Support volunteer volunteer roles in leighton buzzard, central bedfordshire
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.
Tasks and Responsibilities
If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.
Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.
As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.
As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.
Selection Criteria
A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:
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Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend
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Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing
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Be open-minded
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Be supportive
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Be reliable
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Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times
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Be accepting and non-judgemental
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Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout
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Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback
Requirements
- You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
- All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.
It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health.
Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:
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Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.
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Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?
Benefits to Volunteers
The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.
Application Process
You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.
You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you.
We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send.
Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way.
This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.
We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents.
Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision.
If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.
Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
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!
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures. Your support will help a young man to reconnect with his community, friends and loved ones, go into education, training and employment, and give a person a sense of hope for the future.
Trailblazers has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998 with ultimate aim to reduce re-offending. We provide support to men between the age of 18 - 35 in custody who have 6 months left of their prison sentence, and then 'through the gate' into their own community for up to 12 months. The Education, Training & Employment (ETE) team supports our mentees in custody to break down barriers to employability. Post-release, this continues by supporting mentees to gain meaningful and career changing roles in sector specific industries such as Construction, Engineering, Catering & Hospitality or the Self-Employment route.
The ETE team are looking to build a team of volunteers to work with mentees in the community and to shape the existing ETE service in the Thames Valley area. We are looking for volunteer mentors who can commit for up to 12 months and give a few hours a week to support men to change their life by being inspirational role models, helping with goal setting and supporting their mentee to access ETE opportunities and ultimately gain meaningful employment. Mentoring sessions will be 1:1, take place weekly and can be done remotely by telephone or online. These sessions will last approximately one hour, but some time should also be given to liaising with Trailblazers staff and researching relevant opportunities.
Induction training is provided, out of pocket expenses covered, a mobile phone is provided to protect your identity, a Trailblazers T-shirt and lanyard are provided, DBS costs are covered, as well as regular reflective practice sessions to support you within your role.
We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, under represented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.
Trailblazers are looking for Volunteer Mentors who are:
- Empathetic with a positive outlook and manner.
- Able to help others without judgement or discrimination.
- Excellent communicators with a sense of humour.
- Well organised, can prioritise and multi-task.
- Reliable and able to commit to the role for up to 12 months providing weekly ETE sessions remotely either by telephone or via Zoom / MS Team digital platforms.
- Have skills and experience in supporting those who are disadvantaged into education, training and employment (ETE).
- Able to work independently with the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload with minimal supervision taking a flexible and creative approach to the demands of the post.
- Able to demonstrate sensitivity to other cultures, working with people from other backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Live within a 30 mile radius of Bicester.
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures for young men (18-35) leaving prison.

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!
Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.
Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives? Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.
Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.
We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.
Why become a fundraising volunteer:
As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.
- Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
- Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
- You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
- You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
- You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
- You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.
Who you are:
We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.
- Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.
- Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.
- Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.
Training and pre-agreed expenses available.
Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live.
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!
ENGINEERS/MAKERS
Across the UK, our 60+ 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.
Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.
What the role involves
This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:
• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs
• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)
• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.
We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
What you’ll need for this role
Essential
• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials
• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs
• Able to apply our risk management system
• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices
• Able to keep people’s personal details safe
• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values
Desirable
• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access theses)
• Able to drive or have good transport links
You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.
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!
VOLUNTEER CASE OFFICER
Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them 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.
Our Case Officers are a vital part of our local branch activities. They use their organisational and IT skills, sometimes along with a knowledge of engineering, to make sure their branch is best able to support people.
What the role involves
This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:
• Processing and allocating cases which have come to the branch
• You may have engineering experience or be a skilled craftsperson, but this is not essential
• Using our online referral portal to manage and update case notes
• Attending regular meetings of the local branch
We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
What you’ll need for this role
• Warm, approachable and confident to call referrers/clients to initiate discussions
• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs
• Able to apply our risk management system
• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices
• Able to keep people’s personal details safe
• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values
• A commitment to our values
You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around the Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough area. The postcode areas we are active in are TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN7, TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11, TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16, TN17, TN18, TN19, TN20, TN21 and TN22.
We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.
Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare.
Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!
What can you expect to be doing?
