Support volunteer volunteer roles in loughton, essex

Fundraising volunteer

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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

Organisation Overview

Clean Break provides Theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from our studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have lived experience through the Criminal Justice System or women at risk of offending with drug/alcohol and/or mental health needs. We work in a safe, women-only environment, creating opportunities for women to develop personal, social, artistic and professional skills.

Directions

Buses: 46, 88, 134, 214, 393
Tube: Kentish Town (Northern Line) – Kentish Town station is closed for 1 year.
Overground: Kentish Town West

Role Title

Catering Volunteer (Women Only)

Responsible to

Members Support Manager and Volunteer Manager

Purpose/Summary of role

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a part of the Catering Team.  To assist with the preparation and service of nutritious food to our Members, maintaining Health & Safety and kitchen hygiene standards

Description of tasks

Food Preparation – catering for daily lunches and internal and events, tasks include prepping, cooking, dishing up and serving, washing up and clearing up kitchen.  Ingredients will be cooked, from fresh, frozen, or tinned stock to create healthy meat and vegetarian/vegan dishes.   To assist with periodic intensive cleaning of the catering space.

Time Commitment

3 months with end of season review to continue.

Flexible one day a week either on:

Mondays 10-2.30pm

or

Wednesdays 10-2.30pm

Skills and Qualifications

This role would suit someone who enjoys cooking and working as part of a team
A basic level of cooking knowledge and ability to follow instruction is essential.

Some experience or a desire to work with vulnerable women who have been through the Criminal Justice System or at risk of offending.
Desirable that candidate is locally based
Friendly, efficient, reliable, able to take initiative

Disabled Access

Yes – Wheelchair accessible

Training and Induction

Yes – induction, ongoing support and training will be provided.

 Food and Hygiene Level 2 qualification must be undertaken or updated within 1 month of taking on role, provided by Clean Break.

Food Standards Agency:  Safer Food Better Business for Caterers:

· Food Allergen

·  Open Checks and Closing Checks

·  Temperature control and readings,

· Food labelling

· Food handling and Transport

· Cross-contamination of foods

· Occupational Health

· Cleaning

· Supervision

Expenses

Yes – Travel and lunch

Recruitment Method

CV, informal discussion, reference, trial period, Basic DBS

 The post is open to women only

(exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1)

We encourage people with lived experience to apply

ABOUT IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change.

Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area -Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning.

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM

The Community Support team acts as the main point of contact for the Latin American community and IRMO, where we identify their needs and enquiries, triage the support and services to be allocated and share relevant information. The Welcome Area plays a key role in the daily operations of the organisation; offering a range of support services, which include interpreting, referrals and signposting, broadcast of information and events, amongst others.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Community Interpreter at IRMO, you will be a vital point of contact for our community of Latin American users. You will help users overcome the language barrier to access essential services to build a more integrated life in the UK.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● You will assist service users with processes such as opening a bank account, reporting hate crime, applying for National Insurance Number, driving license, Oyster card or Freedom Pass and understanding bills and making payment plans.

● You will also help to create informative materials to facilitate the effective delivery of our services. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to understand the challenges faced by our community, gain experience in customer service and use their language skills in a positive and impactful way.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Portuguese are essential (Spanish desirable).

● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of users, staff and partners.

● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach.

● The ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues.

● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information.

● Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
● Two references from current/previous employers
● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)
● Safeguarding Level 1 (completed through IRMO)
● One month trial period

BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING AT IRMO
● Gives the opportunity of helping others and to give back
● Creates an ideal space to learn new skills in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment
● Get involved with the Latin American Community and increase knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK
● Helps to gain experience and strengthen previous skills to face UK’s competitive job market;
● Enhance CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further impact on the employment status
● Participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role
● Receive regular supervision and support.

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What 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

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

Helping Volunteers are responsible for welcoming visitors onto our premises, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere (along with a cup of tea), and supporting our Listening Volunteers to help everything run smoothly.

We are looking for volunteers who have the empathy to greet distressed visitors, the willingness to undertake a variety of admin and other tasks and the resilience to support their team.  Our HVs need to be proactive, self-starters and team players with a basic understanding of IT. We ask for a weekly commitment of four hours for a period of at least six months.

We are primarily recruiting Helping Volunteers for our new site near Liverpool Street. We also have limited vacancies available at our other sites in Hammersmith, Pimlico and Kings Cross.

Role description

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Laura Chepner is our Education Officer, and she is looking for a volunteer to support her in her role. Laura has a background in education, with a degree in Primary Education which preceded a decade of teaching and a short stint in the role of SENco (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Shortly after that, Laura theorised vegan-inclusive teaching, published An Educator’s Guide for Vegan-Inclusive Teaching and worked as the UK’s first vegan-inclusion education specialist until joining The Vegan Society. 

At The Vegan Society, Laura supports vegan learners in education who have been discriminated against by acting as an intermediary between their families and the institution. Additionally, Laura supports educators by creating resources and delivering training sessions on what it means to be vegan-inclusive in their practice. Furthermore, Laura empowers parents/guardians to ask for vegan-inclusion by creating documents, with the help of The Education Network, that they can present and highlight their rights. 

What does the role involve? 

This role involves working alongside our Education Officer to create around 50 differentiated worksheets for teachers of key stage 1 (KS1), Year 2 to use. No lesson plans to be made – just worksheets that support the National Curriculum English programmes of study for KS1, Year 2 outcomes. Laura would delegate certain literacy areas such as ‘suffixes –ful and –less’. Once complete, we would meet online to look over and then Laura would delegate another area of literacy to be completed.  

Below is an example of the type of worksheets that will be created. 

‘Today I am learning to use regular plural noun suffixes – s or – es.’ 

These tasks are not exhaustive, and more assignments may arise as the project progresses.

What training and support is available? 

The ideal candidate for this role will have a background in Primary Education and be comfortable working independently. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills in-house, as identified throughout the volunteering period. This role is remote, so support from the Education Officer will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly  reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

We are looking for a volunteer with: 

• KS 1 or KS 2 experience

• good Microsoft Office competency   

• an awareness of Vivi the Supervegan books  

• confidence to communicate any training or support needs  

• an ability to work independently.  

What does my availability need to be? 

We are looking for someone who is available for two months, starting as soon as possible. We are looking for eight hours of volunteer time per week, done across one or two working days, which are the same working days each week.

Who does this role report to? 

Laura Chepner, Education Officer.

Organisation Overview

Clean Break provides Theatre and writing based opportunities, including workshops from our studios in Kentish Town NW5 for women who have lived experience through the Criminal Justice System or women at risk of offending with drug/alcohol and/or mental health needs. We are a trauma informed centre, we work in a safe, women-only environment, creating opportunities for women to develop personal, social, artistic and professional skills.

Directions

Buses: 46, 88, 134, 214, 393
Tube: Kentish Town (Northern Line)
Overground: Kentish Town West

Role Title

Young Company Volunteer

Responsible to

Participation Manager and Volunteering Manager 

Purpose/Summary of role

We are looking for two enthusiastic volunteers to be a part of the Young Company programme.  To support the development, confidence, and wellbeing of young women aged 18-25 through engaging group activities, acting, drama, rehearsals, theatre skills training and a safe, inclusive environment.                                                                                     This role is a one-yearplacement. October 2025- July 2026

Description of tasks

Key Responsibilities:

• · Build positive working relationships with young people
• · Assist with the lead facilitator(s) workshops, group games, or discussions
• · Provide a listening ear and positive encouragement
• · Ensure safeguarding policies are followed at all times
• · Assist fellow volunteer and lead facilitator(s) with setup and tidying of the space
•          Encourage young people’s participation and creativity

Time Commitment

Acting, drama and theatre skills training

These sessions will be delivered by our, Drama School partners and Clean Break Artists. The Young Company Support Worker will be on hand for any support needs outside of the space.

Autumn Season (October – December 2025)

Start: Wednesday 8th October 2025

Season Break (no sessions) – W/C October 27th

Resume: Wednesday 5th November 2025

End: Wednesday 16th December 2025

11.00am – 4.00pm

Spring Season (January – April 2026)

Start: Wednesday 21st January 2026

Season Break (no sessions) – W/C February 16th

Resume: Wednesday 25th February 2026

End: Wednesday 23rd March 2026

11.00am-4.00pm

Summer Season (April – July 2026)

The Company will rehearse and perform a short play by Emma Dennis Edwards, commissioned playwright for the Young Company. The play will be directed by Clean Break’s Associate Artistic Director and will be produced at a London venue, for audiences of loved ones, peers and public.

