Support volunteer volunteer roles in paddington, greater london
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 Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.
MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough.
Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.
We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process.
Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.
Because everyone should have good health, resilience and opportunity.



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!
Cheer Team Volunteer – Support Runners and Raise Spirits!
We’re looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to join our Cheer Points at Richmond RunFest 2025. Your mission? Cheer on and clap for our incredible runners as they raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Society.
By volunteering with us, you’ll be supporting our mission to give help to those living with dementia today and provide hope for the future. Every clap, cheer and smile you give helps drive our runners toward the finish line and brings us closer to a world where a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
You’ll be stationed along the route, creating an uplifting, high-energy atmosphere that keeps our fundraisers motivated all the way to the finish line.
What you’ll do:
· Clap, cheer, wave flags or hold signs
· Be part of a supportive team
· Help make the day unforgettable for our runners
What we offer:
· A fun and social experience
· Charity t-shirt –
· Full instructions and support from our events team
No experience needed, just bring your energy and smile!
Apply today and help us make a big noise for a great cause.
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 our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment by welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring group rules are followed and that content is appropriate by alerting managers when inappropriate content is posted or when there is a safeguarding issue.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community by by engaging with the people with sight loss, local and national organisations.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings
Time commitment
• This volunteering role requires a commitment of around 5 hours a week, there is the option to volunteer for a greater number of hours but this isn't essential.
How often will I be needed?
- 5 Hours per Week
Key requirements
- This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 2 references.
Location
Region
- Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, North West, South East, West Midlands, North East, South West, Greater London
Home based
- This role is home based
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.
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!
As the welcoming face of the food bank you’ll be sociable, enjoy meeting people and able to offer friendly and caring support to those in crisis. You’ll receive and check food vouchers, prepare food parcels and make refreshments for the people who visit the food bank. You’ll provide a listening ear and support people in accessing other services with compassion and dignity.
Why we want you
We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity. Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help.
As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate.
In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community.
What you will be doing
- Welcome clients to the foodbank centre
- Receive vouchers, check validity, and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists
- Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session
- Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets
- Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor
The skills you need
- Strong team player
- Excellent communication skills
- Empathetic
- Has an eye for detail
- Organised and self-motivated
What's in it for you
- Using your existing skills to make a difference
- Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community
- Make a real difference to the running of your food bank
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!
Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.
Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.
Activities might include:
- Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
- Helping to strengthen family relationships.
- Providing a listening ear.
- Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.
Essential Criteria:
- You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
- 18+
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
What we provide in return:
- Full induction training and ongoing training
- DBS check
- Weekly supervision and support
- The chance to learn new skills
- References provided after 6 months' commitment
- Reimbursement of travel and session expenses
We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.
Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.
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 our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment – Welcoming new members to the group and encouraging participation.
• Supporting group conversations – Instigating dialogue based on eye health related days/events or more interest-based topics.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator and engagement Team to create engaging content for the Group.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• A chance to build a strong community; by engaging with the people with sight loss and local and national organisations.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, sharing information and working as a team to create and share content.
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups, both with your manager and your fellow moderators and engagement volunteers.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers through regular moderator meetings.
How often will I be needed?
- 5 Hours per Week
Key requirements
- This role requires 1 reference
Location
Region
- North East, West Midlands, South West, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, Greater London, South East, Northern Ireland, Scotland, East Midlands, North West
Home based
- This role is home based
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- An understanding and interest in maximising the benefits of social media platforms. A willingness to learn about local services and activities to inform the community as appropriate. Interested in helping people get the information they need. Good communication skills.
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!
Partnership & Purpose Lead
Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – approx. 2–3 hrs/month
Location: Remote or hybrid
About the role:
In this role, you’ll help grow Mindful Strides by reaching out to local businesses, wellness spaces, community groups, or organisations we can collaborate with. Your work helps expand our impact and build sustainable connections that align with our values.
You might enjoy this role if you:
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Enjoy networking, outreach, and relationship-building
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Feel confident writing or speaking to new people
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Are passionate about social impact and wellbeing
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Want to help Mindful Strides grow with intention
A community designed for you to connect through movement, nature and wellness!
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!
Volunteer Role: Admin, Social Media & Fundraising Support
Organisation: Whispaws Animal Sanctuary
Location: Flexible - Local (South East London / North Kent) or Remote
About Us
Whispaws Animal Sanctuary is a UK-based charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned dogs and cats in Serbia. We provide veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption opportunities, and run sterilisation campaigns to reduce the street dog population. Our work also includes a street feeding campaign, ensuring that abandoned animals living outdoors receive regular food and care.
We are a small but passionate team, committed to improving animal welfare through hands-on rescue work, community outreach, and fundraising.
