Volunteer roles

Every day, LGBTQ+ young people across the UK wonder whether things will ever get better. Whether they are navigating school, family, identity, or simply trying to find their place in the world, too many of them are doing it without the visibility, support, or role models they deserve. We exist to change that - to tell them clearly and consistently that it gets better, and that their lives have value exactly as they are.

It Gets Better UK is part of the global It Gets Better movement, present in over 20 countries. Since launching here in 2018, we have reached over 2.5 million people across all four nations through digital content, storytelling, and a growing volunteer community. We show up at Prides, we tell real stories, and we keep finding new ways to reach the young people who need to hear from us - through projects like our volunteer-led podcast and Voices of Wales, for example.

We are at a genuinely exciting point in our development. With a largely volunteer-led model that is embedded and working, and new trustees joining us to help shape our direction, we are focused on building a strategy that allows us to grow sustainably and serve LGBTQ+ young people more effectively across the UK. The people joining our board now will not just oversee that work - they will help design it.

We are looking for three new trustees, each bringing specific expertise:

• Fundraising and income generation - We are looking to diversify and strengthen our income base, with particular focus on grants, trusts and foundations and community fundraising. If you have professional fundraising experience and know how to build financial resilience in a values-led organisation, we want to hear from you.
• Marketing and communications - Our work is fundamentally about reaching people, and social media is central to how we do that. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of digital platforms, content strategy, and how to build and engage audiences - particularly young people.
• Finance - Sound financial governance is essential as we plan for the future. We are looking for someone with a professional finance background who can support the board in its financial oversight responsibilities and help us build long-term resilience.

Because we are a largely volunteer-led charity, our trustees tend to be more operationally involved than you might find at a larger organisation. This is a hands-on role, and one that offers a genuine opportunity to contribute your expertise to something that matters.

Please see the recruitment pack for more information. 

Trustee

Voluntary (unpaid) role, reasonable expenses paid.

About us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The role

Learning and Work Institute are seeking a Trustee to join our expert Board. For this recruitment we particularly welcome applicants with particular expertise in learning, skills and employment in Scotland, adult education or related sectors like housing or local government, and the corporate or private sectors. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and its financial health. They help to develop the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

This is a non-executive role and as a Trustee you will:

· Contribute to the development, approval and monitoring of organisational strategy.

· Oversee financial performance and ensure effective financial stewardship.

· Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive team.

· Safeguard the organisation’s reputation, values and assets.

· Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times.

· Serve as an ambassador for Learning and Work Institute where appropriate.

Our latest financial statements and strategic plan can be found on our website. 

You will be driven by our mission to widen access to learning and work opportunities so everyone in society can realise their potential.

The successful candidate will:

· Share our passion for everyone to have the opportunity in life to reach their ambitions and potential.

· Understand governance and preferably have experience of adult education or employment support, or experience in related sectors like housing, local government or the private sector that can help inform our work.

· Have the capacity to lend support and expertise.

· Demonstrate a sense of proportion of control relative to L&W’s operational needs and size.

· Be objective and independent without bias to any particular interest or stakeholder.

· Possess analytical ability, informed judgment, and the ability to focus on strategic issues.

· Have perspective, broad knowledge and experience that can be applied to discussions and decisions at Board level.

· An ability to balance challenge and support to the executive team.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds and groups underrepresented in our Board, organisation and sector.  We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term. The Board meets four times a year for approximately 2.5 hours and has a Strategic Away Day each January. Two sub-committees each meet up to three times a year at which nominated trustees may be appointed. Meetings are a mix of in person in Leicester and London and online.

Trustees will be required to undertake appropriate pre- appointment checks. This may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the role and committee responsibilities.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team. 

Trustee - Treasurer

Voluntary (unpaid) role, reasonable expenses paid.

About us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The Role

Learning and Work Institute are seeking a Trustee acting as Treasurer to join our expert Board. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and its financial health. They help to develop the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

As a Trustee you will:

· Contribute to the development, approval and monitoring of organisational strategy.

· Oversee financial performance and ensure effective financial stewardship.

· Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive team.

· Safeguard the organisation’s reputation, values and assets.

· Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times.

· Serve as an ambassador for Learning and Work Institute where appropriate.

Our latest financial statements and strategic plan can be found on our website.

You will be driven by our mission to widen access to learning and work opportunities so everyone in society can realise their potential.

The successful candidate will:

· Share our passion for everyone to have the opportunity in life to reach their ambitions and potential.

