Training volunteer roles

Hours: Variable - Tuesday mornings

Many people may be well aware of The Hospice of St Francis and the wonderful work done with both inpatient and community-based care, however they perhaps will not be aware of the extensive grounds at the Hospice and that they are cared for by a team of volunteers.

The seven acres of grounds are a mix of formal gardens, woodland and a wildflower meadow with a woodland walk and provide an opportunity for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy the benefits of a wonderful garden and a chance to enjoy our part of the Hertfordshire countryside with wonderful views across to Ashridge.

The ethos of the gardens is very much towards conservation with no use of insecticides or herbicides and with composting of all possible matter. Our aim is to encourage all wildlife in the gardens.

There are a group of about 35 individuals, who operate in teams responsible for their own section of the garden under head gardener, Gill Johnson. We are currently looking for extra help, particularly from people with gardening experience, although all are welcome. We meet on a Tuesday morning each week, with a break for coffee and cake mid-morning.

We carry on throughout the winter, although not in snow and ice. Winter jobs are a warming workout and include leaf raking; grass cutting (training on machinery provided); fencing; building 'dead' hedges.

To quote one of our gardeners “I work with lovely people in a wonderful setting and we are doing something really useful, what’s not to like?“

Main activities/tasks:

- Plan, organize and run sessions for clients.

- Engage with clients in a positive manner and promote healthy habits.

- Report back to the project coordinator on session feedback and outcomes.

Who are we looking for?

- You will have some experience in leading Zumba classes.

- No fluency in Spanish or Portuguese needed.

- You will have a friendly and sympathetic personality and will be enthusiastic to work with a team of passionate volunteers.

- You will have the ability to listen, communicate and engage with people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities with a non-judgemental approach – that is culturally sensitive and aware of individual circumstances and needs.

- You will be sensitive when working with vulnerable people and will have a genuine interest in promoting their well-being and independence.

- Commitment of at least 3 months.

What the volunteer would gain from the volunteering opportunity:

- Volunteer as part of a team in a friendly and dynamic environment.

- Have the chance to work with a variety of different people and make a real difference to their lives.

- Learn and develop skills that could be helpful for future employment opportunities or further learning.

- Gain valuable knowledge and experience of working in the Charity sector.

- Have the possibility to practice other languages.

- A reference after 3 months of volunteering.

- Gain experience working in a multi-cultural/multi-lingual environment, which is highly valued by recruiters.

- Increase your own self-confidence.

- Attend social and cultural events organised by LADPP.

- Make friends and have fun!

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access theses)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training, as well as a DBS check.

Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.

As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.

This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.

You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.

As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.

About you

Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

Join Us in Making a Difference for Cats!
Volunteering is at the heart of Cats Protection—joyful, inclusive, and truly transformative. As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you’ll help raise the vital funds that support thousands of cats and kittens in need.

What You Could Be Doing:

• Supporting community fundraising events such as craft fairs, county shows, and local collections.
• Helping with online fundraising campaigns—perfect for showcasing your tech skills!
• Sorting and recording donated goods to help our cause.
• Sharing ideas to develop new fundraising activities with fellow volunteers and our Community Fundraising Hub.
• Promoting Cats Protection in Wrexham and wider area, connecting with supporters who love cats as much as you do!

What We Offer You:

• A welcoming, inclusive environment that values your contribution.
• Support to ensure your experience is positive and impactful.
• Reimbursement for agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Access to online training and a thorough induction to set you up for success.

This flexible role allows you to volunteer in a way that fits around your other commitments, so you can make a difference in a way that works for you.

Ready to Get Started?
Please make sure to share your email address with us, and we’ll be in touch to arrange an interview and send you the official application form. We can’t wait to meet you!

Together, we are all for cats.

Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.

As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.

This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.

You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.

As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.

About you

Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

The Chair of our Trust Board of Directors helps shape and guide our passionate volunteers and staff team through clear leadership to the trust’s Board of Directors, embedding the trust's values and culture throughout the organisation. 