The Role
We are looking for reliable, proactive volunteers to join our team and support us with general administration, social media, and fundraising. You may choose to help in one area or across several, depending on your skills, interests, and availability. The work can be done remotely, although if you are based near Sevenoaks, Blackheath, or Chislehurst, there are opportunities to join our in-person fundraising events.
Key Areas of Involvement
General Administration
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Use Google Drive to organise and manage charity documents (training provided if needed)
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Input and manage data accurately
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Filing expenses using Google Drive
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Help with Sponsorship Programme management for dogs in our care
Fundraising
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Approach local businesses for sponsorships, donations, and event prizes
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Join the team in planning and advertising in-person fundraising events
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Support online fundraising campaigns through social media
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Suggest and help develop creative fundraising ideas
Social Media
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Share adoption posts across multiple platforms
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Take charge of posting existing prepared content to our channels
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Manage and update dog adoption profiles on Facebook
Who We’re Looking For
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Dedicated to animal welfare and making a real difference
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Honest and clear about what tasks they can take on, and follow through reliably
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Organised and able to complete agreed tasks in a timely manner
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Comfortable using (or quick to learn) Google Drive and basic admin tools
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Self-motivated, with good communication skills
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A bonus if based locally and able to attend events in person
What You’ll Gain
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The opportunity to directly improve the lives of animals in need
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Experience in charity administration, fundraising, and social media
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Being part of a friendly, supportive, and passionate team
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Flexible working hours to fit around your schedule
Time Commitment
Flexible: Whether you can help with a single task or ongoing responsibilities, we just ask that you commit to what you can realistically offer each month and see it through to completion.
How to Apply
Please apply via CharityJob with a short introduction about yourself, your skills, and how much time you can commit each month. Let us know which areas you’re most interested in helping with.
Volunteer-run UK charity improving animal welfare in Serbia through rescue, street outreach & sterilisation, giving safety, healing & homes
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 London Borough of Sutton 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!
Our core Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia, and are sometimes housebound.
This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
On successful completion of the training, Befrienders are matched with someone who lives close to them.
They make a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea or, where possible, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, but volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
This role is for UK residents only, and applicants are required to live in or very near the boroughs of Ealing or Hounslow.
After applying, volunteers will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (paid for and organised by BEfriend).
The check is carried out as part of our safeguarding policy to protect our clients who are ‘vulnerable people’
BEfriend is a one-to-one volunteer befriending service, supporting socially isolated people in the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow.




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 description
Are you passionate about education and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential? If you’re knowledgeable in the field of Digital Skills and able to facilitate engaging, in-person sessions for adult learners, we’d love to hear from you!
Purpose of role
We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and creative tutor with excellent interpersonal, numeracy and digital skills; excellent written English and efficient organisational skills.
The aim is to support adult learners who need to improve their Digital skills, working both individually and as part of the Adult Education team to plan and deliver an agreed number of Digital skills courses.
Day/time – Monday & Friday – 10:30am – 12:30
Start – 20/06/25
End - 28/07/25
Course description:
This class is specifically aimed at learners (ESOL Entry 2 +) who want to develop their basic digital skills. We work a lot on essential computer functions such as turning devices on and off, using the mouse and navigating applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Lessons are based on a wide range of different topics, but will have a particular focus on practising their digital literacy skills.
You need to:
- Be passionate about helping people achieve their potential
- Be a qualified/experienced Digital Skills practitioner
- Be knowledgeable in your subject field
- Be able to carry out effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of courses
- Demonstrate a high level of computer literacy
- Be able to use your own initiative, and to organise and prioritise your workload
- Be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure
- Be able to identify and implement changes in existing systems
- Be able to maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and students
- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of vulnerable adults, according to the charity’s ethos
- Be committed to the provision of a quality service and the implementation of quality improvements
- Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to valuing equal opportunities and diversity
- Be committed to taking a full and active role in the life of the charity and be committed to its aims and values
- Have a flexible approach to work and be able to work flexibly throughout the week/over the year by prior agreement
- All applicants must have the right to work in the UK
About Nova
Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards and those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.
Reaching 2,000+ people each year, we:
• Develop knowledge, education and confidence
• Connect diverse groups
• Provide opportunities
Our work, operates on 2 levels:
• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), adult education, IAG, family programme and volunteering
• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining why you would like to work with us and how your knowledge and experience meets the person specification.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
We will be doing rolling recruitment for this role, so we advise that you submit an application as soon as possible. We will close the recruitment once we have found a successful candidate.
Creating the circumstances through which people have the opportunity to achieve their potential & improve quality of life regardless of background.




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!
Market Researcher Volunteer
Are you curious, do you enjoy exploring ideas, researching trends, delivering insights and eager to make a meaningful impact?