- Helping organise fundraising events in your local area
- Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
- Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas
- Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
- Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate
A bit more information about this role and the team
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good communication skills
- Responsible to handle money
- Willingness to be part of a team
- Confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
Time expectation
Our fundraising volunteers, on average, usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed and you can encourage others to join us too.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Candidates will be invited to chat about the role further. Following this, we also ask for our application form to be completed which includes details for two references. Successful candidates will be invited to an online induction and asked to complete some training which is essential to the role.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join Us as a Trustee and Help Tackle Food Poverty in Hackney
We are a dynamic, mission-driven charity with a turnover of £1.5 million, working at the heart of East London to address food poverty and support our richly diverse community. Our work is impactful, community-led, and more vital than ever.
We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our dedicated Board.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Passionate about social justice and food insecurity and committed to making a meaningful difference in East London.
- Able to dedicate time for 5 Board meetings per year (including one all-day away day), as well as 4–5 committee meetings annually.
- Willing to engage actively between meetings, contributing to decision-making, strategic guidance, and supporting our staff and volunteers.
We are particularly keen to appoint trustees with expertise in:
- Legal affairs, to help us navigate governance, compliance, and contractual matters.
- Human Resources / Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), to support us in ensuring our organisation reflects and serves our community with integrity and care.
However, we welcome applicants with other relevant skills or lived experience that could enrich our work.
Why Join Us?
As a trustee, you’ll be part of a committed, forward-thinking team, helping to shape the strategic direction of a charity that has a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge, grow your experience, and support a cause that matters.
If you share our values and are ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date 11th August.
Please apply with a covering letter and 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!
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:
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Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria.
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Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
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Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
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Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
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Help us develop a case for support.
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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:
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Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
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Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
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Self-motivated and highly-organised.
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Ability to work remotely.
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Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
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An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
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Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
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Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
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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.
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!
The Hospice Lottery Partnership runs a weekly lottery in support of local charities such as: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity in Northwood, Rennie Grove Hospice Care in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe, and The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.
Mystery shopping is a form of market research work, that requires an individual to play the role of a genuine customer and report their experience back to us.
We are looking for someone with a good level of literacy and a great memory that could spare a few hours a week visiting our Fundraisers at local retail stores and medical centres to provide feedback on a Fundraisers performance and the overall perception of the experience. In essence, how you would rate the service you received during your experience?
“I volunteer a few hours a week. It is a very relaxed and welcoming team. There are no rules about how many hours or which days I volunteer. It is great to have that flexibility, and I know that volunteering even a small amount of time can make such a difference.” Jane Welch, Office Volunteer
The Hospice Lottery Partnership was formed in 1997 with the purpose of raising funds for our partner charities who care for people in their 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!
We are looking for volunteers to support us at our exciting Play & Learn Toddler Sessions at Lakeview Village Halls in Wixams (although we are also open to volunteers at any of our other sessions)
The sessions for Wixams take place on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, term time only, 9am to 11:30am. If you would like to volunteer and you are worried about childcare, please feel free to bring your other child/children to the session too! We are fully flexible with supporting parents in their volunteering journey.
We want to ensure all families feel valued and welcome and some of the activities you will be doing include:
• To support the engagement of parents in their child/ren’s development and learning.
• Setting up and tidying away activities
• Engage and play with the children
• Engage with the parents/carers through conversation
• Lead on specific activities if desired
• Support the planning and evaluation of sessions with Children Centre staff
• To support Children Centre staff in registering families by handing our and supporting families completing our registration form
• To promote ECP/One YMCA values and ethos
• Knowledge and experience of working with young children and/or families would be preferred as this is a very hands on role!
Training and support will be provided throughout your journey, we look forward to welcoming you to the ECP family!
Please note, you will be required to undergo a DBS check and 2 references will be taken up.
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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!
The role in a nutshell:
Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life.
What will you be doing?
As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required.
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly.
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required.
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise. Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open.
Additional information:
We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for 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!
At Oxfam Online Hubs, we sell donated clothing, textiles and accessories through the unique Oxfam Online Shop. We focus on showcasing our most fabulous donations; from on trend high street to designer labels and vintage pieces. As an Online Hub Volunteer you can help with whatever part of the business that interests you. Put your passion to good use while learning new skills. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.
About this role
We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
Build your CV, skills, and confidence. You can try a bit of everything or specialise in key areas:
Books: You could select, sort, and price donated books. Research valuable, rare and antiquated stock or list items for the online shop. Focus on what interests you!
Jewelley: You will work closely with our in-house specialist, learning how to sort and value jewelley. The best pieces will be photographed and listed to our Online shop. Making more your thing? We are also looking for creative volunteers to make jewllery for our Festival Shops.
Garment Care: Your role is designed to make the most out of each donation. You’ll be responsible for hanging and steaming clothing and homewares, identifying damaged items and if you’re handy with a needle and thread, helping out with basic repairs.
Photography: Your role is essential for showcasing the amazing donations we receive. You’ll be responsible for creating a visual library of images, including photographing and editing, ready to be uploaded on the Oxfam Online Shop.
Copywriter: You’ll create accurate, exciting, and consistent listings, correctly pricing stock, measuring garments and uploading this information to our online listing programme. You will be given the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Womenswear, Menswear, Kids and Homeware.
Warehouse Operative: Your role is essential in giving the best possible customer service. You’ll be responsible for picking orders which have sold through the Oxfam Online Shop, packing them and sending them on their way to the customer.
Specialists: Vinyl, cds, coins, homeware and collectables....we have lots of other categories in need of support!
Volunteering that works for you
Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause. At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.
Oxfam is a global movement working for a kinder, fairer world where everyone can thrive. We fight the injustices and inequalities that drive poverty.
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!
The role in a nutshell:
Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life.
What will you be doing?
As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required.
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly.
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required.
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise. Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open.
Additional information:
We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for 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!
Reports to: Chief People Officer
Direct Reports: HRBP Lead, HR Managers
Team Structure: Six HR Teams (HRBP team, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Volunteer Relations, Policy, and Engagement) – supported by Senior HR Officers and HR Officers
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: 12 months minimum | Part-time | Flexible hours
About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Head of HR to lead and oversee our HR function at a pivotal time in YouthAdvantage UK’s ambition to become a registered charity.
Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you’ll provide strategic leadership to a multi-layered HR structure, directly managing our HRBP Lead and HR Managers, and overseeing five core teams that support the organisation’s people and culture strategy.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to give back by mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, shaping policy and practice, and helping us build a strong, inclusive, and values-led volunteer workforce across the UK.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.
Key Responsibilities
•Provide overall leadership to the HR function, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.
•Manage and coach HRBP Lead and HR Managers to ensure smooth delivery across all people-related functions.
•Oversee and guide the five core HR teams:
oRecruitment – ensuring effective onboarding of skilled and diverse volunteers.
oLearning & Development – supporting volunteer upskilling and capability-building.
oVolunteer Relations – maintaining engagement, support, and wellbeing.
oPolicy – upholding inclusive, clear, and robust HR governance.
oEngagement – fostering culture, recognition, and retention.
•Partner with the Chief People Officer on strategic planning, workforce design, and key organisational initiatives.
•Lead succession planning and ensure continuity across all volunteer HR roles.
•Monitor performance and facilitate cross-team collaboration.
•Champion inclusive, accessible practices across the organisation.
What We're Looking For:
We’re looking for someone who’s experienced enough to hit the ground running and humble enough to grow with us.
You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
•Solid operational HR experience, ideally across generalist and specialist areas such as recruitment, employee relations/law, L&D, and policy.
•Previous line management experience, with a demonstrable record of supporting and developing HR team members or volunteers.
•A practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach - someone who is hands-on, accessible, and able to get things done in a busy, volunteer-led environment.
•A strategic mindset, but also the willingness to dig into day-to-day HR activity and problem-solving.
•A collaborative, coaching-ready attitude - this is a great opportunity for someone who has enough experience to stand on their own feet, but is open to being coached by the Chief People Officer to further develop their leadership style.
•Good communication and people skills, with the ability to work across different functions and with a wide range of volunteers.
•An interest in or understanding of the third sector and volunteer engagement is a bonus, but not essential.
•Experience working remotely or in hybrid teams is helpful.
•Above all, a genuine passion for youth empowerment and a belief in what we’re building at YouthAdvantage UK.
What You’ll Gain
•A chance to lead a national HR function with real-world complexity and purpose.
•The opportunity to mentor and develop emerging HR talent.
•Practical experience shaping HR strategy within the third sector.
•Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment
Important Information
This role is completely voluntary. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. It is ideal for experienced HR professionals looking to give back, stay active in leadership, or contribute to a values-led organisation in a meaningful way.
Apply Now
If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-focused volunteer organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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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!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.
A bit about this role
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
- Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- Keeping financial records from fundraising events
- Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
A bit more information about this role and the team
- This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
- There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
- You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
- We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
- Excellent organisational skills
- The ability to prioritise and delegate
- An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
- Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
- Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
- Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references
Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.