Support officer volunteer roles in edinburgh

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) We restore degraded landscapes and empower rural communities with sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and green livelihoods.

RUWAI tackles the urgent, interconnected challenges of deforestation, climate change vulnerability, and rural poverty in Africa. Many rural communities rely on unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn farming and illegal logging, leading to widespread land degradation, soil depletion, and increased desertification. This vulnerability, coupled with limited resources and high unemployment, forces many—especially youth and women—into destructive practices, worsening food insecurity and biodiversity loss, including the rapid decline of critical pollinators like bees.

RUWAI employs a holistic, community-driven solution focusing on Sustainable Agroforestry and Land Restoration through large-scale tree planting and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). They promote Sustainable Beekeeping to protect pollinators and create an alternative income source, and train smallholder farmers in Climate-Smart Agriculture and regenerative techniques to boost food security. Furthermore, RUWAI focuses on Economic Empowerment by creating green livelihoods through agro-processing, eco-tourism, and microfinance, with a special focus on empowering women. By integrating these strategies, RUWAI restores ecosystems, builds climate resilience, and creates sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that rural communities and nature can thrive together.

Public Relations

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is a nonprofit organization empowering rural communities across Nigeria through sustainable agriculture, climate action, ecosystem restoration, youth development, and community resilience. We aim to reduce poverty, promote environmental stewardship, and build climate-smart livelihoods in some of Africa’s most vulnerable regions.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Volunteer Communication Officer to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to use storytelling, media engagement, and strategic communication to drive social and environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of RUWAI’s work. Create compelling content (articles, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, donor reports). Manage and grow RUWAI’s social media platforms and online presence. Support the design and dissemination of impact stories, campaign materials, and advocacy content. Liaise with media, partners, and stakeholders to promote RUWAI’s initiatives. Assist in organizing communication for events, project launches, and campaigns. Ideal Candidate: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in social media management, content creation, event planning, fundraising, journalism. Knowledge of environmental and rural development issues is a plus. Graphic design, photography, or video editing skills are an advantage. Committed to RUWAI’s mission and able to volunteer 5–10 hours per week.

What You’ll Gain: Meaningful experience contributing to real impact in rural communities. Exposure to grassroots development and climate advocacy. Networking opportunities and professional growth. Reference letter and recommendation upon successful completion.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Who are we looking for?

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

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

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

What is the plan?

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

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

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

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

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

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

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

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

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

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Every day, disabled people who rely on highly trained assistance dogs face unnecessary barriers. From being refused entry to shops and restaurants, to navigating confusing legal protections. These challenges persist despite the vital role assistance dogs play in giving people greater independence, confidence, and opportunity. Outdated legislation and a lack of clarity around rights and responsibilities mean progress is slow. Change is urgently needed.

That’s where you come in. We are working in partnership with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), the umbrella body of 14 accredited assistance dog charities in the UK, to build an Advisory Panel of expert voices to help shape the future of access and protection for assistance dog partnerships. By joining, you will contribute to a vision of a society where disabled people face no barriers, where legislation is clear and enforceable, and where high standards safeguard both people and dogs.

What we’re looking for

Panel members will bring credibility, relevant skills and knowledge, and a commitment to integrity, openness, and collaboration. You will be confident in influencing, communicating clearly, and making an active contribution. The ability to draw on your networks to support the panel’s work is also valuable.

To achieve this, ADUK seeks individuals from the following fields:

• Legal - able to offer insight and guidance on legislative frameworks and legal interpretations
• Lobbying and changemaking
• Advocacy
• Disability rights and access
• Animal welfare
• Strategic communications, marketing or PR

Panel members are expected to:

• Demonstrate high levels of personal credibility, bringing relevant experience, skills and knowledge.
• Conduct themselves with integrity, objectivity, openness, and honesty.
• Demonstrate their capability to be personally effective, with excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence, and actively contribute.
• Harness relevant networks as required.

Training will be provided on assistance dog standards and/or ADUK policy context.

About ADUK

ADUK work to the highest international standards of assistance dog training and welfare, uniting their member organisations, and systematically changing minds - from policymakers to service providers, through to sector professionals and the general public, using evidence-based advocacy and education to further their objectives.

