!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
This is an opportunity for someone who holds a PhD or Research Master’s degree to join our team as a Research Manager, and use their experience in guiding and managing our research function(s). Initially there will be a focus on managing the preliminary research function, which carries out research on specific topics to best inform, guide and direct our work in protecting the rights and interests of young people.
Responsibilities
· To manage welfare of researchers
· Look after day to day management and support of teams, stand in for absences (including undertaking research tasks, where necessary).
· Monitor and report on performance
· To advise on and provide feedback on matters of research
· To line manage senior researchers
· To advise on, guide and manage research workflow, ensuring of ethical research and policy compliance
· To ensure of a focus on organizational goals
· To lead planning as required
· To have oversight on research being carried out and the outcomes of such, ensuring it is to a high standard
You will need
· A PhD or Master’s degree
· To have experience operationally in a research role
· To understand how to motivate a team and manage others
Benefits
This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role with a time commitment of 5 hours per week.
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!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
This is an opportunity for someone who holds a PhD or Research Master’s degree to join our team as a Research Manager, and use their experience in guiding and managing our research function(s). Initially there will be a focus on managing the preliminary research function, which carries out research on specific topics to best inform, guide and direct our work in protecting the rights and interests of young people.
Responsibilities
· To manage welfare of researchers
· Look after day to day management and support of teams, stand in for absences (including undertaking research tasks, where necessary).
· Monitor and report on performance
· To advise on and provide feedback on matters of research
· To line manage senior researchers
· To advise on, guide and manage research workflow, ensuring of ethical research and policy compliance
· To ensure of a focus on organizational goals
· To lead planning as required
· To have oversight on research being carried out and the outcomes of such, ensuring it is to a high standard
You will need
· A PhD or Master’s degree
· To have experience operationally in a research role
· To understand how to motivate a team and manage others
Benefits
This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role with a time commitment of 5 hours per week.
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!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for detail-orientated, proactive people who’d like to use their research or writing skills to help strengthen our funding applications and impact reporting.
As a Research and Bid Support Volunteer, you’ll help identify funding opportunities, gather data and evidence, and support the preparation of grant proposals. You’ll also assist with compiling feedback and monitoring information that helps us demonstrate the difference our work makes.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys research, analysis and writing and wants to gain experience in how charities develop projects and secure funding.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Researching grant opportunities that align with our programmes and priorities
- Helping gather data, statistics and community evidence to support funding applications
- Reviewing funder guidelines and eligibility criteria
- Assisting with drafting or formatting sections of funding proposals
- Collecting quotes, case studies and outcomes to demonstrate impact
- Supporting report preparation and data organisation for monitoring and evaluation
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
- Strong written and research skills
- Attention to detail and ability to analyse information clearly
- Organised and methodical approach to work
- Confidence using digital tools and online databases
- Interest in community development, funding or project design
- Discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information
What You’ll Gain
- Experience contributing to real funding applications and impact reporting
- Insight into charity fundraising, project development and evaluation
- Opportunities to build research, analysis and writing skills
- The satisfaction of supporting projects that bring lasting community benefits
About Us
We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.
Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.
Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.
We are a catalyst for overcoming poverty at its root by empowering marginalised people and developing sustainable communities.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours
About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.
This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).
• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.
• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.
• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.
• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.
• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.
• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.
• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.
• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).
What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment
Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Histiocytosis UK are seeking Expressions of Interest from Parents, Patients and Professionals for positions on the Advisory Panel to the Board of Trustees.
Advisory Panel Members are appointed for one year, attending a minimum of 2 meetings (one in person and one virtual). Their role is to help steer the charity to ensure that no one should die of histiocytosis and to represent patients and professionals in the histiocytosis field. Advisory Panel members can apply to join the Board of Trustees ( for two years). The current vacancies have arisen because some members have come to the end of their terms of service.
The APM appointments are to the General Portfolio Team, we would also be particularly interested to hear from those who would be happy to take up either Financial/Banking or Scientific Research Portfolios should they be offered the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees.
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families. Our bespoke support is free of charge and available 365 days of the year. The supplementary support to our paid staff that our volunteers offer ensures the best experience for our supported families. The hospice recognises and values the unique contribution volunteers make.
Role Purpose
Shooting Star Children's Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance.
You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly.
Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.
Duties and key responsibilities
- Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair).
- Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards.
- Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices.
- Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio.
- Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities.
- Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics.
- Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research.
- In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent).
- Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools.
Desirable Attributes
- Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.
- Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.
- Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Commitment
- Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).
- Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).
- Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).
- 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.
- This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed.
What can I expect from volunteering for Shooting Star Children's Hospices?
- Full training and Induction for the volunteer role.
- To make a valuable and worthwhile contribution to the services we provide
- Ongoing Support from a line manager and the Volunteer Development team.
- Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our volunteer policy.
- A monthly volunteer newsletter with news about the charity and any ad-hoc volunteering opportunities.
- The possibility to switch volunteer roles if you decide that you would like to try something different.
- An invite to our yearly Volunteer thank you event.
- An opportunity to provide feedback via our feedback forms, surveys and our Volunteer Forum
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a UK-registered Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering the survivor and young people’s community through advocacy, storytelling, education, and digital innovation.
We are now entering the second stage of our CIC’s development, building the technological foundation that will support everything we do — from volunteer management and online learning to donor engagement and impact measurement.
Our aim is to create a digitally connected ecosystem that allows survivors, young people, and our partners to access resources, training, and opportunities from anywhere in the world. As we await funding for our next phase, This project will help us build the digital backbone of our organisation
The Digital Systems Research & Implementation Team will help us identify the most effective, decentralised, and sustainable digital tools on the market to take us forward.
This team will play a critical advisory role in guiding which platforms we invest in — ensuring that every system we choose is ethical, scalable, open-source, and aligned with our mission.
About the Project
Your work will directly shape the digital future of our CIC.
The team will:
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Research and evaluate open-source and nonprofit-friendly digital tools (LMS, CRM, donor systems, AI marketing tools, etc.).
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Assess features, usability, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and decentralisation potential.
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Report and recommend the most suitable options for our organisation’s stage of growth.
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Collaborate with external experts (once funding is secured) to help customise and integrate chosen platforms.
You won’t be expected to build or code systems yourself — instead, you’ll help us make smart, evidence-based decisions that position our CIC for long-term success and operational excellence.
Roles Available
1. IT / Computer Science Student (Systems Research Assistant)
Purpose: To assess open-source tools for functionality, hosting, and integration potential.
Key tasks:
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Evaluate open-source and decentralised systems (e.g., CiviCRM, Moodle, Bitrix24, Odoo)
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Compare features, user experience, and technical feasibility
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Create visual reports and data sheets for leadership review
Ideal for: Tech students eager to gain research experience in system evaluation and digital transformation within the nonprofit sector.
2. Digital Project Coordinator / Tech Virtual Assistant
Purpose: To manage workflows, organise research outputs, and document processes.
Key tasks:
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Coordinate project timelines and virtual meetings
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Compile reports, maintain documentation, and organise digital findings
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Support the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from recorded training sessions
Ideal for: Detail-oriented individuals who love systems thinking and want to gain experience in digital project coordination.
3. Research Assistant / Business Management Student
Purpose: To analyse research data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
Key tasks:
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Conduct structured comparisons between tools (features, costs, scalability)
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Summarise key insights for leadership decision-making
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Prepare presentation decks and short research briefs
Ideal for: Students or graduates in Business, Management, or Social Enterprise looking to apply their research and analytical skills to a real-world digital project.
4. Nonprofit Tech Enthusiast / Digital Systems Volunteer
Purpose: To connect the dots between technology, usability, and community needs.
Key tasks:
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Evaluate accessibility and user experience from the perspective of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries
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Suggest tools that enhance transparency, inclusion, and efficiency
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Support external experts by testing workflows and providing user feedback during implementation
Ideal for: Individuals passionate about technology for good, decentralisation, and community impact.
Why Join Us
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Be part of a core digital transformation project in a growing UK social enterprise.
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Work with real systems and expert advisors shaping the CIC’s long-term digital strategy.
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Gain hands-on experience in research, decision-making, and systems planning.
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Receive references and recorded training access for your future portfolio.
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Collaborate with a team that values innovation, transparency, and community-driven design.
What You’ll Learn
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How nonprofits evaluate and adopt open-source systems
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The process of digital transformation within a CIC structure
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Research and reporting best practices
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The ethics and practicality of decentralised digital infrastructure
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Cross-team collaboration in a multi-stakeholder environment
How This Role Feeds Into Our Mission
This team will lay the digital foundation for everything our CIC does — helping us choose systems that will empower survivors and young people to connect, learn, and thrive safely and efficiently.
By identifying the best tools on the market, you’ll be ensuring our future operations are secure, efficient, and impactful — built on technology that reflects our values and vision.
How to Apply
Please apply via CharityJob with:
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A short cover letter outlining why you’d like to join this digital transformation project, and
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Any relevant coursework, volunteer, or professional experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a friendly group introduction session to meet the team, learn about our mission, and select their preferred focus area.