Support volunteer volunteer roles in central bedfordshire, buckinghamshire
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!
Change a child’s life story – Become a School reader volunteer
Schoolreaders is a national literacy charity called Schoolreaders. We find and match volunteers with local primary schools to support children in improving their reading and comprehension skills, as well as developing their confidence and social skills.
Volunteers visit their matched school once a week for an hour or two during the school day where they work individually with children to help improve their reading ability, their comprehension and also their enjoyment of reading. Often our volunteers read with children who need extra support or who do not have anyone to read to outside of their classroom.
Volunteers need to be over 18, have good written and spoken English and enjoy spending time with children.
Our volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of one hour each week for a full year during term time (although holidays can of course be taken) and will undergo an Enhanced DBS check, which is organised and paid for by the school.
Volunteers can apply directly via the website.
Visit Schoolreaders website to find out more
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 Title: Fundraising Events Volunteer – Event Organiser
Location: Watford (hybrid)
Time Commitment: Flexible depending on events, 6 months minimum
About Us
Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers through practical help, advocacy, and community connection. Fundraising events are essential to raising the funds and awareness needed to continue our work.
Role Summary
We are looking for an organised and motivated volunteer to take the lead in planning and delivering fundraising events. From idea to execution, you will play a key role in creating impactful, engaging events that support our mission and bring communities together.
Key Responsibilities
· Plan and organise fundraising events (e.g. benefit concerts, community dinners, quizzes and sponsored walks)
· Coordinate logistics such as venues, suppliers, schedules, and permits
· Recruit and manage other event volunteers, with support from the volunteer coordinator
· Promote events through flyers, social media, and local networks
· Manage event budgets and donations, with support from the fundraising team
· Ensure health and safety and accessibility considerations are met
· Evaluate event success and contribute to future planning
Skills and Qualities
· Strong organisational and time management skills
· Creativity and initiative in developing fundraising ideas
· Good communication and teamwork abilities
· Comfortable working independently with guidance
· Passion for refugee support and social justice
· Experience in events is a plus, but not essential
What You’ll Gain
· Hands-on experience in event planning and nonprofit fundraising
· Development of leadership, coordination, and communication skills
· Opportunity to see the direct impact of your work
Training and Support
. Induction and event planning guidance and training
· Ongoing support from the Fundraising Lead
· Access to charity resources and networks
· Reimbursement of expenses
Apply:
Please apply by sending you CV.
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!
Could you be a part of our inspiring, hardworking and motivated team making a positive contribution to rebuilding the lives of women and children?
At One YMCA we provide a range of varied and exciting volunteer roles - we currently are looking for support at our Horizons (Domestic Abuse) and Onyx (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) services based in Bedford
Some of the tasks and responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Horizons and Onyx teams with raising awareness of their services across the Bedford area
- Liaising and networking with community partners we work with such as GPs, Pharmacies, Community Centres and local businesses
- Attending and supporting promotion of services at local community events and Outreach projects
- Promoting our services by handing out leaflets, putting up posters and sharing posts online as well as word of mouth
You will be:
- Be of a friendly, welcoming, approachable and a cheerful disposition
- Good communication skills with conversational English.
- Reliable & punctual.
- Be a team player with a flexible approach.
- Be proactive & work under your own initiative.
- A willingness to get stuck in.
- Able to maintain complete discretion in handling confidential information.
A full induction to the Horizons/Onyx service and specific sites will be provided, including an "Introduction to Domestic Abuse" 1 day training course
You will be required to complete online training, plus a menu of optional training linked the role will be made available.
You will receive regular 1 to 1s and supervision with line manager and oportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events!
Please note you will be required to undergo a DBS check and two references will be taken up prior to commencing the role.
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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!
Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of EPRR Skills and Development?
As a Community of Practice Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.
As a Community of Practice Officer, you will:
- Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
- Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
- Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
- Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
- Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
- Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.
As a Community of Practice Officer with responsibility for Skills and Development, you will play a vital role in shaping how specialist volunteers contribute to St John Ambulance's mission, helping to establish and maintain standards of excellence.
For more information about this role, please see the role description.
Interviews to be held WB 1st September
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!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
Our cat admissions volunteers ensure the smooth running of our admissions process, helping our volunteer groups and teams admit cats into our care in the most effective and stress-free way possible for both people and cats. This role is undertaken from your own home. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administration experience, a passion for cats, or both!
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Responding to email and telephone enquiries regarding cats coming into care
- Managing the cat waiting list and prioritising accordingly
- Liaising with other volunteers, employees, local vets and members of the public
- Using our administrative systems to record cats coming into care
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
VOLUNTEER CHAIR/COORDINATOR
Across the UK, our 65 local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.
As your local Chair or Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.
You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.
What the role involves
This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:
• Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of referrals in your area
• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings
• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers
• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories and ensuring with the Treasurer that our financial requirements and policies relating to branches are followed
• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe
• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteer
What you’ll need for this role
Essential
• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting
• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email
• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work
• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures• Able to keep people’s personal details safe
• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values
Desirable
• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers
• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others
• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area
• Willingness to develop skills and experience
You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.
Why volunteer
When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without you – your hard work, skills and commitment.
N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.
REMAP exists to improve the quality of life for people who experience short or long-term disability through infirmity, illness or ageing.
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!
Support our mission to bring light and joy to seriously ill children.
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Volunteer Researcher to support our Major Gifts team. Your role will be pivotal in identifying and researching prospective major donors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who align with our mission. You will help us grow our pipeline of supporters and inform personalised, strategic approaches that lead to meaningful engagement and transformational gifts.
About Us:
Rays of Sunshine is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. We are seeking a motivated volunteer to support our major gifts team by conducting research and helping to build our partnerships pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Conduct research on potential major donors and philanthropists using public sources
-
Identify individuals, trusts, and networks with an interest in children’s health, wellbeing, or emotional support causes
-
Produce concise and insightful research profiles and briefing notes
-
Support the preparation of meeting briefs and donor cultivation plans
-
Keep our CRM system up to date with relevant research findings
What We’re Looking For:
-
Excellent research and analytical skills
-
Strong written communication and attention to detail
-
Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
-
A proactive and curious mindset
-
Ideally some understanding or interest in philanthropy, fundraising, or the charity sector
-
Previous research experience (academic or professional) is helpful but not essential
What You’ll Gain:
-
Experience working in a high-impact fundraising team
-
A behind-the-scenes look at major donor engagement and strategy
-
Training and support from a passionate, collaborative team
-
A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families
-
A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering
Ideal Candidate :
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Detail-oriented and organised
- Passionate about our mission and eager to learn If you’re ready to make a difference and gain valuable experience please do reach out
We brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community
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!
Job Title: Public Relations Assistant
Reports To: Head of PR
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)
About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.
As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Public Relations (PR) Assistant to support the communications and public engagement strategy for the festival and wider organisational goals. This role is ideal for someone passionate about storytelling, community outreach, and brand visibility, while gaining hands-on experience in a meaningful cultural project.
Position Overview:
The PR Assistant will support the PR Department in developing and executing external communications, engaging with local communities, coordinating media opportunities, and planning promotional campaigns. The position also includes leadership and team support responsibilities, offering the chance to build project management and people skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Media & Communications Support:
-
Conduct research to inform PR planning and outreach strategies.
-
Assist in writing and editing press releases, articles, and promotional content.
-
Support social media content planning and scheduling under supervision.
Event & Community Engagement:
-
Support the organisation and promotion of events that engage the local community.
-
Foster positive community relations through public initiatives and collaboration.
-
Liaise with stakeholders and partners to maximise event exposure.
Team Leadership & Administration:
-
Assist in leading PR team activities and supporting volunteers with communications tasks.
-
Motivate and coach team members to fill skill gaps and grow professionally.
-
Manage or contribute to PR-related projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
General Support:
-
Contribute ideas and feedback during staff meetings.
-
Provide support for administrative tasks and internal communications when needed.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
-
No formal degree required; coursework or experience in communications, public relations, or marketing is an asset.
Experience:
-
Previous exposure to public relations, event coordination, or social media strategy is desirable.
-
Familiarity with community engagement and nonprofit promotion is a plus.
Skills:
-
Excellent written and verbal communication.
-
Strong understanding of social media platforms and content strategy.
-
Organised, proactive, and adaptable with a positive, solution-oriented approach.
-
Confident team player with basic leadership and project coordination ability.
-
Knowledge of online and offline marketing tactics.
-
Event planning experience is an advantage.
Benefits:
-
Build real-world PR and event coordination experience in a mission-led organisation.
-
Enhance your leadership, communication, and project planning skills.
-
Gain references and portfolio work to support future career opportunities.
-
Work remotely with flexible hours and a supportive team.
-
Travel expenses reimbursed for any required in-person events or meetings.
Equality Statement
Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
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!
BFUK are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate volunteers to support the delivery of our creative and educational hospital workshops. These sessions not only offer children and young people the opportunity to be imaginative, learn something new, and socialise, but also serve as a welcome distraction from time spent in the hospital. There is always something new to experience; previous workshops have included various crafts, make-up artistry, indoor gardening, hands-on VR demonstrations and mocktail making!
Our workshops take place in Great Ormond Street Hospital on Tuesdays and University College Hospital on Wednesdays.
As a Workshop Volunteer, you will:
- Assist with the preparation of workshop activities and support the sessions to run smoothly
- Chat and engage warmly with children, young people and their families during activities, offering encouragement and support
- Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
- Have the opportunity to plan and lead your own workshop, if you wish
What do we look for in our Workshop Volunteers?
- A desire to work with children (age 5-12) or young people (age 13-18)
- A passion for inspiring creativity and learning
- Commitment to BFUK’s core values: equity, empathy, empowerment, connection and advocacy
What do our Workshop Volunteers gain?
- Enhanced DBS will be provided
- Safeguarding Level One Training
- Direct experience working with children and young people
- Opportunities to develop teaching and facilitation skills
- Experience working within a hospital setting
- Opportunities to socialise with other members of our volunteer community
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support 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!