In addition to the general role of all Non-Executive Directors/Trustees, the role of the Chair is:

1. Strategic leadership: To ensure the board and the CEO have an effective shared purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities.

2. Leading the governance team: To ensure the board has the right people with the right skills, attributes, motivations and behaviours to work effectively as a team and hold annual 1:1 conversations with non-executive directors and Local Governing Committee Chairs.

3. Working with leaders: To ensure professional relationships with the CEO and the Chairs of the schools’ Local Governing Committees. To lead the Chairs and Vice Chairs Forum.

4. Influencing improvement and outcomes: To ensure the Board is focused on the trust’s strategic priorities and the ongoing improvement of all of its schools and outcomes for pupils.

5. Leading governance business: To work with the CEO and the Clerk to the Directors to ensure the business of the Board and its Committees is planned, managed and actioned effectively.

6. To review the trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis, taking any appropriate action to maintain financial viability.

Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. They will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement with possible ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity.

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help people recover and move on with their lives.

The expected start date for the placement will be July 2025 and the placement will run for 6 weeks, daytimes 10am to 4pm, volunteering upto 3 days per week.

The placement will be hybrid in location, from the volunteer's home and the British Red Cross office in Moorgate, London (EC2Y 9AL).

About the role: Up and down the country, groups of passionate students are running British Red Cross on Campus supporter groups, acting as fundraisers, advocates and taking part in our calls to action. We have groups in sixth form colleges, further education establishments, youth organisations and universities. You can set up your own group and make a real difference, gain valuable skills and get recognised for your volunteering. We are looking for someone to support the development of our resources and calls to action.

Typical placements tasks may include:

• Researching other charities On Campus offers
• Reviewing our packs and resources for setting up and running a group
• Reviewing and creating new calls to action
• Coming up with a year plan for On Campus

You need to have good interpersonal, diplomacy, communication and teamwork skills although full training can be given for any technical requirements. We keep the beneficiary at the heart of what we do, working to understand their needs and the difference we make.

Also someone who has:

• Good research skills
• Good written communication skills

Bursary Scheme The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses. For this scheme we are defining low-income households as: Inside London: Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under Outside London: Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under

Young People and this role Our placement volunteer opportunities are open to people at different stages of their career, aged 15 or above. Whether you’re student, a recent graduate or someone with more experience looking for a career change, we would be happy to hear from you. Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross from the age of 15. An individual risk assessment, parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required for those aged 15 – 17. The nature of the activities specific to your intern opportunity may mean that you need to be 18 years or older.

Diversity We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. We seek to ensure that our organisation and our services are relevant and accessible to all, with equality, diversity and fairness at the core of what we do. We invite applications from individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or political belief and are committed to promoting fair participation and equality of opportunity for all of our applicants.

The British Red Cross is committed to being inclusive, with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. We value fresh perspectives and insights gained by involving and welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience. This is to contribute to the breadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home 

We stop good food from going to waste and give it to people who need it.

Warehouse volunteers sort and pack food donations and ready orders for distribution to the people who need it.

What will I be doing?

• Manually packing food orders
• Sorting, labelling and repacking food donations
• Making sure food is within use by dates and handled safely

What we need you to be:

• Able to perform physical tasks including lifting and loading
• Able to work well in a team and on your own
• Adaptable and flexible. Managing surplus food is unpredictable and tasks vary
• Positive, friendly and personable
• Work well in a team and on your own
• Follow health and safety policies & procedures.

Why volunteer as a Warehouse Assistant?

• Gain warehouse management skills such as food safety, manual handling and forklift training if available at your site
• Meet new people, be part of a team and socialise with fellow volunteers
• Keep physically fit and active
• Be at the forefront of stopping good food from going to waste, and ensuring it gets to people who need it
• Search on our website for more benefits from volunteering with FareShare.

Across the UK, our Regional and Community Development teams work alongside our local groups to play an active role in increasing awareness of and engagement with the MS Society locally.

As our Regional Cultural Connector Volunteer, you’ll help to identify and plan our involvement and support of regional or local activities and events aimed at minority, hidden and culturally specific groups, to provide information for people living with MS as well as help us to engage with those communities to understand their priorities and needs.

