Side volunteer roles

Who We Are

ExtraCare is a registered charity established in 1988. Our vision is better lives for older people, and our mission is to create sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy, and care when it is needed.All surpluses generated by the organisation are reinvested to improve the lives of our residents. We have no shareholders and are governed by an unpaid Board of Trustees.

ExtraCare is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for people aged 55 and over. We operate 14 retirement villages and four smaller retirement schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents across 3,778 homes.

To support our work, we operate a subsidiary company, ExtraCare Retail Limited, which runs charity shops and donates its profits to the charity. Additional income is generated through fundraising activities.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of ExtraCare Charitable Trust at a time of continued growth and impact.

Our Trustees work collaboratively, bringing energy, insight and constructive challenge to support the organisation’s mission of improving the lives of older people and creating vibrant communities. With the Trust in a strong position and preparing for its next corporate plan, new Trustees will play an important role in helping to shape future strategy and supporting the organisation’s long-term sustainability and success.

We are seeking two new Trustees to join the Board as part of our ongoing Board development. Through these appointments, we are looking to strengthen the Board’s expertise in key areas that will support the Trust’s continued growth and governance.

Trustee – Finance and Treasury
For one of these roles, we are particularly seeking significant experience in treasury and financial management. This includes a strong understanding of treasury strategy and oversight, alongside experience in financial management, financial reporting and control systems.

The successful candidate will help provide robust scrutiny and guidance on the Trust’s financial position, supporting the Board in ensuring long-term financial resilience and sustainability.

Trustee – Social Housing and Housing Services
For the second role, we are looking to bring deeper expertise in social housing and housing services. We welcome candidates with experience in the social housing sector, including a strong understanding of the regulatory framework and the management and delivery of housing services.

This knowledge will support the Board in overseeing our housing provision, ensuring high standards of service, strong regulatory compliance, and the continued development of thriving communities for older people.

We are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. We warmly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those who may be underrepresented on charity boards, and who can bring additional insight and lived experience to our governance.

For further details about the organisation, the role description, and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please provide:
•  A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements and the details of two referees
•  A supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying (maximum one side of A4)

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Melissa Baxter – Managing Partner, Charities

Closing date for applications: Monday 13 April 2026
Interviews with ExtraCare Charitable Trust: Thursday 30 April 2026
Interviews will take place at a location in the Birmingham region.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Our Side by Side care leavers programme aims to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness for care leavers and to bridge the gap between leaving care and finding their own way in the world by embarking on their journey ‘side by side’ with them when they need it. 

Every child taken into care and every young person who leaves it should expect the very best care alongside the support and love they need to thrive. 

Sadly, far too many young care leavers are thrust into the adult world before they are ready, facing a life without the support of family and friends that so many of us take for granted.

Young people tell us they are missing the skills and trusted people they need to help them navigate this new chapter in their lives. While some lack a positive adult role model, others are struggling to access education, employment, health services and maintain financial security.

Most just need someone to talk to; someone they can trust.

The impact of care experience does not end at 18, 21 or even 25.  It is a continuous lifetime experience that can have lasting effects. Young people are at risk of falling into debt, becoming mentally or physically ill, vulnerable to exploitation and discriminated against as they leave care.

What they need is a bit of extra support to help.

How can you help?

Come and join us in volunteering to support a care leaver.

You do not need any specific skills or experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to support a care leaver with their practical and emotional needs.

We just ask that you commit to the programme for a minimum of 12 months.

You will receive all the support and training you need to make the most of your role, including:

• Support from your line manager

• Access to a range of training opportunities

• Reimbursement of all reasonable expenses

• An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role.

BIND is a collection of projects and people that reduce food waste by bringing people together to create change. We design and deliver projects across sectors that push boundaries and achieve results. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose on our website. Our work is split between Magic Hat, Eat Smart and food waste partnerships.