· Understand governance and preferably have experience of adult education or employment support, or experience in related sectors like housing, local government or the private sector that can help inform our work.

· Have the capacity to lend support and expertise.

· Demonstrate a sense of proportion of control relative to L&W’s operational needs and size.

· Be objective and independent without bias to any particular interest or stakeholder.

· Possess analytical ability, informed judgment, and the ability to focus on strategic issues.

· Have perspective, broad knowledge and experience that can be applied to discussions and decisions at Board level.

· An ability to balance challenge and support to the executive team.

In addition, while all Trustees take responsibility for the finances of the organisation, the Treasurer plays a key role and link between the Board and executive team and so requires:

· A recognised financial qualification or equivalent senior financial experience.

· Knowledge of treasury and investment matters.

· Finance expertise for the board.

· Partnership with the experienced L&W Finance function.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds and groups underrepresented in our Board, organisation and sector.  We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term. The Board meets four times a year for approximately 2.5 hours and has a Strategic Away Day each January. Two sub-committees each meet up to three times a year at which nominated trustees may be appointed. Meetings are a mix of in person in Leicester and London and online.

Trustees will be required to undertake appropriate pre- appointment checks. This may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the role and committee responsibilities.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team.

Do you believe that professional therapy should be a community standard, not a luxury? As a qualified volunteer counsellor, help us provide accessible, online counselling while managing a flexible remote caseload via our secure platform, supported by peer supervision groups.

Flourish Wellbeing Support is a Not-for-Profit bridging the gap between overstretched NHS services and high-cost private care. We are looking for qualified volunteer counsellors to join our remote team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver our suggested 4x weekly 1-to-1 online counselling sessions to clients who cannot afford private fees but face long waitlists.
• Work within a structured 15-session clinical model to provide meaningful, short-term support.
• Manage your own digital diary and caseload via our integrated, paperless counselling technology (handling bookings, notes, and encrypted video).
• Engage with a monthly peer supervision group (4 people) to share clinical insights and maintain standards.
• Our service is open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday. Our counsellors can choose to work during any of these times. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for counsellors who believe that mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income.

1. Professional Qualification & Registration 

The most important requirement is that you are a fully qualified, registered counsellor or psychotherapist (holding a Diploma or Degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy). You must hold current membership with a recognised professional body such as the BACP, UKCP, or NCS (Accredited). 

We will also require an enhanced DBS (or we can carry one out for you) and two professional references.

2. Clinical Experience with Complexity

Our ideal volunteer is a practitioner comfortable with a wide range of clinical presentations. We are looking for individuals who have experience in safely holding:

• Trauma
• Bereavement and Complex Grief
• Long-term Depression and Anxiety Experience in working within a short-term, structured framework (such as our 15-session model) is highly beneficial, as is the ability to conduct clinical assessments and manage risk within a remote setting.

3. Technical Literacy & Remote Readiness

As a 100% online service, our ideal volunteer is comfortable using (or learning) integrated counselling platforms for encrypted video sessions, digital note-taking, and diary management. You will need a private, confidential space to work from and a reliable internet connection to ensure the safety and continuity of the therapeutic relationship.

4. Professional Autonomy & Reliability

Because we offer sessions anytime between 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, you can work across any of these hours and will be responsible for managing your own schedule and ensuring consistency for your clients. 

5. A Collaborative, Community Spirit

While the work is remote, the spirit of Flourish is collective. We look for people who:

• Value Peer Supervision and are willing to share insights in a small-group setting.
• Are empathetic and non-judgmental, aligning with our Social Equity values.
• Are looking for a meaningful connection to a social mission.

What difference will you make?

In the UK, 1.9 million people are waiting for support, and 1 in 3 find their condition worsens during the wait. By joining Flourish, you bridge the gap for those who cannot afford private care but need more than a student-led placement can provide. Your expertise allows us to safely support individuals facing mental health issues who might otherwise be turned away. 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer roles currently available in Cheshire East

Hospital Visitor Volunteer 

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes
• Raise concerns
• Keep detailed notes and records
• Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children and young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development 
• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting 
• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust 
• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community 
• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

About the Role

Headway East London is looking for 3 Casework volunteers. As a volunteer with the Casework Service team, you will play a key role in helping our support groups run smoothly. You will support the team with the administration and behind-the-scenes tasks that make our sessions welcoming, organised, and impactful.

If you are 18 or older and looking to be part of a supportive, energising team, we would love to hear from you.