We want to show that we’re here to support everyone and to do that we need to reach and connect with people within their own communities. You’ll help us do that with a welcoming and friendly attitude and ability to reach and promote us within your region.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

About you

Confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

Assistant Rehoming and Cat Coordinator

RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, Community based.

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help rehome animals in our care, with a special focus on cats and kittens. This is an incredibly rewarding role where you will directly impact the lives of animals by finding them loving, safe homes.

Overview of the Opportunity:

As a Rehoming and Cat Coordinator, you will play a vital role in the rehoming process for animals, ensuring they are placed in suitable and caring homes. You will coordinate home visits, manage volunteer fosterers, and liaise with local vets, the public, and other RSPCA branches. Additionally, you will oversee the welfare of cats and kittens in our care, from their initial acceptance to their adoption.

About the RSPCA:

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for nearly 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Through our campaigns and daily efforts, we strive to raise awareness of animal welfare issues and promote responsible pet ownership.

The Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the RSPCA’s local branches. While we operate under the umbrella of the National Society, we are a separately registered charity focused on helping animals in our local area. Our work is driven by dedicated volunteers who play an essential role in delivering our mission.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Animal Rehoming & Coordination:

· Liaise with local volunteers to arrange home visits for animals in our care.

· Ensure all animals offered for adoption have been properly assessed for their suitability.

· Act as the main contact point for the inspectorate, the public, and other agencies regarding the acceptance of unwanted or unowned animals.

· Network with other RSPCA branches, private boarding establishments, and local cat rescues to maximise our capacity for rehoming.

· Oversee the rehoming application process, ensuring animals are matched with suitable adopters.

Cat-Specific Duties:

· Act as the contact point for the acceptance of unwanted or unowned cats and kittens from the public, vets, police, local authorities, and inspectors.

· Arrange and carry out cat collection and transportation to fosterers or vets in emergencies.

· Oversee the scanning of all cats/kittens to attempt to reunite them with their original owners.

· Ensure all cats and kittens in our care receive necessary vet checks, vaccinations, and treatments before being placed for adoption.

· Maintain records of all cats in care and compile regular rehoming reports.

· Organise and conduct viewings of cats ready for adoption.

Fosterer & Volunteer Management:

· Recruit, train, and manage a team of home visitors and fosterers.

· Conduct at least two health and safety visits annually for each fosterer.

· Oversee a fosterer WhatsApp group to provide support and share updates.

· Arrange and lead regular volunteer team meetings for training and motivation.

Communication & Administration:

· Oversee all email and voicemail inquiries related to cat rehoming.

· Monitor and respond to the cat coordinator’s mobile phone, offering emergency support Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM and/or evenings and weekends.

· Provide regular updates to shop managers regarding rehomed cats and food supply needs.

· Oversee stock of cat-related supplies, including food, litter, flea/worm treatments, probiotics, powdered kitten milk, microchips, and vaccination cards.

· Maintain accurate adoption records, including sending confirmation emails, processing adoption fees, and sending welcome packs to new owners.

· Arrange and conduct post-adoption follow-ups (virtually or via email) 4-6 weeks after adoption.

Public Engagement & Support:

· Offer a lost and found service by collecting information, offering advice, and posting on social media.

· Provide guidance to the public on animal welfare issues and refer them to the National RSPCA or other organisations when necessary.

· Ensure social media pages, websites, and volunteers are kept up to date with photos and descriptions of animals available for adoption.

What We Are Looking For:

· Excellent organisation and communication skills.

· Ability to manage and support volunteers effectively.

· Comfortable with administrative tasks, record-keeping, and reporting.

· Passion for animal welfare and dedication to improving their lives.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

· Flexible and reliable, with the capacity to offer an ongoing commitment, we are looking for 2 positions to cover days, evenings and weekends.

· Experience in team management or coordination is an advantage but not essential.

· You must be 18 years or older, hold a valid driving licence and be able to lift animals in and out of your own vehicle safely, possess your own vehicle, lap top, mobile phone and have access to the internet.