The Young Company will then enter a longer rehearsal period; these will be full and longer days of 10am-6pm:

•   Tuesday April 27th
•     Wednesday April 28th
•     Thursday April 29th
•     Tuesday May 5th
•      Wednesday May 6th
•      Thursday May 7th
•      Monday May 11th
•      Tuesday May 12th
•      Wednesday May 13th
•      Thursday May 14th
•      Monday May 18th
•      Tuesday May 19th
•      Wednesday May 20th
•     Thursday May 21st
•     Friday May 22nd

Season Break (no rehearsals) – W/C May 25th

Tech & Dress Rehearsals, these days will be longer and may run into the evening (exact timings TBC)

•   Monday June 1st
•   Tuesday June 2nd

Performance Dates, again these will be long days and late evenings to accommodate matinee and evening performances (exact performance times TBC)

• Wednesday June 3rd
•    Thursday June 4th
•   Friday June 5th
•   Saturday June 6th

After the Production is completed, Clean Break “Next Steps”, and this will include Tuesdays and Wednesdays both 11am-4pm. During “Nex Steps” we will also be visiting our Drama School partners for Tours of the schools and information sessions on making applications to their courses.

•    Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th June
•     Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th June
•   Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th June
•     Tuesday 30th June & Wednesday 1st July
•     Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th July
•   Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th July

The programme will end with a Graduation Ceremony on Friday July 17th, timings and location to be confirmed.

Skills and Qualifications

•      Some experience working with vulnerable young people who have been through the Criminal Justice                System or at risk of offending
•     Desirable that candidate is locally based
•       Friendly, approachable, and good with young people
•       Reliable responsible and efficient
•       Good listening and communication skills
•     Open-minded and non-judgmental
•     Some experience in youth work
•     Able to take initiative

Disabled Access

Yes – Wheelchair accessible

Training and Induction

• · Building health and safety induction
• · Safeguarding
• · Leading with Kindness (Trauma Informed)

What you will gain

• · Valuable experience in youth work and community engagement
• · The chance to make a positive impact in young people’s lives
• · Skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership
• · Weekly briefing and debriefing
• · Opportunity to gain experience and references
•         Ongoing check-ins with Young Company Support Worker and Participation Manager 

Expenses

Yes – Travel and lunch we also provide free lunch

Recruitment Method

• CV, informal discussion, reference, trial period.
•   All volunteers must complete a DBS check / background check and attend safeguarding training.
•   We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
•   The post is open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1)

Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community

What You’ll Need

✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Amazing, giving, and inspiring are a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust, Central and North West London (CNWL).

The aim of the Befriending Service is to;

• Reduce social isolation of service users
• Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
• Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
• Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
• Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
• Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
• Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
• Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
• Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
• Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• You will have good communication skills
• You will be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users

If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

We're looking for an experienced Fundraising Volunteers to help us find the money we need to keep our club going and grow. This is a vital role where your skills can make a real difference. You'll be working behind the scenes to find new funding opportunities, write strong applications, and help us show funders the amazing impact our club has. If you've got experience in fundraising and want to use it for a great cause, we'd love to hear from you!

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

Introduction

The Hunger Project is a global not-for-profit, founded in 1977. We believe passionately that ending hunger is possible, and that our generation has the power to end it once and for all.  Our vision is a world without hunger. Our mission is to facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist.

We do this by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. We comprise of 13 Programme countries across rural Africa, South Asia and Latin America and 9 Partner countries, which are the fundraising arms - one of which is The Hunger Project UK (THP-UK).

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced volunteer Company Secretary to play a crucial role in the effective governance and compliance of our charity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your expertise to a cause you care about, working closely with our CEO, Chairpersons, and Board of Trustees to ensure we meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company Secretary should also be available to provide a central source of guidance and advice within THP-UK on matters of charity ethics, company law and good governance. 

Key Responsibilities

Board Meetings & Support

• Collaborate with the Chair and CEO to prepare agendas and forward plans for Board meetings.
• Circulate papers and documentation in advance of meetings.
• Attend all Board meetings (typically quarterly), ensuring meetings are properly constituted (e.g. quorum present, aligned with Articles of Association).
• Accurately minute proceedings, record decisions and actions, and circulate minutes promptly.
• Maintain records of attendance and track follow-up on agreed actions. 

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns with Companies House and the Charity Commission, including:
  • Annual confirmation statements and annual returns.
  • Updates to trustees, registered address, and governing documents.
  • Submission of trustees' report and audited accounts (in collaboration with auditors).
• Keep an organised archive of governance documents, policies, minutes, and resolutions.
• Act as point of contact for formal correspondence from Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Corporate & Charity Governance

• Advise the Board on legal and regulatory requirements, charity ethics, and corporate governance best practices.
• Keep up to date with statutory requirements and best practice for good corporate and charity governance and inform the Board as appropriate.
• Maintain all statutory registers.
• Conduct reviews of policies for clarity, compliance, and role-specific responsibilities.
• Assist in reviewing and submitting governance-related policies for Board approval (e.g., safeguarding, conflict of interest).
• Maintain a policy review schedule and ensure timely updates.