Discover more about our Casework Service here, Casework service | Headway East London.

What you will do:

1. Comply with confidentiality and other group agreements.
2. Send out reminders to group members.
3. Capture topical notes during the support group.
4. Send out summary information to members.
5. Upload register attendance.
6. Assist with keeping the centre safe, clean and tidy all times i.e. collecting
   and washing cups, setting up the space and putting it back after.
7. Assist members needing to use a wheelchair in and around the centre.
8. Undergo GDPR or any other training as required.
9. Be part of volunteer debriefs and social events: Volunteer Celebration
   Week & Volunteer Christmas Party.
10. Receive volunteer supervision support as and when needed.

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted. 

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a volunteer WordPress & BuddyBoss Technical Advisor to support the ongoing development of the Teach2030 learning platform.

This role will work closely with our Marketing Lead to provide strategic and technical guidance on the implementation of our existing roadmap as we enhance the platform’s functionality, user experience, and community features.

What you’ll be supporting

• Advising on improvements to our WordPress-based learning platform
• Supporting the integration and optimisation of BuddyBoss for community and engagement features
• Providing input on large-scale platform updates and feature rollouts

What we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you have experience in:

• WordPress development (themes, plugins, performance, structure)
• Working with BuddyBoss (or similar community/LMS platforms)
• Managing or advising on large website updates or migrations

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted. 

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. 

The Role 

To aid the growth of CET, 2 exciting Social Media Volunteer opportunities has been introduced to take responsibilty for posting on the charity’s social media channels. These roles will report to the Marketing Lead.

One role will be responsible for CET channels and one role responsible for our Teach2030 channels. We'd like to improve engagement and follower growth and would love some support in creating quality posts for our channels. 

What you’ll do 

• Using our content library and Canva to produce creative, create and schedule posts, stories, and reels across Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn - with a focus on quality over quantity.

• Monitor performance and provide top-line feedback and actions to Marketing Lead monthly 

What we’re looking for 

You might be a marketing professional looking to support a charitable cause or simply a social media savvy individual who wants to put their skills in practice. 

• Passionate about social media

• Working knowledge of social media platforms and trends 

• Proficiency with a graphic design tool such as Canva

• Reliability and organisation 

• Able to work independently and carry out tasks remotely 

• Ability to commit regular time to ensure social media accounts are active and engaging 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team.

On site we have two shops to volunteer in. The Showroom is Martlets primary furniture and home goods store and the Discount Shop is home to our £1 clothing rails. Both are hubs for our local community to share stories and bag a bargain! We work together with the warehouse to take in the majority of donations for the charity.

Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

ROLE

Recruiting New Members of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) Strategic Advisory Board

Scotland is taking a vital step in tackling systemic racism with the establishment of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS).

AROS has been made possible thanks to years of work by communities and experts, and has been established to support community-led efforts to tackle racism in the public sector.

To support and guide AROS through its incubation period to December 2027, a Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) has been established to provide strong, transparent external oversight. We are now recruiting two new Board members with specific skills to join this body.

We are looking for candidates who bring knowledge, skills and experience in anti-racism in the Scottish context, alongside the qualities needed to steer, provide oversight and govern the work of the Observatory. The Board specifically requires a Board member with legal expertise.

AROS is committed to ensuring its Board reflects the communities it serves and would strongly encourage applications from all racialised communities and those with lived experience of racialisation. Previous applicants are warmly encouraged to reapply.

APPLICATION

Please send a CV with a covering letter, outlining your motivation and experience.

More information on AROS can be found onour website.

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 11th May 2026.

Interviews will take place throughout May, and successful candidates should be available from June onwards to attend regular meetings of the Advisory Board.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful.

Make a real difference in your community while building valuable experience.

We’re looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to join our team in Malton and support our day-to-day office work. This is a great opportunity to get involved with a local charity, meet new people, and contribute to meaningful work.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting with data entry and general admin tasks
• Helping staff with everyday computer use
• Keeping our digital files organised and up to date
• Being an extra pair of hands in a busy, welcoming office

What we’re looking for

• Confidence using computers and common software (e.g. databases, email, Microsoft Office)
• Good attention to detail
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Someone reliable who enjoys helping others

What you’ll gain

• Valuable admin and office experience
• The chance to support a cause that makes a real difference
• A friendly and supportive team environment
• A great addition to your CV

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum of 2 court days per month attendance requiured. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.