We're looking for a volunteer Market Researcher to support planning across various initiatives and projects by gathering, analysing, and reporting information that informs smart decisions.
Whether you’re gaining experience, switching paths, or simply want to contribute your skills meaningfully, this is your chance to work on purposeful projects in a flexible and rewarding opportunity.
We’re passionate about what we do and value every person who helps us do it better.
Let’s explore something meaningful together.
Responsibilities
• Conduct research on topics ranging from markets, industries, customer needs, or competitors, depending on the project.
• Gather and organise information from credible online sources, industry reports, surveys, and interviews
• Analyse findings to identify opportunities, trends, and challenges
• Deliver written reports that are clear, structured, and meaningful to help decision-making in the project
Requirements
• A curious mind with an eye for detail
• Strong skills in online research and information synthesis
• Ability to work independently and manage your own time
• Strong communicator, especially in writing
• Experience in research or reporting is helpful
The role could be entirely remote and is unremunerated but all reasonable expenses will be met.
ABOUT TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
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 Ready to IGNITE a Movement?
Become a Founding Leader of SUNSHINE and Transform London!
Imagine a London where every street corner radiates connection, every park echoes with laughter, and no one ever feels the isolating grip of loneliness. This isn't just a dream; it's the vibrant reality we're building at SUNSHINE – a brand-new, 100% volunteer-run charity with a singular, powerful mission: to combat loneliness, spread joy, and ignite unparalleled community spirit across our magnificent city and beyond!
We are in the most exhilarating phase – the very beginning. Laying the crucial groundwork for our official launch and registration, this is more than an opportunity; it's an invitation to be a pioneering force. To sit at the table, shape our destiny, and create a lasting legacy. Your vision, strategic mind, and boundless energy aren't just needed; they are absolutely essential to bring SUNSHINE to glorious life.
Calling All Visionary Leaders: Spearhead Our Launch & Growth!
Are you a passionate, experienced leader ready to use your skills to make a monumental positive impact? We're building the very foundations of SUNSHINE, and we need exceptional individuals to guide us from start-up, through our thrilling launch, and into a future of sustained growth and profound success. This is your chance to spearhead a charity that will genuinely transform lives.
We are seeking dedicated, inspiring individuals to fill vital founding leadership roles within our new 100% volunteer-run loneliness charity, including:
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Trustees (including Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary): Provide strategic governance, ensure robust compliance, and safeguard the ethical heart of SUNSHINE.
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Drive the overall strategic direction, lead our dynamic volunteer teams, and champion SUNSHINE's mission with unwavering passion.
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Chief Operating Officer (COO): Build and refine our operational excellence, ensuring efficient systems and processes empower our impactful work.
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Head of Services: Design, develop, and oversee the rollout of our groundbreaking programmes and activities that foster connection and enhance well-being.
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And other important Heads of Departments: Help build crucial foundational areas like Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Volunteer Programme Management, Finance, IT & Systems, and more!
If you have the drive to build from the ground up, the expertise to lead with purpose, and a heart that aches to make a real difference in the lives of those facing loneliness, we are eager to welcome you.
Why Lead with SUNSHINE?
This is an unparalleled chance to be more than just a volunteer; it's an opportunity to be a founding architect of a movement. You'll:
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Forge a Legacy: Build a charity from its nascent stages, leaving an indelible mark on London's social landscape.
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Drive Strategic Impact: Directly influence every decision that shapes SUNSHINE's growth and its ability to combat loneliness effectively.
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Empower a Community: Lead a passionate team of volunteers, creating a culture of joy, support, and shared purpose.
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Experience Unmatched Fulfillment: Witness first-hand the profound, positive ripple effect your leadership creates in countless lives.
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Thrive in Innovation: Operate in a dynamic start-up environment where creativity, collaboration, and impactful ideas are celebrated.
Ready to IGNITE Change and Build a Brighter London?
Your leadership is the spark we need to turn our vision into a vibrant reality. If you're ready to dedicate your skills, experience, and heart to spearhead SUNSHINE's journey from start-up to resounding success, we want to hear from you!
Join our passionate team and help us build a brighter, more connected world for all.
We're SUNSHINE: Combatting Loneliness and Social Isolation across London and Beyond!
JOIN OUR TEAM
Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.

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!
RSPCA London South East Branch
Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.
Overview of the Branch Secretary opportunity
As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.
The RSPCA London South East Branch
The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary
- To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.
- Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
- Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
- Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
- Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
- Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
- Liaise with the Branch Partnership Manager (BPM) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
- Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.
- In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
- Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.
Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Secretary
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
- Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
- Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
- References will also be required.
How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.
There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
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 a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield.
We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.
We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:
- Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
- Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
- Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.
About the Role
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
- ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
- ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
- approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
- appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
- constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
- actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.
Maximise benefit entitlement, ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.