Training volunteer roles

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Volunteering Coordinator?

Volunteering Coordinators are a key role within the team, leading on the local recruitment, induction, on-going support and celebration of volunteers. As the first point of contact for volunteering in the branch, they ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, Volunteering Coordinators ensure that SSAFA has a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What would you be doing?

• Although every SSAFA Branch has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator.
• Keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of branch volunteer details and checking in with people about their volunteer experience.
• Supporting volunteer recruitment: Working alongside the Branch Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required, for example, using online volunteer recruitment platforms.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups.
• Welcoming and supporting: In partnership with SSAFA central office teams, supporting the recruitment and induction of new volunteers e.g., carrying out informal interviews and ensuring every volunteer has an identified volunteer manager.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking ways to celebrate volunteering and to say thank you to volunteers for their efforts.
• Being a volunteering champion: Working with the regional Volunteer Development Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the branch and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This course lasts approx. 3 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from Regional volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.
• Some experience of coordinating people is beneficial.
• This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

Are references required? Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No 

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a volunteer activity coach?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to a support home to help clients engage with evening activities such a bingo or quiz nights (evenings)

· Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of 3-6 months?

· Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

· holding group sessions with clients to play games / quizzes

· providing innovative and fun exercises to keep clients engaged and motivated

· Acting as a positive role model to all clients

Skills required

· Making the best of the environment in which clients are based (Communal living room)

· Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with different backgrounds and motivations.

· Great time keeping and organisational skills.

· High levels of enthusiasm and drive

Volunteer recruitment and training:

Following a show of interest to volunteer as an Activity Coach, this would be the typical process that will then follow:

• You will be asked to complete a short application form, or you can send us your cv if you prefer outlining relevant experience in life or work.

• Our volunteer recruitment team will arrange to meet with you or speak with you over the phone to answer any questions you may have.

• We will apply for an enhanced DBS check for you.

• You provide two-character references.

• You will complete 4 online training modules

Once you’ve let us know your availability, will then match you with our clients for 3-6 months, where you will provide weekly sessions with a commitment of time of 1-2 hours of evening

Location: Fishermead supported accomodation, Milton Keynes

At connection support we welcome and encourage applications from everyone, regardless of ages, gender, disabilities, and background

 Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Could you prevent loneliness and isolation in your community and become a volunteer activity coach?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to a support home to help clients engage with evening activities such a bingo or quiz nights (evenings)

· Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of 3-6 months?

· Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

· holding group sessions with clients to play games / quizzes

· providing innovative and fun exercises to keep clients engaged and motivated

· Acting as a positive role model to all clients

Skills required

· Making the best of the environment in which clients are based (Communal living room)

· Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with different backgrounds and motivations.

· Great time keeping and organisational skills.

· High levels of enthusiasm and drive

Volunteer recruitment and training:

Following a show of interest to volunteer as an Activity Coach, this would be the typical process that will then follow:

• You will be asked to complete a short application form, or you can send us your cv if you prefer outlining relevant experience in life or work.

• Our volunteer recruitment team will arrange to meet with you or speak with you over the phone to answer any questions you may have.

• We will apply for an enhanced DBS check for you.

• You provide two-character references.

• You will complete 4 online training modules

Once you’ve let us know your availability, will then match you with our clients for 3-6 months, where you will provide weekly sessions with a commitment of time of 1-2 hours of evening

Location: Fishermead supported accomodation, Milton Keynes

At connection support we welcome and encourage applications from everyone, regardless of ages, gender, disabilities, and background

Trustees -  Development or Commercial Expertise

Location: Hampshire (Winchester and Eastleigh) - Board meetings held onsite, Committee meetings held remotely
Role: Voluntary (travel expenses paid)
Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees

Wonderseekers is currently recruiting two new trustees to join our Board - one with expertise in development and strategic growth, and another with a strong commercial background. These new positions have been created in response to the charity’s growth and the evolving needs of our governance structure, ensuring we have the right skills and perspectives to deliver our ambitious strategy and deepen our impact for children and the planet.

About Wonderseekers

Wonderseekers exists to create a more equitable world where all children can treasure science and are equipped and empowered to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Our strategy, For People and Planet 2030, sets out a clear vision for the outcomes we aim to influence for children and nature.

We value diversity on our Board of Trustees and the unique contributions each trustee brings through their lived, loved, laboured and learned experiences. We aim to reflect the communities we serve across all levels of the organisation.

The Role of a Trustee

As a trustee, you will help shape our strategic direction, oversee the financial sustainability of our charity, influence future projects, and support good risk management. You will work closely with fellow trustees and the Executive Team to ensure Wonderseekers delivers on its mission, always aligned with Our Promise to Children and our regulatory obligations.

General Responsibilities (All Trustees)

• Engage effectively and constructively in Board and Committee discussions
• Develop strong working relationships with fellow trustees and the executive team
• Understand the voluntary sector and the legal responsibilities of a trustee
• Think creatively and innovatively
• Commit time to meetings, preparation, and informal engagement
• Analyse proposals and assess their impact on our mission
• Be passionate about using science to inspire children to live healthier, more sustainable lives

Role 1: Trustee – Development and Strategic Growth

We are seeking a trustee with experience in strategic development, income generation, and fundraising - ideally within the charity sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' forward plans, major initiatives, and campaigns
• Guide the Board on building external relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Support the Development Team in evolving fundraising strategies (individual giving, grants, trusts, corporate partnerships)
• Shape strategies for income generation, sponsorship, and donor stewardship
• Contribute to public relations, communications, and marketing
• Champion Wonderseekers’ mission and connect new supporters with our vision
• Serve and Chair the Fundraising Committee