Magic Hat is Newcastle City Centre’s first and only coffee shop, kitchen and events venue dedicated to impacting the UK’s wider food waste problem - positively. Our chefs design menus on-the-day, every day, made from food that's far too good to be wasted. Fresh ideas for ingredients at their best. Magic Hat also operates a volunteer programme, a PAYF shop, an events programme and a hireable meeting space/kitchen. Magic Hat's profits go to supporting Bind's other projects in food waste prevention. After 5 years of trading in Newcastle City Centre, our lease was terminated for the building to get redeveloped. We are currently seeking out a new premises for Magic Hat and designing for how we can continue to challenge in its next iteration.

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness. 

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level.

Bind is expanding its work to ensure food waste prevention, not just redistribution, is at the heart of our mission. Bind works in partnership with businesses, local authorities and community groups to help them reduce their food waste, and reduce their food bills by using surplus food in their kitchens. We are well recognised in the North East and lead various partnerships of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, tasked with reducing food waste at a strategic level.

About the Trustee Role

As a Bind Trustee, you’ll be at the heart of our strategic vision. You’ll make key decisions and help guide our Board and CEOs to maximise Bind’s impact. We are looking for experienced trustees to join our existing team of three, with one or more of the following areas of expertise, although we welcome applications from people with other skills and levels of experience:

1. Strategic Growth and Development

2. Financial control and/or fundraising

3. Policy: education, food and/or sustainability

4. Communications, marketing & PR 

5. Impact, performance and accountability

Time Commitment: 

• Your total time commitment will be between 2-6 hours per month, including board meetings every 6-8 weeks and ongoing problem solving – via email/WhatsApp.

• Meetings are a mix of online and in-person. You will be expected to prepare adequately for and attend meetings, as well as contribute to the success of Bind in other ways (e.g. through committee work, advocacy and attending events).

Essential Qualities of All Directors

• Commitment to Bind’s aims, objectives and core values

• Passion for creating behavioural change around the issue of food waste

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee

• Be familiarised with Bind’s constitution

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to our aims and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

You will be collectively responsible for the effective governance and oversight of the charity, ensuring it is well-run, financially sound and delivering its charitable purposes:

• You’ll act in the charity’s best interests, advancing its charitable objects and acting with reasonable care and skill

• You’ll ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, charity law and regulation

• You’ll provide strategic direction, agreeing the charity’s mission, values and long-term priorities

• You’ll oversee finances, ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place, resources are used responsibly, and assets are safeguarded

• You’ll manage risk, including reputational, financial and operational risk

• You’ll ensure accountability, monitoring performance and impact and acting transparently

• You’ll uphold safeguarding, equality and ethical standards, ensuring appropriate policies and practices are in place

• You’ll participate fully in Trustee Board meetings, decision-making and any sub-committees

• You’ll act as an ambassador for the charity and support its aims externally where appropriate

Application Process

To apply, please prepare no more than one side of A4 telling us about your relevant experience and what difference you hope to make to Bind. Please also include your full name and best contact details.

The deadline for applications is 20th February 2026. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this, we hope to hear from you soon.

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring their ideas and experience to our Board, who can champion our activities and advocate for us both locally and regionally. Our current Trustees are committed to the performing arts and enjoy sharing their expertise and experience, to make the Theatre stronger and more resilient.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. You don’t need experience of being a Trustee, or of being in the performing arts. All we require is that you have a passion for live theatre. Induction, mentoring and training will be provided.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in these areas:

• Finance, commercial and/or business operations
• Fundraising
• IT and systems
• Facilities or venue management
• Or…..tell us what you can offer!

We welcome candidates who can demonstrate:

• A passion for the Lawrence Batley Theatre and our vision and mission, along with a commitment to arts and culture as a force for change;
• A good understanding of effective governance and management;
• Strategic vision and creative thinking;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• An understanding of the barriers which some people within our communities face and a commitment to effect change; Values of equalities, diversity and inclusion.

For more information please download the recruitment pack on our website.

To apply please email us with your CV and no more than one side of A4 outlining: your experience, why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Kirklees Theatre Trust (Lawrence Batley Theatre) and what you will bring to the organisation. Deadline for applications is 12noon on Fri 3 April.

All applications will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Chair and Chief Executive to understand a little more about you and what you can bring to the Board. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to observe a Board meeting before deciding whether they wish to formally join as a Trustee.

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

Are you full of energy, like meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in your community? Join us as a Fundraising Event Support Volunteer and help bring our amazing fundraising events to life.

Whether you're cheering on runners from the side-lines, helping to run a tombola or collecting vital funds – there’s a role for everyone.

You'll be part of a passionate team, supporting our Fundraising and Events Team to create memorable experiences that raise vital funds for St Barnabas, Chestnut Tree House, and Martlets.

We are looking for horse-experienced volunteers and/or volunteers with experience working with people with disabilities to help support our RDA participants during their weekday riding as therapy sessions.

Horse-based roles would include:

1) Support catching and bringing horses in from field or stable.

2)Helping groom and tack up

3)Leading horses (if experienced with horses or have completed internal training) 

4)Side-helping - Walking alongside the participant on the ride to support them emotionally and help pass on instructions given by the Coach

Other roles would include:

1)Meets and greets with participants and parents and/or carers as they arrive for activities

2)Setting up the school before sessions and helping break down the school after sessions

3)Completing registers and helping with rotas

There are also opportunities for volunteers to undertake further training towards becoming a registered RDA Instructor. Our sessions are run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for positive, friendly and forward thinking individuals to join us!

We’re looking for full stack developers to help us create a ground-breaking web app that promotes sustainable living and climate action.

You will play a major role in:

• developing the server-side logic;
• ensuring high performance and responsiveness;
• ensuring front-end optimization;
• designing and maintaining database schemas.  

What are we looking for?

Three years web development experience with working knowledge of Python and, preferably Django framework.  Ability to:

• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code that powers the application's back-end logic;
• Integrate user-facing elements;
• Optimize components for maximum performance & scalability;
• Build & maintain reusable component libraries to ensure consistency.

Preferably with PWA experience. 

What difference will you make?

You will play a key role in delivering this innovative app and in ensuring it reduces carbon footprints, and, inspires and enables sustainable action across the population.

You will be at the forefront of bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living accessible and appealing to everyone – and driving real environmental impact.

Volunteer with Shelter at the 2026 London Marathon

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers? 

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 290 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission. 

Date: 26th April 2026 

Time: Between 10:00-17:00 (3hr shifts available) 

Locations: Various – Greenwich (Mile 7), Bermondsey (Mile 12), Canary Wharf (Mile 18), and Embankment (Mile 25) 

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Next steps 

If you would like to volunteer at this event, fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further. 

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Are you passionate about empowering communities with life-saving first aid skills? Join St John Ambulance in our mission to ensure every community and young person is first aid confident. 

Through your planning and relationship building skills, help us provide a positive volunteer experience for St John Volunteers across Cumbria & Lancashire. 

About the Role Are you passionate about providing volunteers with equal opportunities for training and development? Do you have experience in managing high-level processes to ensure consistency and quality? 

Are you motivated to help volunteers grow, thrive, and deliver meaningful impact within their communities? If so, the County Education and Volunteer Experience Lead role could be the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference! 

Key Impact and Responsibilities The County Education and Volunteer Experience Lead is responsible for creating a positive volunteer experience in Cumbria & Lancashire, from supporting our volunteers in recruiting new members, to ensuring new volunteers are receiving an effective welcome and induction process, to delivering a coordinated training programme for our volunteers across the county. 

More details are available in the role description attached to this advert. 

Development and support available We are committed to providing ongoing support and development for the right candidate in this volunteer role, offering opportunities to grow and succeed as a leader. 

This role is open to role-sharing. If you are passionate about either the Volunteer Experience or Training side but not both, please still apply and indicate your preference in your application. 