If you’re really excited about this opportunity, but your experience doesn’t align with the skills and experience above, we still encourage you to get in touch to tell us what you can offer the ADUK Advisory Panel.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment. Expressions of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds who reflect our diverse society.

Closing date: Monday 24 November 2025

Charisma vetting interviews will need to be completed by close of play on the 2 December in preparation for shortlist submission on the 3 December.

Interviews with ADUK are expected to take place in mid-December, with the possibility of some sessions being conducted in January 2026. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate a busy time of year.

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA)

Rising Capacities for Children Africa (RICCA) tackles child poverty in rural Kenya, especially in Kirinyaga County, by creating inclusive, child-friendly learning environments. Through the Ricca Afterschool Center, children aged 6–17 access personalized support, mentorship, and engaging programs in arts, sports, agriculture, and digital literacy. These activities foster academic success, creativity, social skills, and life competencies while making learning fun and accessible. RICCA also works with schools to improve teacher quality, infrastructure, and resources, and engages parents in the process. By bridging rural–urban gaps and promoting intercultural dialogue, RICCA empowers communities, protects children’s rights, and breaks cycles of poverty through education.

After-School Curriculum Design Specialist

About RICCA

RICCA is a grassroots organization in rural Kenya working to create equal learning opportunities for marginalized children in public primary schools. We run after-school centers that provide safe, creative spaces where children can learn through play, storytelling, and exploration — not just exams.
RICCA was founded by Kenneth Gitari, whose own journey from a small rural village inspired him to reimagine education so that every child, no matter their background, can dream, learn, and thrive.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Curriculum Design Specialist (Volunteer) to help us strengthen and structure our after-school curriculum framework. This role is ideal for someone passionate about child-centered education, play-based learning, and creating real impact in underserved communities.

What You’ll Do

• Design and structure an engaging after-school curriculum that builds literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Integrate play-based, creative, and culturally relevant learning approaches for children in rural settings.
• Collaborate with our team to develop fun, practical lesson ideas and facilitator guides.
• Support the training of local facilitators on effective, inclusive teaching methods.
• Develop adaptable learning materials and frameworks that community educators can easily use.

Who You Are

• You have experience in Curriculum Development, Education Design, or Child Development.
• You’re familiar with alternative learning approaches such as project-led or experiential learning.
• You’re creative, resourceful, and passionate about education equity.
• Experience with rural or resource-limited settings is a strong plus.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to shape an impactful education model reaching children in rural Kenya.
• Collaboration with a passionate grassroots team creating lasting change.
• Recognition and exposure through RICCA’s website, newsletters and a letter of appreciation.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Transform is looking for a new Treasurer to join our board of Trustees!

We are looking for a qualified accountant, preferably with experience in the charity sector; knowledge and experience of the drug sector an advantage.

As we are a small organisation this is quite a hands-on role. You will need:

 To work collaboratively with the CEO, our book-keepers and the auditors to produce annual accounts
and regular financial statements
 Proven accountancy qualifications, budgeting and understanding the finance of small
charities including a working knowledge of xero 
 Ability to translate finances in an easy-to-understand manner for different
stakeholders with less financial knowledge
 Good knowledge of charity governance rules and procedures
 To be passionate about the values and mission of the charity

You will also work closely with the Chair and the Board to ensure we are meeting our
financial objectives
You will be willing to bring experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and be
willing to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

About Transform
Transform Drug Policy Foundation is a global leader in developing, and advocating for, more
humane drug policies. Our vision is a world where drug policy contributes to safer and
healthier societies. We want to recruit a treasurer, to oversee income and expenditure of the
organisation, to help drive forward our work.

This is an exciting time in drug policy. Rapid changes in approach are occurring in the UK and
internationally. Transform has a long history of shaping these changes and seeking to ensure
that reform reduces harm, improves social justice and protects public health. Our Anyone’s
Child campaign is a highly effective family-led movement that has had a significant impact
here and abroad. But like so many charities, we are feeling the strain from the cost of giving
crisis and gaining longer-term sustainable funding is essential for the continuation of our
important work. 

We welcome applications from all candidates with the skills and commitment to support the
work of Transform. We especially welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic
candidates as part of our commitment to ensuring a full diversity of experience is reflected in
our work. We are also interested to hear from candidates with personal lived experience
which informs their understanding of the need for drug policy reform.

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.

    VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation

(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering

an opportunity to learn and practice (online).

Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist

with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track

donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,

mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,

translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse

backgrounds.

● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various

skills and levels of expertise.

This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.

______________________________________________________________________________

Purpose

To plan, create, and develop high-quality, neuro-affirming social media that grows our audience, drives enquiries for services and groups, and protects the wellbeing and dignity of our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning

  • Develop a simple, channel-specific content plan (quarterly themes; monthly calendar; weekly posts).

  • Align content with the organisational strategy, campaigns, and fundraising/activity cycles.

• Content Creation & Publishing

  • Write clear, accessible copy; produce short-form video, graphics, and carousels consistent with brand guidelines.

  • Schedule and publish across core platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X) using approved tools.

  • Ensure accessibility (alt text, captions, readable layouts) and apply a neuro-affirming style.

• Community Management

  • Monitor comments and messages; respond or triage sensitively using agreed tone and response scripts.

  • Enforce house rules; escalate safeguarding concerns via the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

• Campaigns & Partnerships

  • Support campaign roll-outs (service launches, recruitment, fundraising); coordinate with colleagues and partners.

  • Source and manage consented user stories; maintain a compliant photo/video asset bank.

• Insights & Reporting

  • Track core metrics (reach, engagement, click-throughs, conversions to sign-ups or enquiries).

  • Produce a concise monthly dashboard with highlights, risks, and next steps; test and learn.

• Governance & Compliance

  • Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and data-protection standards (GDPR/ICO).

  • Follow brand, style, and approvals processes; maintain a crisis-communications/escalation log.

  • Avoid clinical advice or individual case discussion on public channels.

Person Specification

Essential

• Clear, audience-centred writing and editing skills; confident with short-form video and basic design.

• Working knowledge of at least two platforms listed above and a scheduler (e.g., Meta Business Suite/Buffer).

• Sound judgement online; able to moderate calmly and escalate concerns appropriately.

• Commitment to accessibility, equality, diversity, and inclusion; comfortable with a neuro-affirming approach.

• Organised, reliable, and able to meet light weekly deadlines with minimal supervision.

Desirable

• Familiarity with analytics, UTM links, and simple reporting in spreadsheets or dashboards.

• Experience in a charity/VCSE, education, health, or workplace inclusion context.

• Basic Canva/Adobe skills and simple video editing on mobile/desktop.

• Understanding of safeguarding in digital spaces; MHFA or similar is a bonus.

• Lived experience of ADHD or neurodivergence (welcomed but not required).

Safeguarding & Data Protection

• This rôle interacts with the public online. You will complete safeguarding and data-protection briefings and follow our escalation procedures. A DBS check may be requested depending on activity (e.g., direct engagement with young people or vulnerable adults at events).

Induction, Support & Benefits

• Induction covering brand, tone, safeguarding, data protection, and tools.

• Named supervisor (Managing Director or Marketing & Communications Lead) with regular check-ins.

• Training resources (accessibility, inclusive language, social media best practice).

• References and portfolio credit for significant campaigns.

Success Measures (first 3–6 months)

• Consistent content cadence delivered against the calendar.

• Month-on-month growth in reach/engagement and click-throughs to priority actions (event sign-ups, enquiries).

• Evident improvement in accessibility and brand consistency.

• Clear moderation record with timely escalations and zero unmanaged risks.

How to Apply

Please send a short CV or LinkedIn profile and 2–3 examples of posts/reels/graphics you have produced (links or files). In a brief covering note (max 300 words), outline:

1. a channel you enjoy and why,

2. a quick idea for a one-month content theme for ThriveSpark, and

3. your typical availability.

ThriveSpark CIC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those with lived experience of ADHD or neurodivergence to apply. Adjustments are available throughout recruitment and volunteering.

Director of Finance & Resources/Treasurer

(Initially voluntary; with a clear pathway to a salaried position, subject to funding and Board approval)

Purpose of the role

To provide strategic and operational leadership of the Company’s finance and corporate resources, with primary focus on (i) securing and stewarding capital to fund growth (grants, contracts, social investment, loans and—if applicable—dividend-capped equity), and (ii) ensuring that statutory accounts and regulatory returns are produced accurately and on time. The post-holder will advise the Board on financial strategy, risk, and organisational resilience.

Status
This appointment is initially voluntary (reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed). It is intended to convert to a salaried position once sustainable funding is secured and subject to Board approval, organisational need, and satisfactory performance. A formal review point will be held within 12 months of appointment.

Key outcomes (first 12 months)

• A funded capital plan approved by the Board and funds secured across diversified sources.

• Unqualified, on-time year-end accounts filed; all Companies House/CIC Regulator/HMRC deadlines met.

• Robust monthly management accounts, cash-flow forecasting and KPI reporting delivered to schedule.

• Fit-for-purpose finance policies, internal controls and delegated authorities embedded.

• Corporate resources (people, IT, premises, procurement) aligned to budget and service needs.

Main responsibilities

1) Capital strategy and income generation

• Design and execute a capital-raising strategy spanning grants, service contracts, philanthropy, social investment, and (where appropriate) repayable finance or dividend-capped equity compliant with CIC rules.

• Cultivate funder, bank, investor and commissioner relationships; produce investment cases, decks and due-diligence packs.

• Lead pricing and full-cost-recovery modelling for traded services and bids.

2) Financial leadership, control and reporting

• Lead budgeting and medium-term financial planning; provide scenario and sensitivity analyses.

• Produce monthly management accounts, cash-flow forecasts and variance reports with actionable insights.

• Maintain accurate ledgers, reconciliations and internal controls (authorisations, procurement, segregation of duties, reserves and treasury).

• Manage the year-end process (audit/independent examination), statutory accounts preparation, and filing of the CIC34 alongside Companies House deadlines.

• Oversee payroll, pensions, expenses, VAT/Corporation Tax compliance (as applicable).

3) Governance, risk and compliance

• Act as principal adviser to the Board on financial risk; maintain the risk register and insurances.

• Ensure compliance with Companies Act, CIC Regulator requirements (including dividend caps if limited by shares), funder conditions, and data protection in finance systems.

• Be the lead interface with auditors/examiners, the bank, investment partners and HMRC.

4) Resources (people, IT, premises, procurement)

• Oversee efficient, compliant corporate services: HR administration, recruitment controls, onboarding and resource planning.

• Drive value-for-money procurement and contract management for key suppliers (finance system, IT, telephony, premises).

• Champion simple, accessible systems and reporting that support frontline delivery.

5) Leadership and culture

• Model ethical stewardship and the asset-lock; promote transparency and accountability.

• Develop finance/resources staff and volunteers; build financial literacy across teams.

• Contribute actively to Board decision-making as a statutory director.

Person specification

Essential

• Demonstrable success in raising capital (grants, contracts, social investment, loans or dividend-capped equity) within VCSE/social-enterprise contexts.

• Proven delivery of timely, accurate statutory and management accounts.

• Strong financial modelling, budgeting and cash-flow skills; ability to brief non-specialists.

• Hands-on experience with modern accounting systems (e.g., Xero/QuickBooks) and Excel.

• Sound understanding of governance, risk and internal controls for UK companies/CICs.

• Excellent stakeholder management and written communication; meticulous with deadlines.

Desirable

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent experience).

• Knowledge of FRS 102, Companies Act reporting, CIC dividend rules and the CIC34.

• Experience of commissioning/public-sector contracts or social-investment due diligence.

• Oversight of HR/IT/procurement in a growth environment.

Time commitment and terms

• Time: [e.g., 2–4 days per month], including Board/Finance & Resources Committee meetings.

• Status/Remuneration: Initially voluntary (expenses reimbursed). Conversion to salaried post at Board discretion, subject to secured funding, organisational need and satisfactory performance at a later review. 

• Location: Southampton or Remote

• Reports to: Managing Director; works closely with senior colleagues.