Research volunteer roles

AkiOke Music Club is a grassroots charity passionate about empowering adults with a heap of abilities and talents through music. We provide safe, fun, and inclusive weekly singing sessions, using karaoke and music-making to encourage participation, build friendships, and boost confidence.

To grow and sustain our work, we rely on charitable grants, trusts, and other funding opportunities. We’re now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our fundraising team. Whether you’re new to the sector and keen to contribute your skills, or an experienced professional who wants to make a real difference, we have a role for you.

Are you fascinated by the marine world?  Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value?  Are you interested in widening your horizons?  If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Board.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is an independent marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions.  Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science has a positive attitude towards diversity.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity amongst our staff and students: we aim to achieve balanced gender representation in our Board membership.

We are committed to:

• The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
• The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
• Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.

SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today.  We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:

• To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment.
• To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures.
• To develop a sustainable blue economy.

We are seeking new TRUSTEES to join the SAMS Board, commencing in late Autumn 2025.

In general, individuals are sought who can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• An ability to operate strategically and collaboratively towards common goals.
• Background in marine / environmental science research
• Experience of higher education
• Background in finance, risk/compliance and/or law.
• Background in media and communication, and/or public engagement
• Senior operational role in a university, research or third sector organisation.
• Experience of building effective philanthropic / fundraising relationships and networks.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to equality and diversity.

On this occasion we are seeking individuals who can help strengthen the scientific complement, finance and audit.  We are also seeking to appoint a new ambitious role: a trustee to act as a representative of the Ocean.  SAMS has taken the bold step to ensure that SAMS governance is not exclusively anthropocentric.  This trustee role will be the first time we have recruited for the position and the person appointed will help develop the role.

These positions are unremunerated.  Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years.  The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum.  There are a number of sub-committees of the Board, and most Trustees are also members of these committees, for which extra time commitment of two or three days is required.  Most meetings are held in Oban, the other half online.  Should travel expenses be incurred these will be reimbursed. 

Application for the role is by:

• covering letter indicating which role (or roles) interest you; and
• a short CV

The deadline for applications of 28 September 2025.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview virtually in October with the possibility of face-to-face interviews later.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas. 

GACD (the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases) is the only alliance of international research funders jointly funding, developing and facilitating global research collaborations to tackle the growing burden of chronic ‘non-communicable diseases’ (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, cancers and mental health conditions. The worldwide burden of NCDs is increasing, but doing so most rapidly in poorly resourced countries where they are a significant risk to health and wellbeing. GACD aims to provide essential evidence on the most effective ways to prevent or manage these chronic conditions and improve health equity.

As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements.

At this time, we are particularly looking to attract a candidate with a strong understanding of the UK charity sector, including experience with charity governance and best practices in charity management.

This is a voluntary role and the position is expected to start from December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.
You can find full details of the role by downloading the role description.

Closing date: 26 September 2025 at 12 noon
Interviews (virtual): w/c 13 October 2025

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business

· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers

· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year

· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact

We are looking for people who are:

· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution

· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and

research.

Hours: Variable – depending on individual circumstances and what people can do

Location: Variable – we are looking to extend our reach of peer support walks throughout Yorkshire

Main Tasks:

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Support our regular wellbeing/peer support walks

· Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere

· Encourage conversations among participants, offering a listening ear

· Be attentive to the well-being of all participants during the walk

· Offer information on YBTC services

· Attending occasional training sessions or volunteer meetings organised by YBTC

We are looking for people who are:

· Are warm and non-judgemental

· Reliability – are punctual and committed to scheduled walks

· Collaborative mindset to work effectively with staff and volunteers

· Basic physical fitness to complete the walks, awareness of the needs of participants with

different mobility/health conditions

We can offer you the following:

· Full induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· Opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people

· The satisfaction of making a positive impact on those affected by brain tumours

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumours are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are: Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire through local support and research.

Help give animals a voice – join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group.

Do you want to help shape a fairer future for animals, where progress in medicine is equal, ethical, and compassionate?

We’re looking for passionate changemakers to join our Public and Guardian Involvement and Engagement (PGIE) Group as volunteer members. Whether you’re a professional (human clinician, vet, scientist, engineer, or bioethicist), an animal guardian, or simply someone who believes in equality for all species, then we’d love to hear from you.

What is PGIE?

In human healthcare, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) has become a powerful way to make sure research meets real patient needs. At Humanimal Trust, we’re translating this idea into veterinary medicine through PGIE – bringing together patients (in our case animals, via their guardians), the public, and professionals, to develop best practices.

By joining, you’ll be helping to guide research, so it benefits both humans AND animals.

As a volunteer member, you’ll:

• Help shape an ethical framework for One Medicine, focusing on good practice in veterinary clinical trials and collaboration between human and veterinary medicine.
• Join virtual group meetings (around 6 per year, with at least 60% attendance expected).
• Share your ideas and perspectives to support our mission and influence real change.
• Work with others to build consensus on key issues.
• Support projects and campaigns that spread the message of One Medicine.
• Occasionally represent the group at meetings and events.

What you’ll bring:

• Good listening and communication skills.
• An open mind and respect for different perspectives.
• A real passion for making a difference.
• Enthusiasm for our mission to create a fairer, kinder future for all species.

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of something truly groundbreaking – PGIE is the first group of its kind.
• Play a direct role in giving animals a voice in medical progress.
• Help build stronger connections between humans and animals in the fight against disease.
• Be part of a supportive, inspiring community of people who care as much as you do.

While this is a voluntary role, we will do our best to cover any out-of-pocket expenses related to your involvement.

Together, we can make sure that all humans and animals benefit from equal and sustainable medical progress, but not at the expense of an animal’s life. This is One Medicine.

We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our

volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.

We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might

vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:

· Helping with event preparation

· Manning checkpoints

· Walking support

· First-aid support

· Marshals

· Support drivers

· Helping with community stalls

We are looking for people who are:

· Warm and non-judgemental

· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC

· Able to communicate with a range of different groups

· Good team players, able to work with other staff/volunteers

· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements

We can offer you the following:

· Induction and ongoing training

· Ongoing support and supervision in your role

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· YBTC commitment to health and safety

About Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity

Background

Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support

Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading

brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child

brain tumour patients, together with their families.

We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new

approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.

At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain

tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region

every week.

Our charity values are:

Integrity, Compassion, Community & Ambition.

Our Vision/Mission

To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

We aim to become an Accredited Museum and to significantly improve the look and feel of the museum, and to become well known in the sport of Badminton.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a number of additional Trustees to actively participate in the achievement of the strategy. We are looking for skills in fundraising, museum operations, financial overview, web and social media, and ideally but not necessarily deep seated knowledge of the sport.

What are we looking for?

Fundraising, museum operations, financial experience, some with a deep knowledge of the sport of Badminton.

What difference will you make?

They will actively participate in the strategic plan, taking leadership in their field of expertise. Its an exciting time for the Museum and will be for the new and existing Trustees. Gaining accreditation itself is a multi-year project involving the creation of policies, and best practice museum processes. Gaining enough funding is a crucial part of the strategy, as is animation of the museum, and significantly improving the public awareness of the museum.

Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev)

Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) is a volunteer-led community challenging harmful narratives and practices in the global development sector through a decolonial lens. By addressing entrenched colonial structures, LPFDev advocates for equity, anti-racism, and decolonisation approaches that move beyond theory into practical solutions. The initiative fosters collective intentionality within the development community, creating safe spaces for open, candid dialogue while promoting more inclusive and just practices. Volunteers are welcomed with openness and creativity, encouraged to contribute their skills, learn collaboratively, and help reshape development into a field rooted in fairness, dignity, and shared global responsibility.

Data Analysis & Writing (Climate Justice Monitoring)

Support our climate justice research team by analysing qualitative and quantitative data collected from climate events and COP negotiations. Translate data insights into clear, compelling reports and briefing notes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support in the monitoring and collection of data on climate events in line with the research questions
• Analyse data sets related to COP30 and other climate-related events
• Draft reports and briefs on inclusion, equity, and participation patterns
• Collaborate with the research team to develop key findings and recommendations
• Ensure all written outputs are accessible

Skills & Experience:

• Strong analytical skills and data literacy
• Excellent written communication Interest or background in climate justice, policy analysis, or human rights preferred
• Experience with data visualisation is a plus

Minimum Hours per Week

4-6 hours per week

Duration

6+ months

Join Our Board – Become a Trustee at Coventry Citizens Advice

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Coventry Citizens Advice is looking for new trustees to help guide our vital work supporting over 13,000 people each year.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills to influence positive change, support strategic direction, and help shape services for those most in need.