You will be part of a county team, likely also including officer roles to support you, such as for Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding. This role can be done remotely if you do not live nearby. We are also happy to discuss a role share if needed.

Training and Development, and Education and Engagement. 

The closing date for this vacancy is - 12/04/2026

Volunteer Assistant Basketball Coach Opportunity

Join Skills Development Training as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Free Basketball Sessions!

We're seeking a reliable Volunteer Assistant Coach for every Saturday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at 1 Selby Road, White Hart Lane, London - Haringey N17 8JL. Support our free basketball training for boys and girls aged 11-18, helping them develop skills, make friends, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment!

What you'll do:

• Assist with drills, skill-building activities, and small-sided games during the full 2-hour sessions every Saturday.

• Support a positive vibe for all abilities – no coaching experience needed, just energy and passion for basketball!

• Help manage equipment and ensure smooth delivery alongside the lead coach.

What we offer:

• Travel expenses paid (public transport receipts required).

• Hands-on experience, training provided, DBS support, and strong CV reference.

• Ongoing weekly commitment during term time.

Who we're looking for:

• Love of basketball and working with youth (11-18).

• Reliable, patient, team player available every Saturday 1-3pm.

• DBS check required (we'll help arrange).

Apply now: Email [your email] with "Assistant Basketball Coach - Every Saturday" in the subject line. Share a short intro about yourself, basketball interest, and Saturday availability confirmation.

Are you passionate about empowering communities with life-saving first aid skills? Join St John Ambulance in our mission to ensure every community and young person is first aid confident. 

Through your planning and relationship building skills, help us provide a positive volunteer experience for St John Volunteers across Cumbria & Lancashire. 

About the Role Are you passionate about providing volunteers with equal opportunities for training and development? Do you have experience in managing high-level processes to ensure consistency and quality? 

Are you motivated to help volunteers grow, thrive, and deliver meaningful impact within their communities? If so, the County Education and Volunteer Experience Lead role could be the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference! 

Key Impact and Responsibilities The County Education and Volunteer Experience Lead is responsible for creating a positive volunteer experience in Cumbria & Lancashire, from supporting our volunteers in recruiting new members, to ensuring new volunteers are receiving an effective welcome and induction process, to delivering a coordinated training programme for our volunteers across the county. 

More details are available in the role description attached to this advert. Development and support available We are committed to providing ongoing support and development for the right candidate in this volunteer role, offering opportunities to grow and succeed as a leader. This role is open to role-sharing. 

If you are passionate about either the Volunteer Experience or Training side but not both, please still apply and indicate your preference in your application. 

You will be part of a county team, likely also including officer roles to support you, such as for Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding, Training and Development, and Education and Engagement. 

All relevant training will be provided upon successful interview.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 31st March 2026

Cheerer Volunteering at the Manchester Marathon

Would you like to have a great day out, while supporting Shelter’s fundraisers?

Information about the role

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 125 Shelter runners from the side lines. You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Volunteering at this event is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Date: Sunday 19 April 2026

Time: TBC

Location: Manchester – along the race route heading towards Stretford.

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

This role fights the housing emergency by creating an inspirational buzz and providing much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

BRIGHTON MARATHON

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We are delighted to be Charity Partner for the Brighton Marathon this year, and are looking forward to supporting the event and all of the wonderful participants, some of whom will be running on our behalf.

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In order to support this event, we are looking for a small team of volunteers to help with a number of roles which will include 

• Cheering on the runners, to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere
• Marshalls
• Water Station Marshalls
• Finish Line Marshalls

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​The event takes place on the 12th April 2026, so if you would like to get involved as a volunteer, are perhaps local to the area or able to travel for the day, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

​​​For further details please take a look at our Volunteer Role Description via the link below. 

The first stage is to register your details on our tracking system and a member of our Community Fundraising Team will be in touch to discuss your interest.

A volunteer is someone who provides unpaid support to Brain Tumour Research