Trustee Support & Onboarding

• Support the Chair in maintaining an up-to-date Board Handbook and policies.
• Assist with onboarding of new trustees by providing induction packs and key governance documents.
• Signpost training opportunities and updates to ensure trustees are well-informed of their responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in company secretarial, governance, legal, or high-level administrative roles.
• In-depth knowledge of UK charity and company law, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise minutes and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox and virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently, flexibly, and to deadlines.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of The Hunger Project.
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Desirable

• Experience volunteering in the non-profit or charity sector.
• Familiarity with charitable companies limited by guarantee.

Time Commitment & Location

As a volunteer for THP-UK, you would play a vital part in our work. You will be home-based with attendance at in-person Board meetings every quarter in West London or Central London. We expect the work will entail approx. 8–10 hours per month, varying around quarterly Board meetings.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a lasting contribution to ending hunger.
• Use your professional skills for high-impact global work.
• Work alongside a passionate team of trustees and volunteers.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Induction and ongoing support from the Chair and Board.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter by 15th August 2025. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch with shortlisted candidates.

We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We are delighted to have secured funding to deliver a 24-month befriending programme. This exciting opportunity will support the delivery of our ambitious five-year strategy by:

- Promoting Independence - ensuring more older people can stay independent for longer

- Providing Connection - enabling friendship and social connection for older People

The befriending service will be provided through 2 different strands which aim to support older people in different ways based on the needs identified via an assessment. Clients will enter the strand that is most appropriate to their needs.

- Strand A: We will offer a local face-to-face service of up to 1 hour for 26 weeks. Strand A provision would be appropriate for older people who have experienced a recent life event, such as a hospital admission, bereavement or home move and who need time limited support and guidance to connect with suitable services and activities.

- Strands B: We will offer ongoing support either face-to- face of up to 1 hour or by telephone between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Strand B provision is for older people leaving Strand A that require long term support or for those who are identified as needing ongoing face-to-face or local telephone befriending support on entry to the programme. As a befriender you will be asked to select your type of volunteering preference.

Purpose of Role 

• Provide companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear to people who may be lonely or isolated. 

• Provide monthly reports to the Volunteer Manager on your client. 

Key tasks 

• Make a regular weekly visit or phone call to a client who has been matched to you, at a time suitable to the older person.

• Provide conversation and company. 

• Spend time chatting with the client, talking with them about their current and past life experiences. 

• Report any emerging issues or concerns that the older person has agreed to be shared with us such as safeguarding issues or a change in personal circumstance or health. 

• Make the client aware of any other services across AUKEL they may benefit from. 

• Maintain records of client contact and send this to the Volunteer Manager on a monthly basis. 

• Regularly meet with your befriending peers and supervisor, to share experiences, get support and reflect. 

Skills and attributes 

• Understanding loneliness and social isolation. 

• Good communication skills with a friendly approachable manner. 

• Keen on building a strong befriending relationship. 

• A desire to learn more about an individual and their interests and their past, and life history. 

• Consistency and reliability.

• Understanding of Confidentiality. 

• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of older people. 

• Patience and Sensitivity. 

• Confidence to deal with emergencies. 

• Record keeping.

• Basic IT skills. 

Support Provided 

• You will be inducted in cohorts with other volunteers. 

• Training for the role is provided including Safeguarding, Making Every Contact Count, Sexual Harassment and Building a positive volunteering experience and other more. 

• Ongoing support including regular supervision by the Volunteer Manager. 

• Goup supervision with other befrienders. Groups supervision is a safe place where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes, process emotion and learn from each other. 

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

• Access to an AGE UK Discount portal provided by Aon.  

• Monthly volunteer newsletter 

We hold an annual Volunteer Award event where we celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Volunteers! 

Benefits 

• Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to have a tangible impact on someone's life, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Helping older people can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

• Emotional Rewards 

• Intergenerational Connections 

• Learning and Skill Development 

• Enhancing Career Prospects 

• Building Empathy and Compassion 

• Giving Back to the Community 

• Social and celebration events 

Commitment 

• We expect a minimum of 6 months commitment but would ideally prefer more of a longer-term commitment.

• Weekly commitment is between 30 minutes to 1 hour for client plus one/two hours monthly for reporting.