What We Can Offer You:

· A rewarding opportunity to directly improve the welfare of animals.

· Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends.

· valuable skills through our comprehensive induction and training program.

· Gain leadership and management experience and newly acquired skills.

· Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

· The satisfaction of seeing cats and other animals find their forever homes.

Join the Wheels for All Volunteer Team – Help Us Make Cycling Inclusive for Everyone!  

Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Are you passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and having fun outdoors? Join Wheels for All, a national charity making cycling accessible for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

Pedal Away is a community-based cycling scheme that enables people to ride, regardless of their age, ability or cycling experience. We have Pedal Away Cycle Hubs at a limited number of locations which will allow you to realise your passion for all things two-wheels. Our Pedal Away rides are pitched at a level so that anyone can join in no matter how long it's been since you were last on a two-wheeled bike. They are social rides aimed to turn people from beginner to independent and confident cyclist, away from traffic and are led by experienced ride leaders.

We believe everyone should experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment of cycling. Our inclusive cycling sessions are only possible thanks to a diverse team of dedicated volunteers—and that’s where you come in! 

 What You’ll Get Involved with: 

• Support people to use adapted cycles during sessions 

• Help with setting up and packing away equipment 

• Provide a friendly, welcoming environment for participants and families 

• Be part of a fun and supportive volunteer team 

Volunteer Benefits 

• Claim reasonable expenses in line with our Volunteer Expense Policy 

• Receive a Wheels for All branded uniform 

• Access volunteer training courses to support your development 

• Be part of an inspiring, positive, and supportive charity culture 

No experience? No problem! 

We provide full training, including disability awareness and safety, and ongoing support from our team and fellow volunteers. 

What are we looking for? 

• An approachable and friendly nature 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

• Empathy and an understanding of individual needs 

• Patience and an inclusive approach to engagement 

• Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations 

• A team-oriented attitude 

• Positivity, honesty, and integrity 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to take initiative 

• Some cycling experience is helpful but not essential 

Why volunteer with us? 

“The best thing about volunteering is seeing the happy faces! The riders come back beaming—it’s amazing to be a part of that joy.” – Dave, Volunteer 

“People that aren’t normally able to get out cycling can come here and join in and enjoy the great outdoors. I really enjoy volunteering with Wheels for All because I can visibly see how the simple act of cycling brings a lot of happiness” - Vince, Volunteer 

You’ll Gain: 

• Confidence and new skills 

• Connections and friendships 

• Improved mental wellbeing 

• A chance to be part of a national movement for inclusive cycling 

• Recognition through social events, newsletters, and volunteer awards 

Join us—and help make cycling accessible for all!

The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospital. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a voluntary In-Patient Services Officer to help our organisation support the children and their families on the wards of our hospitals by distributing/providing resources/services to improve the quality of their stay in our hospitals.

Of Note: This role entails interacting and seeing children who can be very sick. This is understandably very sad and can be distressing to witness. Please make sure you are able to cope with this before applying.

We would like the volunteer to help with:

• Distribution of resources to patients and families on the ward e.g care packages and food vouchers.

• Being a point of contact for families in hospital to talk to.

• Supporting in-hospital socials.

• The tea and coffee service we deliver on the wards.

• Communicating with families who may share personal stories related to the charity. Feeling comfortable and confident to speak to people about our charity and what we do.

You will be supporting our Community Lead and Children and Families Service Lead who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.

Your input will greatly affect the patients and their families lives whilst they are staying with us. With your help we will be able to provide them with the resources they need whilst staying with us and create a strong support system for them here in the hospitals.

Criteria

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Is an empathetic and compassionate person who is willing to have discussions with families around topics like health issues, additional needs, and bereavement.

• Confident and proactive.

• Flexible and adaptive.

• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

• Is willing to have an enhanced DBS check.

• Is willing to partake in safeguarding training.

• Is willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.

• Must be over 18.

Location

Mostly on-site at Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London SW3 6NP. If willing and able, off-site support at community and fundraising events would be appreciated. 

Time

Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more; working 3-7 hours one day a week. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you.