Summary
Do you have trusts and grants fundraising experience and looking for a meaningful way to give back? Help support our charity with your skills, so that we can support the mental health of more women at the most challenging times of their lives.
Description
We are seeking a trusts and grants fundraising volunteer to support our charity’s growth. This role offers an excellent opportunity to shape our charity’s future while contributing to a meaningful cause.
We’re a small charity that supports women at the most vulnerable times of their lives: becoming a teenager, a parent and during midlife, when suicide rates are at their highest. We do this through counselling, coaching, therapeutic groups, wellbeing days and nutritionist support.
What impact will they have?
Help build our fundraising and your support will help us reach more women seeking mental health support.
About the volunteer
Description
We are looking for a volunteer who can support us in creating:
· Research and identify new trust and foundation prospects.
· Draft and submit high-quality funding applications and reports.
· Maintain a calendar of deadlines and stewardship activities.
· Support with creating tailored bids backed by insight and storytelling
Skills
Experience supporting or managing trust and foundation fundraising, including researching prospects and preparing funding applications or reports.
Strong writing skills and experience tailoring bids for different funders.
Understanding of the grant funding landscape in the UK, including key funder expectations and reporting requirements.
Understanding of budgeting and financial planning in the context of grant applications.
Strong team player who is self-motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about working for Release Therapy for Women.
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!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food – and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.
Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
A bit more information about this role and the team
The branch are looking for a transport volunteer to cover weekends
What we need from you
You’ll be:
- Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
- Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
- Transporting equipment to and from events
Time expectation
Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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!
We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to assist our Client Service Administrator on Reception in hosting our busy reception area and friendly waiting room. In this role, you will use your excellent interpersonal skills to welcome clients and visiting professionals and other volunteers to the Helen Bamber Foundation, making them feel comfortable, attending to any immediate needs they may have, assisting them with their queries and notifying clinicians and other staff of their arrival.
You will be at the heart of an exciting, team of experts working as a representative of the Helen Bamber Foundation and the first point of contact for our diverse range of clients and visitors. You will be a self-motivating team player, organised, efficient and have a compassionate mind-set.
Main tasks and activities
- Greeting clients and ensuring that clients are having their immediate needs met;
- Ensuring the reception is well-presented;
- Answering the phone and responding to a wide range of enquiries;
- Maintaining the shared Outlook calendar and co-ordinating room allocations;
- Ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day activities;
- General office administration including: ordering of office supplies, entering data, filing and organising office supplies storage etc;
- Reception cover when needed.
- Handling reimbursement of expenses for clients and fellow volunteers
Skills and experience needed
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high standard of written and spoken English;
- Excellent telephone manner; Empathetic and understanding.
- Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages;
- High attention to detail and accuracy;
- Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;
- Ability to deal sensitively and in a warm, friendly and appropriate manner with clients who have specific needs;
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise tasks within a time-pressured environment;
- A high level of discretion and confidentiality given the sensitivity of the information and nature of the work;
- Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation.
What you will get out of the role:
- A better understanding of asylum seeker and refugee processes in the UK;
- Stronger administrative skills;
- An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;
- Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity;
- Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;
- Ability to manage multiple busy calendars at the same time.
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!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Amersham and Chesham Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.
Time commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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!
Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.
Job description:
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 Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
-
Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
-
Help us develop a case for support.
-
The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.
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 someone who has:
-
Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
-
Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
-
Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
-
Self-motivated and highly-organised.
-
Ability to work remotely.
-
Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
-
An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
-
Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
-
Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
-
Determination to get the job done.
You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who come into contact with bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.
About the role
As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 1,500 calls between Sep 2022 - May 2023.
You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.
Commitment
Winter volunteers will be ready to start Bat Watches on Mon 6th Oct. We hope volunteers will sign up to Bat Watches until May 2026 and there is always the option to continue volunteering after May.
We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to 1-2 Bat Watches per month between Sep – May.
A Bat Watch is up to 3.5 hours (including 30mins break), please see below for Bat Watch times:
Weekdays
Morning
9:30 – 13:00
Afternoon
13:00 – 16:30
*Please note that VBCH winter season operates In Office Hours only.
All you need is:
- A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable)
- A speaker/mic or headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
- A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed.
Skills and abilities
- Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
- Accurate record-keeping.
- An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
- Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
- Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.
Training and support
New winter volunteers must complete some introductory online training in their own time and attend one online training day on either:
- Wed 3rd Sep
- Thu 11th Sep
Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.
Returning winter volunteers (those who have done a winter season with us in 2023 or 2024), will receive a refresher training video instead. If you have done a winter season with us pre-2023, you will need to attend a full training day. Thank you!
All volunteers will receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.
BCT will reimburse certain "out of pocket" expenses where required.
Benefits of volunteering with BCT
- Supporting and learning about the work of the leading NGO in the UK solely devoted to the conservation of bats
- Developing transferable skills that can help enhance your CV
- Developing confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Learning about opportunities to get involved in other aspects of bat conservation
- Learning more about bats
- Discounts to BCT training
How to sign up
To find out more and sign up, please click the link above. You will need to create a Better Impact account to sign up.
Further instructions on how to sign up are available on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.