No previous trustee experience required — just commitment, good judgement, and a desire to help others. We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in HR, legal, fundraising or research & campaigns.

Time commitment: 5–7 hours/month | Meetings held in the evenings
Apply by: 31 October 2025

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

The Grants Coordinator plays a crucial role in securing funding for our organization, which is a small but highly effective charity which uniquely acts as the collective voice of the views and concerns of all unpaid Mental Health Carers in the Royal Borough of Kingston. We are recognised in this campaigning role by statutory services who engage us as active members of decision-making committees. We also partner with other relevant organisations.

We assist individual Carers with 1:1 advice, guidance and self-empowerment, also having a monthly Peer-Support Group.

We are keen to further develop our services and, for this, we invite a volunteer with financial experience to help us achieve this. Whilst KMHCF is fully-funded for its present activities, we look for an applicant to guide us towards funding opportunities for our future expansion, and to take the lead on the application process.

This position involves researching and identifying potential funding sources, developing grant proposals, and managing fundraising campaigns. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding and experience of the grant application process, excellent writing and communication skills, and a passion for making a difference in the community.

You would need to be able to produce bids which would, in a competitive arena, entice Grant Funders to want to support our service.

This role would be home-based, but with regular contact with the Management Committee.

It would be good if you have some knowledge of Mental Health issues but this is not essential. Most of all, you should have the enthusiasm to serve Carers who can feel isolated and bewildered.

If you have the desire to make a real difference for Carers, please contact us for an informal discussion as a first step towards joining us.

Better Career

This impact startup connects emerging African talent with early-stage startups worldwide, creating a win-win ecosystem where youth gain hands-on experience while startups access fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. With Sub-Saharan Africa facing rising youth unemployment and education systems often failing to prepare graduates for the job market, the platform bridges critical skill gaps. By offering opportunities to learn from global startups, mentorship from experienced freelancers, and tailored career coaching, it equips young people with the tools and confidence to thrive in competitive industries.

At the same time, the platform helps startups and SMEs overcome the challenge of finding skilled and experienced professionals by offering recruitment services, HR outsourcing, and a space to announce job openings. By linking global experts with local entrepreneurs, it fuels collaboration, knowledge transfer, and innovation. Ultimately, the startup empowers youth to access global opportunities while enabling businesses to build strong teams, reshaping both talent development and talent acquisition in Africa.

Partnerships Manager

Role Description

1. Identifying and researching potential partners that align with Better Career's strategic goals and values

2. Developing a partnership strategy that complements the Better Career's overall business plan and market approach

3. Negotiating and finalising deals with new partners, including terms of cooperation, joint ventures, or integration into existing products and services

Minimum Hours per Week

10+ hours per week

Duration

6+ months

Are you an enthusiastic and skilled funding grant writer? Be a part of our small but committed team as a pro-active grant writer volunteer for a small national charity supporting people affected by a debilitating pain condition.

We are looking for 2 skilled grant writer volunteers who can take the lead in researching appropriate funds and writing grant bids to help us continue offering our support services and resources and helping us create new programmes and services to support patients and their families who have been affected by a poorly understood chronic condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.

As our grant writer, you will:

• Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria 
• Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids
• Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Burning Nights CRPS Support’s funding needs
• Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals
• Help us develop a case for support 
• Report on grant usage and impact
• Review all grant/bid feedback and ensure knowledge is shared, so that learning informs us for future approaches to grants

If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer and editing skills
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential
• Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills 
• Self-motivated and highly-organised
• Ability to work remotely
• Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds
• Ability to understand and appeal to funders’ differing needs
• Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly 
• Experience setting up funding email templates (desirable)
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our organisation  and our service users
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and can work with these
• Open to feedback
• Ideally have good network with people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects
• Determination to get the job done

Skills

• Project proposal writing
• Grant writing and knowledge of charity grant giving culture
• Good networking skills and contacts with grant giving organisation
• Marketing and communications
• Content writing and story-telling
• Good online fundraising skills
• Good editing and proof reading skills and attention to detail
• Team player who is comfortable working with various volunteers within Burning Nights CRPS Support to collate information required to write funding applications

If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing.

Other Information

This role is done remotely using Zoom, Slack and email. You would be working closely with the charity’s Chair and with other trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings as needed so we know you are getting the support you need.

We have an induction process that will help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates and full support of all our volunteers.

Minimum of 3-6 hours per week for this role

Ideal commitment of 3 months or more (but not specific)