Role 2: Trustee - Commercial Strategy

We are also seeking a trustee with a strong commercial background, particularly in the visitor experience sector, with financial acumen and senior experience in either a commercial or charitable setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' commercial performance, especially at our visitor centre in Winchester
• Advise the Board on commercial matters and support the COO in long-term growth planning
• Lead or support on commercial risk management
• Serve as a director and Chair of our trading subsidiary, Sparking Curiosity Limited

Trustee Requirements (All Roles)

• Commitment to the charity’s purpose, values, and objectives
• Constructive and respectful collaboration
• Responsible and reasonable conduct
• Confidentiality on sensitive matters
• Preparedness and presence at meetings
• Analytical thinking and constructive challenge
• Support for collective decisions

Trustee Arrangements

• Board size: Up to 12 trustees
• Term: Up to three terms of three years each
• Meetings: Quarterly Board meetings (in person), up to four committee meetings per year (online)
• Strategy Day: Annual planning day in September
• Time commitment: Board/committee meetings, preparation, informal engagement, and key events
• Support: Induction, ongoing training, and reasonable expenses covered

Board Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the children and communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience and perspectives currently underrepresented on our Board.

Vice-Chair Opportunity (Optional)

We are also looking to appoint a Vice-Chair (or two Co-Vice Chairs). If you are interested in this additional role, please indicate this in your application. A full Vice-Chair role profile is available upon request.

How to Apply

For a full role profile for each role, please visit www.wonderseekers.charity/vacancies

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to Meika Young, Executive Assistant, (see website for email address). We are operating a rolling deadline - please apply as soon as possible.

Local groups are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and carers across the UK. The Support Group Finance Contact leads and guides the finances within the group and records financial activity accurately.

What you will be doing-

• provide accounting support to the group and record financial activity,
• keeping the group and UK office informed of the group's financial position
• send completed financial returns to UK office within the specified timescales
• ensure volunteer expenses are paid in line with the Volunteer Expenses Policy
• be a signatory on accounts, and open and maintain bank accounts in the charity's name

The skills you need:

• ideally have had some previous financial or accounting experience, although training will be provided.
• willingness to learn
• are motivated and reliable, with good financial, IT and organisational skills in order to help the group operate

Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.

What you’ll be doing:

• Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
• Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
• Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
• Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
• Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
• Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Winter Fairs and the Winter Ball

What you’ll need:

• Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
• A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
• Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in

What’s in it for you:

• Induction, training and support
• New people, new experiences
• Skill-building and personal development
• A reference for employment or education
• A chance to help cats and dogs in your community

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

Supportive is a not-for-profit charity that operates in County Durham. For over 30 years our volunteer drives are the backbone of our service. Right now, we are looking for Volunteer Drivers with a caring and understanding nature.  Supportive covers the whole of County Durham and enables people in our community accessible transport to and from NHS hospital and GP appointments. 

 
We give our volunteers 45p a mile to cover the cost of fuel and offer support and training through our induction process.

Supportive are looking drivers that would like to volunteer a bit of their time to supporting people who struggle to attend their vital hospital appointments and give something back to their community. 

Can you help?  If so and you and would like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch and one of our amazing team will be able to support you through the process. 

Why we want you
As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

This Group meet on a Tuesday.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help source, sell and send clothes on Vinted to raise money four services. This isn’t about you listing your own clothes but about sourcing items others can donate that we can then sell.

Who are we looking for?

• Enjoys fundraising but is looking for something that’s a little bit different
• Enjoys being organised
• Likes flexibility in a role
• Collaborative

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

Interested?

Email us and lets chat! 

Do you have an interest in how technology can enable people with sight loss to live connected, independent lives? We'd love you to get involved in our Glasgow Tech Hub, working with our technology service coordinators to help people with sight loss develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use everyday technology. We need volunteers to come along on a monthly basis but depending on popularity, this could be increased.

How often will I be needed?

• 8 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check and 1 reference

Location

Region

• Scotland

Additional location information

• Mitchell Library, 201 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good communication skills
• Patient approach to training
• Natural tech user
• empowering attitude

Islington Bereavement Service offers emotional, social and practical support to bereaved adults living in Islington.

We need volunteers to befriend bereaved people. You don’t need any previous experience, just good communication and listening skills, empathy and flexibility.

• Offer companionship, emotional support & a listening ear

• Accompany people to appointments or on local outings

• Direct people to important services

What commitment will I need to give?

• You must be able to offer 5–6 hours of your time per month

• You will need to attend a 2 day induction training

• We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months.

• Learn new skills and gain experience

• Receive peer support and attend group supervision

• We provide travel expenses and reference after 6 months

Recovery Partners are a small user-led mental health charity working across East Sussex. All of our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges. Our Peer Support Specialists are trained, employed and supported to inspire others in wellbeing and recovery. We offer services to individuals and groups.

We are at an exciting and pivotal stage in our journey. As we grow and strengthen our peer support approach within our communities, we are looking to welcome a Treasurer onto our Board. 

What will you be doing?

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Recovery Partner’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. 

Time commitment estimated at 8 - 12 hours per month

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a finance professional who’s willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. Ideally, applicants will have lived experience of a mental health issue or disability. Whilst 100% of our staff have this we wish to remain a disabled people led organisation at board level also. 

What difference will you make?

Recovery Partners is more than a service — it is part of a movement for change in mental health and recovery services, led by people who’ve been there. 

As a Treasurer, you will help us: 

· Champion the voice of lived/living experience 

· Strengthen our governance and strategic planning 

· Ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of our work 

· Uphold our values of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment